Sucharita Ganguly

Barcelona, Spain

Gerard Piqué Bernabeu is a Spanish footballer who plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Barcelona. He was born on February 2, 1987. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. Also read: Shakira, Gerard Piqué split: A look at their complete relationship timeline,Career,Piqué joined Manchester United in 2004 after being one of the most talented students at La Masia. Under Pep Guardiola's leadership, he returned to Barcelona in 2008 and helped the club win trebles in 2008-09 and 2014-15. He is one of just four players to have won the UEFA Champions League with different teams two years in a row, including Marcel Desailly, Paulo Sousa, and Samuel Eto'o. Also read: Shakira, ex Gerard Pique sign temporary agreement over children's custody,Piqué has also played 102 times for Spain, making his debut on February 11, 2009. He was a key member of the Spain squads that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA Euro. He left the national squad following the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Other businesses,Piqué co-founded Kosmos Holding with Hiroshi Mikitani (founder and chairman of Japanese e-commerce business Rakuten, Inc.), Edmund Chu, Nullah Sarker, and Mike Evans. Kosmos has agreed to a 25-year, $3 billion collaboration with the International Tennis Federation that will change the Davis Cup and create significant cash for worldwide tennis development. In August 2018, US billionaire Larry Ellison announced his intention to join the Kosmos organisation in a public letter. Also read: Who is Shakira?,Piqué purchased Spanish football team FC Andorra in December 2018 through his company Kosmos Holding. After defeating already relegated UCAM Murcia 1-0 at home on May 21, 2022, the squad was promoted to the Segunda División for the first time in their history. Piqué acquired majority ownership in another Spanish football club, Gimnàstic Manresa, in July 2019. His company, Kosmos Holding, was also used to finalise the transaction. Piqué invested in the fantasy football game Sorare in December 2020. Under a cooperation with streamer Ibai Llanos, Kosmos purchased the Spanish broadcasting rights for the 2021 Copa América, and in 2021 he and Ibai created and became co-owners of the esports team KOI. Also read: Shakira tax fraud case: Spanish prosecutors call for 8-year prison term,Personal life,Piqué grew up in a Catalan family. Joan, his father, is a businessman, and Montserrat, his mother, is the director of a spinal injuries hospital in Barcelona. He has a younger brother named Marc. His grandfather, Amador Bernabeu, is a former vice president of Barcelona. Many saw him as one of the prominent faces of the pro-independence side of the argument during the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, voting and tweeting his support in Catalan. He was afterward condemned by several Spanish supporters for his support of the Catalan independence referendum. Also read: Watch: Fans boo Gerard Pique, chant Shakira’s name in Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona,Piqué was in a relationship with Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira from 2011 to 2022. They first met when he starred in the music video for her single Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which was chosen as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Piqué and Shakira were born ten years apart on the same day. They have two children together. The pair announced their separation in a joint statement in June 2022. Piqué was the face of Mango's men's HE line for four straight campaign seasons, from 2011 to 2012. He provided the voice for the Catalan version of The Pirates! in 2012. As the Pirate King, in an Adventure with Scientists!,Also read: Reasons why Shakira and Gerard Pique never got married,Tax fraud charges ,Following his conviction for image rights fraud, Piqué was ordered by a Spanish court on July 10, 2019, to pay the tax authorities €2.1 million. From 2008 to 2010, the defender pretended to transfer his image rights to his Kerad Project company in order to pay less tax.

{\"time\":1659837109991,\"strCount\":5321,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Gerard Piqué Bernabeu is a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/spanish/\\\">Spanish</a> footballer who plays as a centre-back for La Liga club <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a>. He was born on February 2, 1987. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/shakira-gerard-pique-split-a-look-at-their-complete-relationship-timeline-191212/\\\">Shakira, Gerard Piqué split: A look at their complete relationship timeline</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Career</b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué joined Manchester United in 2004 after being one of the most talented students at La Masia. Under Pep Guardiola's leadership, he returned to Barcelona in 2008 and helped the club win trebles in 2008-09 and 2014-15. He is one of just four players to have won the UEFA Champions League with different teams two years in a row, including Marcel Desailly, Paulo Sousa, and Samuel Eto'o.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/shakira-ex-gerard-pique-sign-temporary-agreement-over-childrens-custody-720011/\\\">Shakira, ex Gerard Pique sign temporary agreement over children's custody</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué has also played 102 times for <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/spain/\\\">Spain</a>, making his debut on February 11, 2009. He was a key member of the Spain squads that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA Euro. He left the national squad following the 2018 FIFA World Cup.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Other businesses</b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué co-founded Kosmos Holding with Hiroshi Mikitani (founder and chairman of Japanese e-commerce business Rakuten, Inc.), Edmund Chu, Nullah Sarker, and Mike Evans.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kosmos has agreed to a 25-year, $3 billion collaboration with the International Tennis Federation that will change the Davis Cup and create significant cash for worldwide tennis development. In August 2018, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/us/\\\">US</a> billionaire Larry Ellison announced his intention to join the Kosmos organisation in a public letter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/who-is-shakira-720014/\\\">Who is Shakira?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué purchased Spanish football team FC Andorra in December 2018 through his company Kosmos Holding. After defeating already relegated UCAM Murcia 1-0 at home on May 21, 2022, the squad was promoted to the Segunda División for the first time in their history.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué acquired majority ownership in another Spanish football club, Gimnàstic Manresa, in July 2019. His company, Kosmos Holding, was also used to finalise the transaction. Piqué invested in the fantasy football game Sorare in December 2020. Under a cooperation with streamer Ibai Llanos, Kosmos purchased the Spanish broadcasting rights for the 2021 Copa América, and in 2021 he and Ibai created and became co-owners of the esports team KOI.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/shakira-tax-fraud-case-spain-prosecutors-call-for-8-year-prison-term-712959/\\\">Shakira tax fraud case: Spanish prosecutors call for 8-year prison term</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Personal life</b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué grew up in a Catalan family. Joan, his father, is a businessman, and Montserrat, his mother, is the director of a spinal injuries hospital in Barcelona. He has a&nbsp; younger brother named Marc. His grandfather, Amador Bernabeu, is a former vice president of Barcelona.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Many saw him as one of the prominent faces of the pro-independence side of the argument during the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, voting and tweeting his support in Catalan. He was afterward condemned by several Spanish supporters for his support of the Catalan independence referendum.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/watch-fans-boo-gerard-pique-chant-shakiras-name-in-real-madrid-vs-fc-barcelona-708536/\\\">Watch: Fans boo Gerard Pique, chant Shakira’s name in Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/reasons-why-shakira-and-gerard-pique-never-got-married-164037/\\\">Piqué was in a relationship</a> with Colombian singer-songwriter <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/who-is-shakira-720014/\\\">Shakira</a> from 2011 to 2022. They first met when he starred in the music video for her single Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which was chosen as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/shakira-ex-gerard-pique-sign-temporary-agreement-over-childrens-custody-720011/\\\">Piqué and Shakira</a> were born ten years apart on the same day. They have two children together. The pair <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/shakira-barcelona-star-gerard-pique-split-after-11-years-together-555577/\\\">announced their separation</a> in a joint statement in June 2022.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué was the face of Mango's men's HE line for four straight campaign seasons, from 2011 to 2012. He provided the voice for the Catalan version of The Pirates! in 2012. As the Pirate King, in an Adventure with Scientists!\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/reasons-why-shakira-and-gerard-pique-never-got-married-164037/\\\">Reasons why Shakira and Gerard Pique never got married</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Tax fraud charges&nbsp;</b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Following his conviction for image rights fraud, Piqué was ordered by a Spanish court on July 10, 2019, to pay the tax authorities €2.1 million. From 2008 to 2010, the defender pretended to transfer his image rights to his Kerad Project company in order to pay less tax.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Gerard Piqué Bernabeu is a Spanish footballer</li>
  <li>He plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Barcelona</li>
  <li>Piqué was in a relationship with Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira from 2011 to 2022</li>
</ul>

Opoyi Central

Who is Gerard Piqué?

GerardPique

Barcelona

Shakira

Spanish

FIFAWorldCup

Spain

Laliga

ManchesterUnited

Africa

World

Sports

Shakira and her ex-boyfriend Gerard Pique are said to have reached a temporary custody agreement for their children. According to Spanish media site Marca, the Whenever, Wherever hitmaker has left her children with their father in accordance with the arrangement. Also read: The Kete split: All Kim Kardashian tattoos Pete Davidson got,According to the agreement, the former couple's sons will spend two weeks of August in Barcelona with the footballer and the rest of the month with their mother. The singer has subsequently returned to her family home, leaving her children with the sports star, who will apparently enjoy the Joan Gamper game and the Rayo Vallecano match. Meanwhile, Shakira and Pique's legal teams will work to find a solution to their feud over permanent custody of their children. Also read: Did Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson break up? Relationship timeline,The former partners announced their surprising split in June 2022, and since then, the two have employed lawyers to work out a custody arrangement. Shakira wishes to settle in Miami with her children in peace and away from public scrutiny, whilst Pique wishes to keep their sons in Spain with him. Also read: Kim K seen promoting Kanye's YEEZY amid Pete Davidson breakup rumours,Despite being together for 12 years, the couple did not get married and faced a lot of questions and speculations from fans and the media alike regarding it. I like how we are now, how we function as a couple, and we don't feel the need to be married, Piqué stated in a recent interview with ex-footballer and former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville. Shakira, on the other hand, discussed it in an interview for the Planet Weird podcast years ago. She admitted that she is afraid of the prospect of marriage. Also read: Who is Kim Kardashian and why is she famous?,The idea of marriage scares me. I don't want him to stop seeing me as his girl. It's like that forbidden fruit, I prefer to keep him attentive and let him think that everything is possible depending on his behavior, she stated during the interview. ,The 45-year-old musician met the Barcelona defence while promoting the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). Sasha and Milan are the couple's two children.

{\"time\":1659837313701,\"strCount\":3455,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/who-is-shakira-720014/\\\">Shakira</a> and her ex-boyfriend <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/who-is-gerard-pique-720030/\\\">Gerard Pique</a> are said to have reached a temporary custody agreement for their children.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"According to <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/spanish/\\\">Spanish</a> media site Marca, the Whenever, Wherever hitmaker has left her children with their father in accordance with the arrangement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/the-kete-split-all-kim-kardashian-tattoos-pete-davidson-got-719406/\\\">The Kete split: All Kim Kardashian tattoos Pete Davidson got</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"According to the agreement, the former couple's sons will spend two weeks of August in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> with the footballer and the rest of the month with their mother.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The singer has subsequently returned to her family home, leaving her children with the sports star, who will apparently enjoy the Joan Gamper game and the Rayo Vallecano match.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Meanwhile, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/reasons-why-shakira-and-gerard-pique-never-got-married-164037/\\\">Shakira and Pique's</a> legal teams will work to find a solution to their feud over permanent custody of their children.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/did-kim-kardashian-and-pete-davidson-break-up-relationship-timeline-719374/\\\">Did Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson break up? Relationship timeline</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/shakira-gerard-pique-split-a-look-at-their-complete-relationship-timeline-191212/\\\">The former partners</a> announced their <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/shakira-barcelona-star-gerard-pique-split-after-11-years-together-555577/\\\">surprising split in June 2022</a>, and since then, the two have employed lawyers to work out a custody arrangement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Shakira wishes to settle in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/miami/\\\">Miami</a> with her children in peace and away from public scrutiny, whilst Pique wishes to keep their sons in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/spain/\\\">Spain</a> with him.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/kim-k-seen-promoting-kanyes-yeezy-amid-pete-davidson-breakup-rumours-719357/\\\">Kim K seen promoting Kanye's YEEZY amid Pete Davidson breakup rumours</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite being together for 12 years, the couple did not get married and faced a lot of questions and speculations from fans and the media alike regarding it.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I like how we are now, how we function as a couple, and we don't feel the need to be married,\\\" Piqué stated in a recent interview with ex-footballer and former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Shakira, on the other hand, discussed it in an interview for the Planet Weird podcast years ago. She admitted that she is afraid of the prospect of marriage.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/who-is-kim-kardashian-719341/\\\">Who is Kim Kardashian and why is she famous?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The idea of marriage scares me. I don't want him to stop seeing me as his girl. It's like that forbidden fruit, I prefer to keep him attentive and let him think that everything is possible depending on his behavior,\\\" she stated during the interview.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 45-year-old musician met the Barcelona defence while promoting the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). Sasha and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/milan/\\\">Milan</a> are the couple's two children.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Shakira and her ex-boyfriend Gerard Pique are said to have reached a temporary custody agreement</li>
  <li>Their legal teams will work to find a solution to their feud over permanent custody of their two children</li>
  <li>The couple announced their split in June 2022 after 12 years together</li>
</ul>

Shakira, ex Gerard Pique sign temporary agreement over children's custody

RayoVallecano

Miami

Milan

Entertainment

Sourav Neogi

Washington D.C., DC, USA

LaLiga giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are both visiting the US to conduct their pre-season. The giants faced off in an unofficial El Clasico match on Saturday night (Sunday IST) at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Raphinha scored the only goal of the game, while Robert Lewandowski made his debut, but it was Barcelona defender Pique, who made headlines. Both teams started strong lineups in the game. Real Madrid, the reigning European champions named David Alaba, Anthony Rudiger, Aurelian Tchouameni and Vinicius Jr. while Barcelona also started Pedri, Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati apart from Raphinha and Lewandowski. After the hour mark, one of Barcelona’s longest serving players, Pique came on to replace Eric Garcia on the field and the fans on the stands lost their cool. Also Read: Watch: Chivas Guadalajara fans win hearts in Vegas despite Juventus loss,Pique was booed by both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona supporters in the stadium, who otherwise, do not get by each other. The veteran defender stayed around half an hour on the pitch, and was booed by fans, who also chanted his separated partner and popular singer Shakira’s names every time he touched the ball. Watch some of the videos of the fans booing the footballer here:,Shakira and Pique, who got together after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, had two children together. The couple remained together for 12 years till 2022, when they announced their separation through a joint statement in June. Reports have claimed that the reason behind their separation was Pique, who allegedly had been unfaithful to his partner. Also Read: Messi’s pre-season goal against Frontale takes internet by storm: Watch,“We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we request respect for (our) privacy. Thank you for your understanding, their separation statement read. Pique and Shakira both have millions of fans across the world, who did not react well when the news first broke in June. Since then, Pique has been booed and criticised by many, a demonstration of which was visible during the El Clasico match in Las Vegas in the weekend.

{\"time\":1658648284574,\"strCount\":3099,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/laliga/\\\">LaLiga</a> giants Real Madrid and FC <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> are both visiting the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/us/\\\">US</a> to conduct their pre-season. The giants faced off in an unofficial El Clasico match on Saturday night (Sunday IST) at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Raphinha scored the only goal of the game, while <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/who-is-robert-lewandowski-703072/\\\">Robert Lewandowski</a> made his debut, but it was <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/where-does-robert-lewandowski-fit-in-barcelona-squad-702960/\\\">Barcelona</a> defender Pique, who made headlines.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Both teams started strong lineups in the game. Real Madrid, the reigning European champions named David Alaba, Anthony Rudiger, Aurelian Tchouameni and Vinicius Jr. while Barcelona also started Pedri, Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati apart from Raphinha and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/robert-lewandowski-and-records-a-never-ending-romance-190783/\\\">Lewandowski</a>. After the hour mark, one of Barcelona’s longest serving players, Pique came on to replace Eric Garcia on the field and the fans on the stands lost their cool.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/watch-chivas-guadalajara-fans-win-hearts-in-vegas-despite-juventus-loss-707916/\\\">Watch: Chivas Guadalajara fans win hearts in Vegas despite </a><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/juventus/\\\">Juventus</a> loss\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Pique was booed by both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona supporters in the stadium, who otherwise, do not get by each other. The veteran defender stayed around half an hour on the pitch, and was booed by fans, who also chanted his separated partner and popular singer <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/reasons-why-shakira-and-gerard-pique-never-got-married-164037/\\\">Shakira</a>’s names every time he touched the ball.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Watch some of the videos of the fans booing the footballer here:\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"others\",\"source\":\"<div class=\\\"others-embed\\\"><blockquote class=\\\"twitter-tweet\\\"><p lang=\\\"en\\\" dir=\\\"ltr\\\">The entire stadium booing Gerard Pique and chanting Shakira when he touches the ball. <a href=\\\"https://t.co/mdHUAQUS8E\\\">pic.twitter.com/mdHUAQUS8E</a></p>&mdash; Shakira News (@NewsForShakira) <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/NewsForShakira/status/1551080569257152512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\\" charset=\\\"utf-8\\\"></script></div>\",\"embed\":\"<div class=\\\"others-embed\\\"><blockquote class=\\\"twitter-tweet\\\"><p lang=\\\"en\\\" dir=\\\"ltr\\\">The entire stadium booing Gerard Pique and chanting Shakira when he touches the ball. <a href=\\\"https://t.co/mdHUAQUS8E\\\">pic.twitter.com/mdHUAQUS8E</a></p>&mdash; Shakira News (@NewsForShakira) <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/NewsForShakira/status/1551080569257152512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\\" charset=\\\"utf-8\\\"></script></div>\",\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":null}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"others\",\"source\":\"<div class=\\\"others-embed\\\"><blockquote class=\\\"twitter-tweet\\\"><p lang=\\\"en\\\" dir=\\\"ltr\\\">the whole stadium booing pique every single time he touches the ball. Barcelona and Real Madrid fan coming together it&#39;s beautiful??. Never cheat on Shakira <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#ElClasico</a> <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/BarcaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#BarcaMadrid</a> <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#RealMadrid</a> <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Barcelona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#Barcelona</a> <a href=\\\"https://t.co/U98TxPDWSS\\\">pic.twitter.com/U98TxPDWSS</a></p>&mdash; henok Cronin (@henokcronin) <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/henokcronin/status/1551072599823761414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\\" charset=\\\"utf-8\\\"></script></div>\",\"embed\":\"<div class=\\\"others-embed\\\"><blockquote class=\\\"twitter-tweet\\\"><p lang=\\\"en\\\" dir=\\\"ltr\\\">the whole stadium booing pique every single time he touches the ball. Barcelona and Real Madrid fan coming together it&#39;s beautiful??. Never cheat on Shakira <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#ElClasico</a> <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/BarcaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#BarcaMadrid</a> <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#RealMadrid</a> <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Barcelona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#Barcelona</a> <a href=\\\"https://t.co/U98TxPDWSS\\\">pic.twitter.com/U98TxPDWSS</a></p>&mdash; henok Cronin (@henokcronin) <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/henokcronin/status/1551072599823761414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\\" charset=\\\"utf-8\\\"></script></div>\",\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":null}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/shakira/\\\">Shakira</a> and Pique, who got together after the 2010 <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/how-fifa-plans-to-fight-online-hate-speech-during-2022-world-cup-and-beyond-682053/\\\">FIFA World Cup</a>, had two children together. The couple remained together for 12 years till 2022, when they announced their separation through a joint statement in June. Reports have claimed that the reason behind their separation was Pique, who allegedly had been unfaithful to his partner.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/lionel-messis-pre-season-goal-against-kawasaki-frontale-takes-internet-by-storm-watch-706110/\\\">Messi’s pre-season goal against Frontale takes internet by storm: Watch</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we request respect for (our) privacy. Thank you for your understanding,\\\" their separation statement read.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Pique and Shakira both have millions of fans across the world, who did not react well when the news first broke in June. Since then, Pique has been booed and criticised by many, a demonstration of which was visible during the El Clasico match in Las Vegas in the weekend.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Pique and Shakira seperated after a decade earlier on 2022</li>
  <li>Fans from both sides booed the Spanish defender</li>
  <li>Raphinha scored the winning goal for Barcelona</li>
</ul>

Watch: Fans boo Gerard Pique, chant Shakira’s name in Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona

ElClasico

RealMadrid

FCBarcelona

LasVegas

RobertLewandowski

DavidAlaba

ViniciusJr

EricGarcia

Juventus

Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

Colombian pop star Shakira and her Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué announced on Saturday that they are separating after being together for almost 12 years. ,“We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding, they said in a join statement. ,The announcement comes days after reports stated that the 35-year-old footballer had left the family’s home in Barcelona and was living alone in the city. Also Read: Shakira, Gerard Piqué split: A look at their complete relationship timeline,Following the former couple's announcement, one of the questions that people are asking is why the two never got married despite being in a relationship for over a decade. This question has been answered by both of them several times. ,During a recent interview with ex-footballer and former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville, Piqué said, I like how we are now, how we function as a couple and we don't feel the need to be married. Shakira, on the other hand, spoke about it years ago in an interview for the Planet Weird podcast. She confessed that she is terrified of the idea of marriage. ,The idea of marriage scares me. I don't want him to stop seeing me as his girl. It's like that forbidden fruit, I prefer to keep him attentive and let him think that everything is possible depending on his behavior, she said during the interview. ,Also read: 'I will do what they want': Sadio Mane breaks silence on Liverpool future,The 45-year-old singer met the Barcelona defender while she was promoting “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The couple has two children, Sasha and Milan.

{\"time\":1654367269998,\"strCount\":2370,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Colombian pop star <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/shakira/\\\">Shakira</a> and her Spanish soccer player <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/defender-gerard-piques-injury-adds-to-barcelonas-woes-340227/\\\">Gerard Piqué</a>&nbsp;announced on Saturday that they are separating after being together <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/entertainment/shakira-barcelona-star-gerard-pique-split-after-11-years-together-555577/\\\">for almost 12 years</a>.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding,\\\" they said in a join statement.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The announcement comes days after reports stated that the 35-year-old footballer had left the family’s home in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> and was living alone in the city.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/shakira-gerard-pique-split-a-look-at-their-complete-relationship-timeline-191212/\\\">Shakira, Gerard Piqué split: A look at their complete relationship timeline</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Following the former couple's announcement, one of the questions that people are asking is why the two never got married despite being in a relationship for over a decade. This question has been answered by both of them several times.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"During a recent interview with ex-footballer and former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville,&nbsp;Piqué said, \\\"I like how we are now, how we function as a couple and we don't feel the need to be married.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Shakira, on the other hand, spoke about it years ago in an interview for the Planet Weird podcast. She confessed that she is terrified of the idea of marriage.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The idea of marriage scares me. I don't want him to stop seeing me as his girl. It's like that forbidden fruit, I prefer to keep him attentive and let him think that everything is possible depending on his behavior,\\\" she said during the interview.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/i-will-do-what-they-want-sadio-mane-breaks-silence-on-liverpool-future-355706/\\\">'I will do what they want': Sadio Mane breaks silence on Liverpool future</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 45-year-old singer met the Barcelona defender while she was promoting “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),\\\"&nbsp;which was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The couple has two children, Sasha and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/milan/\\\">Milan</a>.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Shakira and Gerard Piqué met while she was promoting “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)"</li>
  <li>Shakira once confessed that she is terrified of the idea of marriage</li>
  <li>The couple has two children, Sasha and Milan</li>
</ul>

Reasons why Shakira and Gerard Pique never got married

Relationship

Football

Music

Colombian pop star Shakira and her partner, Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, have split up after being together for 11 years, the pair said in a statement released Saturday. “We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding, the two said in a statement released by Shakira’s public relations firm. Also Read: Former Man City, Man Utd striker Carlos Tevez retires after father's death,A look at the timeline of the couple's decade-long relationship - ,2010 - The two met while shooting for the song 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', which was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.. Shakira sang the song while Piqué appeared in the video. ,I wasn't a soccer fan, so I didn't know who he was. When I saw the video, I was like, 'Hmm, that one's kind of cute.'And then someone decided to introduce us, she recalled to 60 Minutes. ,2011: After dating for a few months, the couple confirmed they had split. ,Throughout this time we have continued to work together hand in hand, have remained close and have kept the details absolutely private until now, they said in a joint statement in January 2011. The next month, they were spotted leaving a restaurant hand-in-hand one day, giving rise to speculations that they were back together. In March, the two made their relationship Instagram official. In May, the footballer kissed his lady love onstage at her Barcelona concert. ,Also read: 'I will do what they want': Sadio Mane breaks silence on Liverpool future,2012: In January, they made their first red carpet appearance together, at the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala in Switzerland. In September of the same year, the 45-year-old singer announced that she was pregnant with her first child. ,As some of you may know, Gerard and I are very happy awaiting the arrival of our first baby! At the time we have decided to give priority to this unique moment in our lives, she wrote on Instagram. 2013 - In January, Shakira gave birth to their son, Milan Piqué Mebarak. 2015- At the beginning of the year, Shakira wrote on Instagram that she and Piqué were expecting another baby boy. On January 29, they welcomed Sasha Piqué Mebarak. 2017 - Shakira released the song Me Enamoré, a tribute to finding love with Piqué. 2022 - In May, Spanish media reported that Piqué had left the family’s home in Barcelona and was living by himself in the city. On June 4, the couple announced their split.

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<ul>
  <li>Shakira and Gerard Piqué on the set of the song 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' in 2010</li>
  <li>Shakira gave birth to their first child in 2013</li>
  <li>The couple welcomed their second child in 2015&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Shakira, Gerard Piqué split: A look at their complete relationship timeline

Instagram

WorldCup

Switzerland

Yash Bajaj

Columbian singer Shakira and football star Gerard Pique have parted ways after 11 together, the former's publicist said in a statement on Saturday. The two never got married. ,Also read: Former Man City, Man Utd striker Carlos Tevez retires after father's death,Amid rumours that Pique was cheating on Shakira, her publicist released their statement: We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding. The two met in 2010 when Shakira was filming the popular Waka Waka song for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. They have two children together - Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven. ,Also read: 'I will do what they want': Sadio Mane breaks silence on Liverpool future,As per a report by Barcelona-based news agency El Periodico, Shakira recently found out that the Barcelona footballer cheated on her. The 35-year-old defender reportedly was not staying in their home in the Catalan city. He had been staying alone at his bachelor pad in Calle Muntaner. ,Shakira, 45, is one of the biggest names in the global music industry. She has sold more than 60 million albums. Pique, on the other hand, has played more than 600 matches and is a three-time Champions League champion for Barcelona. He won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. ,Also read: 'Exhausted' Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema drops sex tape case appeal,A Spanish court, last week, dismissed the Colombian singer's appeal in a tax fraud case, paving the way for a trial after a judge previously concluded there was enough evidence to suggest the pop star may have avoided her fiscal obligations to the state. She has been accused of defrauding the Spanish tax office out of 14.5 million euros ($15.5 million) on income earned between 2012 and 2014. The prosecutors claim that Shakira moved to Spain in 2011 but maintained official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015. Shakira denied any wrongdoing when she testified in June 2019. In the same year, the 45-year-old said that losing her voice two years earlier had been the darkest moment of her life and affected her deeply. Her voice came back naturally.

{\"time\":1654345515309,\"strCount\":2741,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Columbian singer <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/shakira/\\\">Shakira</a> and football star <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/gerardpique/\\\">Gerard Pique</a> have parted ways after 11 together, the former's&nbsp;publicist said in a statement on Saturday. The two never got married.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/former-man-city-man-utd-striker-carlos-tevez-retires-after-fathers-death-641510/\\\">Former Man City, Man Utd striker Carlos Tevez retires after father's death</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Amid rumours that Pique was cheating on Shakira, her publicist released their statement: \\\"We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy.  Thank you for your understanding.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The two met in 2010 when Shakira was filming the popular Waka Waka song for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. They have two children together - Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/i-will-do-what-they-want-sadio-mane-breaks-silence-on-liverpool-future-355706/\\\">'I will do what they want': Sadio Mane breaks silence on Liverpool future</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As per a report by&nbsp;Barcelona-based news agency El Periodico,&nbsp;Shakira recently found out that the Barcelona footballer cheated on her. The 35-year-old defender reportedly was not staying in their home in the Catalan city. He had been&nbsp;staying alone at his bachelor pad in Calle Muntaner.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Shakira, 45, is one of the biggest names in the&nbsp;global music industry. She has sold more than 60 million albums. Pique, on the other hand, has played more than 600 matches and is a three-time Champions League champion for Barcelona. He won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/exhausted-real-madrid-striker-karim-benzema-drops-sex-tape-case-appeal-290803/\\\">'Exhausted' Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema drops sex tape case appeal</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A Spanish court, last week, dismissed the Colombian singer's appeal in a tax fraud case, paving the way for a trial after a judge previously concluded there was enough evidence to suggest the pop star may have avoided her fiscal obligations to the state.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"She has been accused of&nbsp;defrauding the Spanish tax office out of 14.5 million euros ($15.5 million) on income earned between 2012 and 2014. The prosecutors claim that Shakira moved to Spain in 2011 but&nbsp;maintained official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Shakira denied any wrongdoing when she testified in June 2019. In the same year, the 45-year-old said that losing&nbsp;her voice two years earlier had been \\\"the darkest moment of her life\\\" and affected her \\\"deeply\\\". Her voice came back naturally.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Shakira and Gerard Pique met during the 2010 FIFA World Cup</li>
  <li>They have two children together - Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven</li>
  <li>The two never got married</li>
</ul>

Shakira, Barcelona star Gerard Pique split after 11 years together

SouthAfrica

International

Shiladitya Ray

Barcelona manager Xavi on Sunday congratulated arch rivals Real Madrid for winning their 35th La Liga title a day earlier as his side beat Mallorca 2-1 at home to cement their place in the second position of the league table. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Real Madrid, because they are champions because of their merits…, Xavi said after the match, which was a hard-fought affair. A resurgent Barcelona expectedly dominated possession in the first half of the match against Mallorca. However, the first 45 minutes proved to be a cagey affair which saw Mallorca spurn a couple of golden opportunities to take the lead. Also read | Siuuu again? Elanga explains partnership with Ronaldo before Brentford game,As the game went on, Barcelona punished Mallorca for their missed chances, with Memphis Depay netting superbly from a Jordi Alba through ball in the 25th minute. A much improved Barcelona performance in the second half saw the hosts double their lead through Sergio Busquets in the 54th minute. Although Mallorca managed to pull one back in the 79th minute, Barcelona held on for an important three points. Also read | 'You have to be realistic': Ralf Rangnick on whether Man Utd is a top club,I am satisfied with the result and the image. It was a match that we had to win 3-0 and put an end to the suspense, even if they no longer created any danger for us. These are three points that reassure us and bring us closer to the goal of the Champions League, the Barca manager said, savouring the victory over Mallorca. Commenting on the return of promising youngster Ansu Fati, who was subbed on late in the game, Xavi said, Ansu is a special player. He has the goal in him and that’s why I see him more as a 9. It’s true that he’s not yet at the right pace, but I’m very happy for him. This is great news for Barca. Also read | 'Man of the match today': Lampard hails Everton fans after win over Chelsea,The match also saw veteran Barca centre-back Gerard Pique get injured, but Xavi did not provide any update on the 35-year-old's injury. Despite Pique's injury, however, Barcelona will be relieved with the victory, which takes them two points clear of third-placed Sevilla, with an equal number of games played. With four matches left, La Liga is poised for an exhilarating finish, especially with regard to the top four: while Real Madrid have already sealed their spot at the top with 81 points, Barcelona are second with 66 points, Sevilla third with 64, and Atletico Madrid fourth with 61 points.

{\"time\":1651443509203,\"strCount\":3348,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> manager <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/xavi/\\\">Xavi</a> on Sunday congratulated arch rivals <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/realmadrid/\\\">Real Madrid</a> for winning their <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/with-la-liga-title-real-madrids-carlo-ancelotti-makes-footballing-history-368812/\\\">35th La Liga</a> title a day earlier as his side beat Mallorca 2-1 at home to cement their place in the second position of the league table.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Real Madrid, because they are champions because of their merits…,\\\" Xavi said after the match, which was a hard-fought affair.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A resurgent Barcelona expectedly dominated possession in the first half of the match against Mallorca. However, the first 45 minutes proved to be a cagey affair which saw Mallorca spurn a couple of golden opportunities to take the lead.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/pl-manchester-uniteds-anthony-elanga-on-cristiano-ronaldo-partnership-before-brentford-game-453902/\\\">Siuuu again? Elanga explains partnership with Ronaldo before Brentford game</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As the game went on, Barcelona punished Mallorca for their missed chances, with Memphis Depay netting superbly from a Jordi Alba through ball in the 25th minute.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A much improved Barcelona performance in the second half saw the hosts double their lead through Sergio Busquets in the 54th minute. Although Mallorca managed to pull one back in the 79th minute, Barcelona held on for an important three points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/you-have-to-be-realistic-ralf-rangnick-on-whether-manchester-united-is-a-top-club-506667/\\\">'You have to be realistic': Ralf Rangnick on whether Man Utd is a top club</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I am satisfied with the result and the image. It was a match that we had to win 3-0 and put an end to the suspense, even if they no longer created any danger for us. These are three points that reassure us and bring us closer to the goal of the Champions League,\\\" the Barca manager said, savouring the victory over Mallorca.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Commenting on the return of promising youngster Ansu Fati, who was subbed on late in the game, Xavi said, \\\"Ansu is a special player. He has the goal in him and that’s why I see him more as a 9. It’s true that he’s not yet at the right pace, but I’m very happy for him. This is great news for Barca.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/man-of-the-match-today-frank-lampard-hails-everton-fans-after-win-over-chelsea-229776/\\\">'Man of the match today': Lampard hails Everton fans after win over Chelsea</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The match also saw veteran Barca centre-back Gerard Pique get injured, but Xavi did not provide any update on the 35-year-old's injury.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite Pique's injury, however, Barcelona will be relieved with the victory, which takes them two points clear of third-placed <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/sevillafc/\\\">Sevilla</a>, with an equal number of games played.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With four matches left, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/laliga/\\\">La Liga</a> is poised for an exhilarating finish, especially with regard to the top four: while Real Madrid have already sealed their spot at the top with 81 points, Barcelona are second with 66 points, Sevilla third with 64, and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/atleticomadrid/\\\">Atletico Madrid</a> fourth with 61 points.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Barca manager Xavi on Sunday congratulated Real Madrid for their 35th La Liga title win</li>
  <li>Xavi's comments came after Barca's 2-1 win over Mallorca</li>
  <li>The win took Barcelona to the second spot in La Liga</li>
</ul>

Xavi congratulates Real Madrid for La Liga title as Barcelona beat Mallorca

Xavi

MemphisDepay

SergioBusquets

AnsuFati

Soccer

A leaked audio revealed the long-time Barcelona defender Gerard Pique helped negotiate a € 24 million ($25.9 million) commission for the Spanish Super Cup to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 35-year-old can be heard in discussion with Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales over financial details - in the clip. ,Also read: Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo confirms his baby son has died,The federation in 2020 changed the format of the Super Cup. It created a 'final four' stage that was held in Saudi Arabia as part of a deal that was reportedly worth € 40 million per tournament for the federation. Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid won the competition in 2020. ,As per the audio, released on Monday, Pique's company Kosmos group would be paid four million euros per tournament by the Saudi organizers for negotiating the six-year agreement. Spain's El Confidencial newspaper leaked the clip. ,Also Read | Defensive woes drive Manchester United's reported search for centre-back,However, Gerard Pique has denied any wrongdoing. ,“I don’t have anything to hide. Everything we did was legal. I’m proud because we did a spectacular job. I know how to separate a commercial deal from my job as a player. A conflict of interest will depend on each person’s own values, Pique said early Tuesday. ,Pique, in the recordings, could be heard saying that the money would be divided between the clubs, and the federation would keep about € 6 million. [The audio was] leaked with bad intentions and making news of something which two years ago was not news. The only illegal thing is leaking the audios, the Spaniard said after the audio was leaked. ,Also read: Ajax's Erik ten Hag to be confirmed as Manchester Utd manager: Reports,When the agreement was first announced, federation president Luis Rubiales said they would not pay any commission to Piqué. The federation received a lot of criticism from human rights groups at the time for its decision to play in Saudi Arabia. The Super Cup had to be played in Spain again in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

{\"time\":1650335195532,\"strCount\":2734,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A leaked audio revealed the long-time <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> defender <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/leaked-audio-implicates-pique-in-deal-for-spanish-super-cup-at-saudi-arabia-472252/\\\">Gerard Pique</a> helped negotiate a&nbsp;€ 24 million ($25.9 million)&nbsp;commission for the Spanish Super Cup to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The 35-year-old can be heard in discussion with Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales over financial details - in the clip.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/manchester-united-striker-cristiano-ronaldo-confirms-his-baby-son-has-died-263694/\\\">Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo confirms his baby son has died</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The federation in 2020 changed the format of the Super Cup. It created a 'final four' stage that was held in&nbsp;Saudi Arabia as part of a deal that was reportedly worth € 40 million per tournament for the federation.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid won the competition in 2020.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As per the audio, released on Monday, Pique's company&nbsp;Kosmos group would be paid four million euros per tournament by the Saudi organizers for negotiating the six-year agreement. Spain's El Confidencial newspaper leaked the clip.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/defensive-woes-drive-manchester-uniteds-reported-search-for-centre-back-639545/\\\">Defensive woes drive Manchester United's reported search for centre-back</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, Gerard Pique has denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“I don’t have anything to hide. Everything we did was legal. I’m proud because we did a spectacular job. I know how to separate a commercial deal from my job as a player. A conflict of interest will depend on each person’s own values,\\\" Pique said early Tuesday.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Pique, in the recordings, could be heard saying that the&nbsp;money would be divided between the clubs, and the federation would keep about € 6 million.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"[The audio was] leaked with bad intentions and making news of something which two years ago was not news. The only illegal thing is leaking the audios,\\\" the Spaniard said after the audio was leaked.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/ajaxs-erik-ten-hag-to-be-confirmed-as-manchester-utd-manager-reports-490733/\\\">Ajax's Erik ten Hag to be confirmed as Manchester Utd manager: Reports</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"When the agreement was first announced, federation president Luis Rubiales said they would not pay any commission to Piqué. The federation received a lot of criticism from human rights groups at the time for its decision to play in Saudi Arabia.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Super Cup had to be played in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/spain/\\\">Spain</a> again in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>A leaked audio revealed that gerard Pique helped take Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia</li>
  <li>Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid won the competition in 2020</li>
  <li>Pique has denied any wrong-doing in the matter</li>
</ul>

Barcelona's Gerard Pique denies wrong-doing on involvement in Super Cup deal

SaudiArabia

Asia

Europe

Audios stolen from the Spanish soccer federation by hackers revealed Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué helped to negotiate a 24 million euros ($25.9 million) commission to take the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. The federation changed the format of the Super Cup in 2020, creating a “Final Four” and moving the competition to Saudi Arabia as part of a deal that was reportedly worth 40 million euros per tournament for the federation. Piqué's Kosmos group would be paid four million euros per tournament by the Saudi organizers for negotiating the six-year agreement, according to El Confidencial newspaper, which released the audios on Monday. Also Read | 'He will learn': Guardiola defends Steffen's 'accident' against Liverpool,Piqué said in the audios that the money would be divided between the clubs, and the federation would keep about six million euros. The federation told El Confidencial there was nothing illegal in what was said in the audios or in the negotiations, and the details of the deal had already been released. When the agreement was first announced, federation president Luis Rubiales said they would not pay any commission to Piqué. ,The federation received a lot of criticism from human rights groups at the time for its decision to play in Saudi Arabia. The Super Cup had to be played in Spain again in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The release of the audios came a few days after the federation said it was targeted by hackers who also stole emails, text messages and documents involving its top officials. Also Read | 'Today we celebrate': Guardiola mum on brawl between City, Atletico players,The federation said it believed the information was offered anonymously to media outlets in Spain. It said it asked authorities to investigate. Also, Rubiales is accused of making some derogatory remarks about Atlético Madrid in some of the audios.

{\"time\":1650299308086,\"strCount\":2315,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Audios stolen from the Spanish soccer federation by hackers revealed <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> defender Gerard Piqué helped to negotiate a 24 million euros ($25.9 million) commission to take the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The federation changed the format of the Super Cup in 2020, creating a “Final Four” and moving the competition to Saudi Arabia as part of a deal that was reportedly worth 40 million euros per tournament for the federation.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué's Kosmos group would be paid four million euros per tournament by the Saudi organizers for negotiating the six-year agreement, according to El Confidencial newspaper, which released the audios on Monday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/he-will-learn-pep-guardiola-defends-zack-steffens-accident-against-liverpool-575651/\\\">'He will learn': Guardiola defends Steffen's 'accident' against Liverpool</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué said in the audios that the money would be divided between the clubs, and the federation would keep about six million euros.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The federation told El Confidencial there was nothing illegal in what was said in the audios or in the negotiations, and the details of the deal had already been released.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"When the agreement was first announced, federation president Luis Rubiales said they would not pay any commission to Piqué. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The federation received a lot of criticism from human rights groups at the time for its decision to play in Saudi Arabia.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Super Cup had to be played in Spain again in 2021 because of the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/health/what-is-omicron-xe-covid-19-variant-326505/\\\">coronavirus pandemic</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The release of the audios came a few days after the federation said it was targeted by hackers who also stole emails, text messages and documents involving its top officials.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/today-we-celebrate-guardiola-mum-on-brawl-between-city-atletico-players-291945/\\\">'Today we celebrate': Guardiola mum on brawl between City, Atletico players</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The federation said it believed the information was offered anonymously to media outlets in Spain. It said it asked authorities to investigate.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also, Rubiales is accused of making some derogatory remarks about <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/atleticomadrid/\\\">Atlético Madrid</a> in some of the audios.\"}}]}

Shuvrajit Das Biswas

<ul>
  <li>Leaked audio shows Gerard Pique helped negotiate commission for Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia</li>
  <li>The Barcelona defender brokered a 24 million euro commission&nbsp;</li>
  <li>The federation said there's nothing illegal in the audio files</li>
</ul>

Leaked audio implicates Pique in deal for Spanish Super Cup at Saudi Arabia

Madrid, Spain

Real Madrid, with star striker Karim Benzema doubtful, will host Xavi Hernández's new-look Barcelona in the El Classico at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT). ,Madrid's Karim Benzema, who is La Liga's leading goal-scorer this season, is doubtful after he injured his left leg in the final minutes of a 3-0 win at Mallorca on Monday. He had to leave the game after scoring twice to take his league-leading tally to 22 goals. The 34-year-old might miss the game against Barcelona. ,Also read: Chelsea, Villarreal win, Champions League quarterfinals set,However, in Benzema's absence, manager Carlo Ancelotti, is expected to turn to winger Vinícius Júnior to lead Real Madrid's attack. Marco Asensio could be roped in as a false nine and Federico Valverde could be given a second straight start to cover for Benzema. ,Barcelona, on the other hand, have moved upwards in the table since they last played archrivals Real Madrid. The Catalans used the January transfer window to bring in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traoré and strengthen their attack. The move has worked so far. Aubameyang and Torres have amassed 11 goals between them in two months. ,Also read: Liverpool beats Arsenal to reignite Premier League race,While Coutinho and Agüero are no longer on the team, 38-year-old Dani Alves has returned to play at right back. Ousmane Dembélé, who was injured when they played in October, is also providing a spark to Barcelona’s attack. Aubameyang has scored six goals in just nine appearances, with Torres adding another five goals. Memphis Depay has also scored twice recently. ,Also read: Paul Pogba reveals burglary when 'babies were sleeping in bedroom',The last time Barcelona and Real Madrid locked horns, the layyer were defeated 2-1. With 10 games left, Madrid leads Sevilla by 10 points and both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid by 15. Real Madrid's predicted line-up (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Nacho Fernandez; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric; Marco Asensio, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior. Barcelona's predicted line-up (4-3-3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba; Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong; Ousmane Dembele, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres.

{\"time\":1647549022719,\"strCount\":2961,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/realmadrid/\\\">Real Madrid</a>, with star striker <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/karimbenzema/\\\">Karim Benzema</a> doubtful, will host <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/xavi/\\\">Xavi</a> Hernández's new-look <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> in the El Classico at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT).&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Madrid's Karim Benzema, who is La Liga's leading goal-scorer this season,&nbsp;is doubtful after he injured his left leg in the final minutes of a 3-0 win at <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/mallorca/\\\">Mallorca</a> on Monday. He&nbsp;had to leave the game after scoring twice to take his league-leading tally to 22 goals. The 34-year-old might miss the game against Barcelona.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/chelsea-villarreal-win-champions-league-quarterfinals-set-164743/\\\">Chelsea, Villarreal win, Champions League quarterfinals set</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, in Benzema's absence, manager Carlo Ancelotti, is expected to&nbsp;turn to winger Vinícius Júnior to lead Real Madrid's attack.&nbsp;Marco Asensio could be roped in as a false nine and Federico Valverde could be given a second straight start to cover for Benzema.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona, on the other hand, have moved upwards in the table since they last played archrivals Real Madrid. The Catalans used the January transfer window to bring in&nbsp;Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traoré and strengthen their attack. The move has worked so far. Aubameyang and Torres have amassed 11 goals between them in two months.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/liverpool-beats-arsenal-to-reignite-premier-league-race-518169/\\\">Liverpool beats Arsenal to reignite Premier League race</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While Coutinho and Agüero are no longer on the team, 38-year-old Dani Alves has returned to play at right back. Ousmane Dembélé, who was injured when they played in October, is also providing a spark to Barcelona’s attack.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Aubameyang has scored six goals in just nine appearances, with Torres adding another five goals. Memphis Depay has also scored twice recently.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/paul-pogbas-home-burgled-during-champions-league-game-vs-atletico-madrid-manchester-united-player-reveals-508820/\\\">Paul Pogba reveals burglary when 'babies were sleeping in bedroom'</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The last time Barcelona and Real Madrid locked horns, the layyer were defeated 2-1.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With 10 games left, Madrid leads Sevilla by 10 points and both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid by 15.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Real Madrid's predicted line-up (4-3-3):&nbsp;Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Nacho Fernandez; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric; Marco Asensio, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona's predicted line-up (4-3-3):&nbsp;Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba; Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong; Ousmane Dembele, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Real Madrid host Barcelona on Monday</li>
  <li>Madrid's Karim Benzema, who is La Liga's leading goal-scorer this season,&nbsp;is doubtful after he injured his left leg</li>
  <li>Aubameyang and Torres have amassed 11 goals between them in two months</li>
</ul>

La Liga: Real Madrid vs Barcelona El Classico predicted lineup

FerranTorres

ToniKroos

KarimBenzema

CarloAncelotti

LukaModric

PierreEmerickAubameyang

Barcelona will register new signing Ferran Torres after defender Samuel Umtiti agreed to take a salary cut, the club said Monday. Torres was presented last week but hadn't been added to the squad because Barcelona couldn't make room for him without breaching the Spanish league's strict financial fair play rules. The Catalan club said it reached a deal with Umtiti to extend his contract until 2026, reducing part of the salary the French defender was due to receive in the year and a half remaining on his contract. “Through this contract extension, Barcelona will be able to increase its ‘financial fair play’ quota and thus register Torres with the Spanish league,” the club said. Also Read | Sergio Aguero, Christian Eriksen: 5 footballers with heart problems,Barcelona paid an initial fee of 55 million euros ($62 million) to sign Torres from Manchester City. The 21-year-old Spain forward signed a five-year deal with the Spanish club with a buyout clause of 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion). Team captains Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto had all taken salary cuts last year to help the financially troubled club. Lionel Messi had agreed to a 50% salary reduction but it wasn’t enough for the club to be able to keep him, leading to his move to Paris Saint-Germain. Also Read | Newcastle sign Atletico’s Tripper in 1st transfer move since Saudi takeover,“Barcelona wishes to publicly express its gratitude to Samuel Umtiti for his willingness and the affection that he has demonstrated towards the club,” Barcelona said. Also Read | Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian magician who lost his touch,Torres hasn’t played since October because of a foot injury sustained on international duty with Spain. Also Read | Premier League: Barcelona's Philippe Countinho joins Aston Villa on loan,He was among the Barcelona players who tested positive for the coronavirus recently and will not make the trip to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. The Catalan club plays Real Madrid in the semifinals Wednesday.

{\"time\":1641833680521,\"strCount\":2671,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona will register new signing Ferran Torres after defender Samuel Umtiti agreed to take a salary cut, the club said Monday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Torres was presented last week but hadn't been added to the squad because <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/barcelonas-covid-woes-rise-as-umtiti-dembele-gavi-test-positive-506930/\\\">Barcelona</a> couldn't make room for him without breaching the Spanish league's strict financial fair play rules.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Catalan club said it reached a deal with Umtiti to extend his contract until 2026, reducing part of the salary the French defender was due to receive in the year and a half remaining on his contract.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Through this contract extension, Barcelona will be able to increase its ‘financial fair play’ quota and thus register Torres with the Spanish league,” the club said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/sergio-aguero-christian-eriksen-5-footballers-with-heart-problems-343123/\\\">Sergio Aguero, Christian Eriksen: 5 footballers with heart problems</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona paid an initial fee of 55 million euros ($62 million) to sign Torres from <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/5-reasons-why-sergio-aguero-will-be-recalled-as-manchester-city-legend-257352/\\\">Manchester City</a>. The 21-year-old Spain forward signed a five-year deal with the Spanish club with a buyout clause of 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion).\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Team captains Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto had all taken salary cuts last year to help the financially troubled club. Lionel Messi had agreed to a 50% salary reduction but it wasn’t enough for the club to be able to keep him, leading to his move to Paris Saint-Germain.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/atletico-madrids-kieran-trippier-joins-premier-league-side-newcastle-united-for-12m-393155/\\\">Newcastle sign Atletico’s Tripper in 1st transfer move since Saudi takeover</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Barcelona wishes to publicly express its gratitude to Samuel Umtiti for his willingness and the affection that he has demonstrated towards the club,” Barcelona said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/who-is-philippe-coutinho-342923/\\\">Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian magician who lost his touch</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Torres hasn’t played since October because of a foot injury sustained on international duty with Spain.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/barcelonas-philippe-countinho-completes-premier-league-return-joins-aston-villa-on-loan-214099/\\\">Premier League: Barcelona's Philippe Countinho joins Aston Villa on loan</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He was among the Barcelona players who tested positive for the coronavirus recently and will not make the trip to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. The Catalan club plays Real Madrid in the semifinals Wednesday.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Barcelona will register new signing Ferran Torres</li>
  <li>Samuel Umtiti agrees to extend contract till 2026, takes salary cut&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Barcelona paid 55 million euros to sign Torres from Manchester City&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Samuel Umtiti takes salary cut, Barcelona registers Ferran Torres

ManchesterCity

worldnews

Shivam Pratap Singh

It's the third time lucky for FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League as the Catalans finally won a game in the competition as they beat Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv 1-0 at Camp Nou on Wednesday. German champions Bayern Munich handed Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona their first defeat in the Catalan giant's post-Lionel Messi era when they defeated them 3-0 at Camp Nou in the Champions League opener last month. They were then handed another defeat by the same margin on matchday two by Portuguese club Benfica. Barcelona had never lost more than two group-stage games since 1997-98. Gerard Pique scored the lone goal for Barcelona to give them their first Champions League win of the season. It is also the first time that the Catalans have won in the tournament since Lionel Messi left the club for PSG. The victory put the Catalan club in third place in Group E, two points in front of Dynamo and one behind Benfica, which hosts leader Bayern later Wednesday. It was Barcelona’s second win in a row after it had won only once in six matches in all competitions. It had been winless in five straight Champions League games, its longest run without a win since 1997. It had lost its last three Champions League matches at home for its worst streak ever in the European competition. Piqué opened the scoring with a one-timer from close range after a cross by Jordi Alba across the area in the 36th minute, joining former Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos as the top-scoring defender in the Champions League. Piqué had been tied with former Madrid central defenders Sergio Ramos and Iván Helguera with 15 goals. The 34-year-old Piqué also became the oldest Champions League scorer for the Catalan club, surpassing Sylvinho, who netted against Shakhtar Donetsk in 2008. Striker Sergio Aguero came off the bench in the 75th minute to replace Memphis Depay and make his second appearance with Barcelona since joining the club from Manchester City this season. Dynamo had opened with a home draw against Benfica before losing 5-0 at Bayern in a result that equaled its heaviest defeat in a UEFA club competition. Barcelona’s next match is the Spanish league “clásico” against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday. (With AP inputs)

{\"time\":1634780449514,\"strCount\":2565,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It's the third time lucky for <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barcelona/\\\">FC Barcelona</a> in the UEFA Champions League as the Catalans finally won a game in the competition as they beat Ukrainian club <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/dynamokyiv/\\\">Dynamo Kyiv</a> 1-0 at Camp Nou on Wednesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"German champions&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/bayernmunich/\\\">Bayern Munich</a>&nbsp;handed&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/ronaldkoeman/\\\">Ronald Koeman</a>’s Barcelona their first defeat in the Catalan giant's post-<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/lionelmessi/\\\">Lionel Messi</a>&nbsp;era when they defeated them 3-0 at Camp Nou in the&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/championsleague/\\\">Champions League</a>&nbsp;opener last month. They were then handed another defeat by the same margin on matchday two by Portuguese club Benfica.&nbsp;Barcelona had never lost more than two group-stage games since 1997-98.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Gerard Pique scored the lone goal for Barcelona to give them their first Champions League win of the season. It is also the first time that the Catalans have won in the tournament since Lionel Messi left the club for PSG.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The victory put the Catalan club in third place in Group E, two points in front of Dynamo and one behind Benfica, which hosts leader Bayern later Wednesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It was Barcelona’s second win in a row after it had won only once in six matches in all competitions.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It had been winless in five straight Champions League games, its longest run without a win since 1997. It had lost its last three Champions League matches at home for its worst streak ever in the European competition.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Piqué opened the scoring with a one-timer from close range after a cross by Jordi Alba across the area in the 36th minute, joining former Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos as the top-scoring defender in the Champions League. Piqué had been tied with former Madrid central defenders Sergio Ramos and Iván Helguera with 15 goals.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 34-year-old Piqué also became the oldest Champions League scorer for the Catalan club, surpassing Sylvinho, who netted against Shakhtar Donetsk in 2008.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Striker Sergio Aguero came off the bench in the 75th minute to replace Memphis Depay and make his second appearance with Barcelona since joining the club from Manchester City this season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Dynamo had opened with a home draw against Benfica before losing 5-0 at Bayern in a result that equaled its heaviest defeat in a UEFA club competition.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona’s next match is the Spanish league “clásico” against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>(With AP inputs)</b>\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Barcelona beat Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv 1-0 at Camp Nou</li>
  <li>This was Barcelona's first win in the Champions League this season</li>
  <li>Gerard Pique scored the lone goal for Barcelona</li>
</ul>

Champions League: Barcelona overcome Dynamo Kyiv for first win of the season

DynamoKyiv

ChampionsLeague

RonaldKoeman

Shubham Banerjee

Exactly 13 months ago, Barcelona were dealt their greatest humiliation in Champions League history, losing 8-2 to a rampant Bayern Munich to crash out of the Europe like never before. Adding insult to injury was their most expensive signing of all time – Philippe Coutinho, on loan with the Bavarians after underwhelming at the Nou Camp – scoring two goals and providing an assist for the eventual champions. ,Now, still reeling from the loss of their greatest icon and player in Lionel Messi after yet another controversial behind-the-scenes management fiasco, Barca roll up their sleeves to take on an ominous Bayern side at home in the Group E opener on Tuesday. But, there may be a silver lining in the cloud of gloom surrounding the Blaugrana in recent times after all. Summer signing Memphis Depay has been an instant hit at Barca since his free transfer from Lyon, having been involved in four league goals so far and digging his side out of difficult situations in tough games. His link-up play with those around him is par-excellence, and he is also comfortable playing as a free-roaming attacker in the final third. ,His performances have lifted spirits both among his teammates and the fans. Depay is also coming off the back of a successful international break, bagging five goals in two games for the Netherlands in World Cup qualifications. ,Manager Ronald Koeman is likely to go for a 3-5-2 formation, something that worked well for him in patches last season. And while Depay will be one guaranteed starter and the team’s primary attacking threat, there are doubts over the rest of the squad. Barca have a slew of first-choice players out injured for this crucial game. Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Aguero will all not be available. Martin Braithwaite is another who has joined the long-term injury list, with new arrival Luuk de Jong most likely to partner Depay up front. ,Young Pedri will the driving force in midfield, which will also boast the technical prowess and ball-retention abilities of Frenkie de Jong and captain Sergio Busquests respectively. Together they should make for a much more well-rounded midfield than the one that was overrun in Lisbon a year ago. ,Jordi Alba and Oscar Mingueza are expected to play as wingbacks, with the back three manned by Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet. Marc Andre ter Stegen, another guaranteed starter, will look to banish his ghosts from the 8-2 loss. ,Barca also have something they did not in Lisbon on August 14, 2020, raucous Culers in the stands. The conditions seem just about right for Barca to exact revenge. Also Read | Robert Lewandowski and records, a never-ending romance,But Bayern are still among the strongest teams in the world, spearheaded by Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who has already scored 10 goals for club and country so far. The Bundesliga champions have scored 24 goals in their last 4 matches in all competitions – an indication that the threat does not get any bigger. ,In a recent interview, Koeman said “Thanks to me, this club has a future.” Now is the time for him to prove it.

{\"time\":1632142744784,\"strCount\":3712,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Exactly 13\\nmonths ago, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/fcbarcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> were dealt their greatest humiliation in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/championsleague/\\\">Champions League</a>\\nhistory, losing 8-2 to a rampant <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/bayernmunich/\\\">Bayern Munich</a> to crash out of the Europe like never before. Adding insult to injury was their most expensive signing\\nof all time – Philippe Coutinho, on loan with the Bavarians after underwhelming\\nat the Nou Camp – scoring two goals and providing an assist for the eventual\\nchampions. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Now, still\\nreeling from the loss of their greatest icon and player in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/lionelmessi/\\\">Lionel Messi</a> after\\nyet another controversial behind-the-scenes management fiasco, Barca roll up\\ntheir sleeves to take on an ominous Bayern side at home in the Group E opener\\non Tuesday. But, there may be a silver lining in the cloud of gloom surrounding\\nthe <i>Blaugrana</i> in recent times after\\nall.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Summer signing\\n<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/memphisdepay/\\\">Memphis Depay</a> has been an instant hit at Barca since his free transfer from\\nLyon, having been involved in four league goals so far and digging his side out\\nof difficult situations in tough games. His link-up play with those around\\nhim is par-excellence, and he is also comfortable playing as a free-roaming attacker in the final third. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"His performances\\nhave lifted spirits both among his teammates and the fans. Depay is also coming\\noff the back of a successful international break, bagging five goals in two\\ngames for the Netherlands in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/worldcupqualifiers/\\\">World Cup qualifications</a>. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Manager <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/worldcupqualifiers/\\\">Ronald\\nKoeman</a> is likely to go for a 3-5-2 formation, something that worked well for\\nhim in patches last season. And while Depay will be one guaranteed starter and\\nthe team’s primary attacking threat, there are doubts over the rest of the\\nsquad.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barca have a\\nslew of first-choice players out injured for this crucial game. Ansu Fati,\\nOusmane Dembele, Sergio Aguero will all not be available. Martin Braithwaite is\\nanother who has joined the long-term injury list, with new arrival Luuk de Jong\\nmost likely to partner Depay up front. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Young Pedri\\nwill the driving force in midfield, which will also boast the technical prowess\\nand ball-retention abilities of Frenkie de Jong and captain Sergio Busquests\\nrespectively. Together they should make for a much more well-rounded midfield\\nthan the one that was overrun in Lisbon a year ago. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Jordi Alba\\nand Oscar Mingueza are expected to play as wingbacks, with the back three manned\\nby Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet. Marc Andre ter Stegen,\\nanother guaranteed starter, will look to banish his ghosts from the 8-2 loss. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barca also have\\nsomething they did not in Lisbon on August 14, 2020, raucous&nbsp;<i>Culers</i> in the stands. The conditions\\nseem just about right for Barca to exact revenge.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/robert-lewandowski-and-records-a-never-ending-romance?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Robert Lewandowski and records, a never-ending romance</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But Bayern are still among\\nthe strongest teams in the world, spearheaded by Polish striker <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/robertlewandowski/\\\">Robert Lewandowski</a>,\\nwho has already scored 10 goals for club and country so far. The Bundesliga\\nchampions have scored 24 goals in their last 4 matches in all competitions – an indication that the\\nthreat does not get any bigger. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In a recent\\ninterview, Koeman said “Thanks to me, this club has a future.” Now is the time for him to prove it. \"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Barcelona start their UCL campaign at home against Bayern Munich</li>
  <li>The last time these two met, Barca suffered their biggest UCL defeat, 8-2 in August 2020</li>
  <li>Barca wiil look to in-form Memphis Depay to inspire a win</li>
</ul>

UCL: Barca’s day of reckoning vs Bayern; can Koeman banish ghosts of 8-2?

BayernMunich

UEFA

EuropeanFootball

ThomasMueller

ManuelNeuer

JulianNagelsmann

Losing its greatest-ever player and icon in
unceremonious fashion to a major European rival, while dealing with financial
woes that had been preventing the club from registering summer signings, isn’t
the ideal way for Barcelona to embark on a quest to wrest a first La Liga title since 2019. ,The importance of Lionel Messi for this
club cannot be understated – the Argentine helped Barca win 35 titles,
including 10 La Ligas, four Champions Leagues and others, since his debut in
2004 – making for the most successful and profitable player-club partnership in
football history. ,But the club is always bigger than any
player, and that Barca have to prove in the upcoming season. ,Maybe president Joan Laporta can take a
leaf from his Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez’s book and seamlessly move
on from the departure of a club legend. Since he has wholly backed Perez in
plans for the European Super League and rejecting the CVC-La Liga deal, Laporta
should have learnt a trick or two in that regard by now. 
,And there is enough in the ranks to help
ease the transition and build a new future for a superclub the size and stature
of Barcelona. Among its greatest footballing assets right now, like always, is
the youth.,Also Read | 'Very happy' Lionel Messi ready to play with the best at PSG,An injury-hit 2020-21 season restricted
Ansu Fati to just 10 appearances across competitions, but the 18-year-old has
already been deemed by the fans as the heir-apparent to Messi’s throne. His
Spain teammate Pedri, also 18, played an astonishing 73 games last season for
club and country and is fast gaining repute as one of the brightest midfield
talents in the world. ,This season may also be the long-awaited
one where prodigal son Riqui Puig explodes onto the scene. Other up-and-coming
talents like winger Yusuf Demir, striker Rey Manaj, midfielder Nico Gonzalez
have also impressed in pre-season and can look to make an impression this
season.,Also Read | La Liga 2021-22: Are Real Madrid still a contender for the Spanish title?,Barca have also done some sound business
over the summer, bringing the likes of Eric Garcia, Sergio Aguero and Memphis
Depay on free transfers. Memphis has already shown he is ready for the step-up
from Lyon’s Groupama Stadium to the Camp Nou and his fluidity in the final
third is a perfect fit for Barca’s style. 
,Penalty-box specialist Aguero will be
expected to fill in at centre-forward sporadically, but the conditions couldn’t
be better for France international Antoine Griezmann to be finally come into
his own and be Barca’s main man. ,The former Atletico Madrid striker is
coming off the back of his best season for the Catalans, directly involved in
33 goals in 51 games, and with Messi gone, he can make the free-roaming right
winger position his own. ,Sergio Busquests enjoyed a brilliant Euro
2020 campaign with Spain and will still be Barca’s controller-in-chief in
midfield with Frekie de Jong well suited to play either as the second in a
double pivot or as a number six in a midfield three.,Also Read | La Liga 2021-22: Atletico Madrid's best chance at title defence?,Garcia and Ronald Araujo have potential to forge
a long-term centre-back pairing to settle the Catalans’ rocky backline, but the
experienced trio of Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti need to ensure
more clean sheets than ever, now that the primary attacking force has been
lost. ,History has witnessed clubs being
thrown in turmoil after the departure of an influential figure - Manchester
United after Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal after Arsene Wenger, Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo.,Also Read | La Liga 2021-22: Atletico Madrid's best chance at title defence?,Although one can
argue the former two were managers who stayed with their clubs for decades and a comparison with players isn't fair, players like Messi and Ronaldo are giants of the sport and have impacted the footballing world in a way never seen before.  ,The transition to a post-Messi era can be a
very tricky one for Barcelona and the focus for manager Ronald Koeman and the
board should be to rediscover togetherness and their erstwhile collective brilliance
to ensure their recent dominance over the Spanish top-flight does not peter
out.

{\"time\":1628973889712,\"strCount\":6176,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/barcelona-confirms-lionel-messi-will-not-continue-with-the-club?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Losing its greatest-ever player</a> and icon in\\nunceremonious fashion to a major European rival, while dealing with financial\\nwoes that had been preventing the club from <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-barcelona-register-memphis-depay-eric-garcia-after-substantial-gerard-pique-wage-cut?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">registering summer signings</a>, isn’t\\nthe ideal way for <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/fcbarcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> to embark on a quest to wrest a first <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/laligasantander/\\\">La Liga</a> title since 2019. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The importance of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/lionelmessi/\\\">Lionel Messi</a> for this\\nclub cannot be understated – the Argentine helped Barca win 35 titles,\\nincluding 10 La Ligas, four <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/championsleague/\\\">Champions Leagues</a> and others, since his debut in\\n2004 – making for the most successful and profitable player-club partnership in\\nfootball history. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But the club is always bigger than any\\nplayer, and that Barca have to prove in the upcoming season. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Maybe president <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/joanlaporta/\\\">Joan Laporta</a> can take a\\nleaf from his <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/realmadrid/\\\">Real Madrid</a> counterpart Florentino Perez’s book and seamlessly move\\non from the departure of a club legend. Since he has wholly backed Perez in\\nplans for the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/europeansuperleague/\\\">European Super League</a> and rejecting the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-clubs-vote-for-multibillion-dollar-cvc-injection-4-clubs-opt-out?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">CVC-La Liga deal</a>, Laporta\\nshould have learnt a trick or two in that regard by now.&nbsp;\\n\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And there is enough in the ranks to help\\nease the transition and build a new future for a superclub the size and stature\\nof Barcelona. Among its greatest footballing assets right now, like always, is\\nthe youth.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/very-happy-lionel-messi-ready-to-play-with-the-best-at-psg?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">'Very happy' Lionel Messi ready to play with the best at PSG</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"An injury-hit 2020-21 season restricted\\nAnsu Fati to just 10 appearances across competitions, but the 18-year-old has\\nalready been deemed by the fans as the heir-apparent to Messi’s throne. His\\nSpain teammate Pedri, also 18, played an astonishing 73 games last season for\\nclub and country and is fast gaining repute as one of the brightest midfield\\ntalents in the world. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"This season may also be the long-awaited\\none where prodigal son Riqui Puig explodes onto the scene. Other up-and-coming\\ntalents like winger Yusuf Demir, striker Rey Manaj, midfielder Nico Gonzalez\\nhave also impressed in pre-season and can look to make an impression this\\nseason.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-2021-22-are-real-madrid-still-a-contender-for-the-spanish-title?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">La Liga 2021-22: Are Real Madrid still a contender for the Spanish title?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barca have also done some sound business\\nover the summer, bringing the likes of Eric Garcia, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/sergioaguero/\\\">Sergio Aguero</a> and Memphis\\nDepay on free transfers. Memphis has <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/memphis-depay-announces-his-barcelona-arrival-with-brilliant-goal-vs-stuttgart-watch?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">already shown</a> he is ready for the step-up\\nfrom Lyon’s Groupama Stadium to the Camp Nou and his fluidity in the final\\nthird is a perfect fit for Barca’s style.&nbsp;\\n\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Penalty-box specialist Aguero will be\\nexpected to fill in at centre-forward sporadically, but the conditions couldn’t\\nbe better for France international <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/antoinegriezmann/\\\">Antoine Griezmann</a> to be finally come into\\nhis own and be Barca’s main man. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The former Atletico Madrid striker is\\ncoming off the back of his best season for the Catalans, directly involved in\\n33 goals in 51 games, and with Messi gone, he can make the free-roaming right\\nwinger position his own. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sergio Busquests enjoyed a brilliant Euro\\n2020 campaign with Spain and will still be Barca’s controller-in-chief in\\nmidfield with Frekie de Jong well suited to play either as the second in a\\ndouble pivot or as a number six in a midfield three.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-2021-22-atletico-madrids-best-chance-at-title-defence?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">La Liga 2021-22: Atletico Madrid's best chance at title defence?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Garcia and Ronald Araujo have potential to forge\\na long-term centre-back pairing to settle the Catalans’ rocky backline, but the\\nexperienced trio of Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti need to ensure\\nmore clean sheets than ever, now that the primary attacking force has been\\nlost. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"History has witnessed clubs being\\nthrown in turmoil after the departure of an influential figure - Manchester\\nUnited after Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal after Arsene Wenger, Real Madrid after <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/cristianoronaldo/\\\">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-2021-22-atletico-madrids-best-chance-at-title-defence?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">La Liga 2021-22: Atletico Madrid's best chance at title defence?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Although one can\\nargue the former two were managers who stayed with their clubs for decades and a comparison with players isn't fair, players like Messi and Ronaldo are giants of the sport and have impacted the footballing world in a way never seen before.&nbsp;&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The transition to a post-Messi era can be a\\nvery tricky one for Barcelona and the focus for manager Ronald Koeman and the\\nboard should be to rediscover togetherness and their erstwhile collective brilliance\\nto ensure their recent dominance over the Spanish top-flight does not peter\\nout.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Lionel Messi helped Barcelona win 35 titles, including 10 La Ligas and 4 Champions Leagues</li>
  <li>Messi's exit has opened the door for Antoine Griezmann to become Barca's talisman</li>
  <li>Barca have signed Eric Garcia, Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero on free transfers this summer</li>
</ul>

La Liga 2021-22: Will Messi exit be the making or breaking of Barca?

LaLigaSantander

LionelMessi

JoanLaporta

AntoineGriezmann

Barcelona confirmed Saturday they have been able to register summer signings Memphis Depay, Eric
Garcia as well as striker Rey Manaj for the upcoming La Liga season after
second captain Gerard Pique agreed to “substantially” reduce his wages. ,The
Catalans’ financial woes have prevented them from registering new players, while
also resulting in the failure to re-sign club legend Lionel Messi. The
Blaugranas have been desperately trying to balance their books to abide by La
Liga’s wage caps all summer, but had so far been unable to make the necessary
changes.,Also Read | 'Very happy' Lionel Messi ready to play with the best at PSG,“Barcelona
is able to register Memphis, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj to play in the Spanish
Liga de Futbol Profesional,” the club said in a statement. “This has been made
possible thanks to an agreement with Gerard Piqué whereby the Barça second
captain’s salary has been substantially reduced.”,“This means
that all of the first team players will be available for selection by Ronald
Koeman for this Sunday’s opening Liga fixture against Real Sociedad,” the club added.
 ,However, Sergio
Aguero is still unavialble for selection as he is yet to be registered. Barca
have confirmed they are currently in negotiations with other captains Sergio
Busquests and Jordi Alba to adapt their salaries to the club’s current
situation.,Also Read | All the facts you need to know about Lionel Messi’s legendary Barca career,“It must be
noted that both players are totally and utterly willing to cooperate,” they
added. ,Apart from Messi,
who left as a free agent, the club has been able to offload a number of players
in an attempt to reduce their wage bill. Jean-Clair Todibo was sold to OGC Nice
for €8 million, Carles Alena was sold to Getafe for €5 million, Konrad de la
Fuente was sold to Marseille for €3.5 million while Junior Firpo was sold to Leeds
United for €15 million. ,Additionally,
the club received €6 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a year-long loan
deal for Francisco Trincao, while Matheus Fernandes’ contract has been
terminated.

{\"time\":1628944854859,\"strCount\":2799,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/fcbarcelona/\\\">Barcelona</a> confirmed Saturday they have been able to register summer signings <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/memphisdepay/\\\">Memphis Depay</a>, Eric\\nGarcia as well as striker Rey Manaj for the upcoming <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/laligasantander/\\\">La Liga</a> season after\\nsecond captain Gerard Pique agreed to “substantially” reduce his wages. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The\\nCatalans’ financial woes have prevented them from registering new players, while\\nalso resulting in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/barcelona-confirms-lionel-messi-will-not-continue-with-the-club?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">failure to re-sign club legend Lionel Messi</a>. The\\nBlaugranas have been desperately trying to balance their books to abide by La\\nLiga’s wage caps all summer, but had so far been unable to make the necessary\\nchanges.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/very-happy-lionel-messi-ready-to-play-with-the-best-at-psg?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">'Very happy' Lionel Messi ready to play with the best at PSG</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Barcelona\\nis able to register Memphis, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj to play in the Spanish\\nLiga de Futbol Profesional,” the club said in a statement. “This has been made\\npossible thanks to an agreement with Gerard Piqué whereby the Barça second\\ncaptain’s salary has been substantially reduced.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“This means\\nthat all of the first team players will be available for selection by Ronald\\nKoeman for this Sunday’s opening Liga fixture against Real Sociedad,” the club added.\\n&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/sergioaguero/\\\">Sergio\\nAguero</a> is still unavialble for selection as he is yet to be registered. Barca\\nhave confirmed they are currently in negotiations with other captains Sergio\\nBusquests and Jordi Alba to adapt their salaries to the club’s current\\nsituation.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read | </b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/all-the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-lionel-messis-legendary-barcelona-career?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">All the facts you need to know about Lionel Messi’s legendary Barca career</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“It must be\\nnoted that both players are totally and utterly willing to cooperate,” they\\nadded. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Apart from Messi,\\nwho left as a free agent, the club has been able to offload a number of players\\nin an attempt to reduce their wage bill. Jean-Clair Todibo was sold to OGC Nice\\nfor €8 million, Carles Alena was sold to Getafe for €5 million, Konrad de la\\nFuente was sold to Marseille for €3.5 million while Junior Firpo was sold to Leeds\\nUnited for €15 million. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Additionally,\\nthe club received €6 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a year-long loan\\ndeal for Francisco Trincao, while Matheus Fernandes’ contract has been\\nterminated. \"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Gerard &nbsp;Pique's salary "has been substantially reduced" the club confirmed</li>
  <li>&nbsp;Talks are ongoing with Sergio Busquests and Jordi Alba for similar wage cuts</li>
  <li>"It must be noted that both players are totally and utterly willing to cooperate," the club said</li>
</ul>

La Liga: Barca register Depay, Garcia after ‘substantial’ Pique wage-cut

Sayantan Guha

Just hours after bidding farewell to arguably the&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/all-the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-lionel-messis-legendary-barcelona-career?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">greatest player in their club history</a>, Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman, newly designated club captain&nbsp;Sergio Busquets&nbsp;and veteran defender&nbsp;Gerard Pique&nbsp;paid tribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/lionel-messi-close-to-joining-paris-saint-germain-reports?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Lionel Messi</a>&nbsp;before and after their game against Juventus&nbsp;in the Joan Gamper Trophy, a pre-season invitational competition hosted by the Catalan club, on Sunday.,The match, which usually&nbsp;serves as the squad presentation for the upcoming season, had a sense of grief around it as almost&nbsp;3,000 fans at the Johan Cruyff stadium chanted "Messi, Messi" before the start of the game and at the 10th minute. The game essentially marks the beginning of a new era for Barcelona -- a Messi-less era.,<b>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/where-does-jack-grealish-to-manchester-city-stand-among-the-most-expensive-football-transfers-of-all-time?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Where does Grealish stand among the world’s costliest football transfers?</a></b>,Earlier on Sunday, a <a href="https://opoyi.com/really-difficult-tearful-lionel-messi-bids-adieu-to-fc-barcelona?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">tearful Messi bid farewell</a> to the only club for which he has played, insisting he had wanted to remain and did everything he could to make that happen.,However, the Catalan club could not complete the 34-year-old's new contract, with his previous deal having expired last month, due to "financial and structural obstacles." ,In a bid to uplift the spirit, Koeman addressed the crowd, saying, "Despite Leo Messi's farewell, we are very excited about the new season with the squad that we have and the signings we have made," according to ESPN inputs.&nbsp;,"Moreover, the youngsters that are coming up to the first team and that are the future of this great club," he continued. "We are convinced that we will give you a lot of joy this season. With a lot of help, work, sacrifice, we will achieve the maximum. We know the duty we have to represent this club.",The coach further said, "We have to turn the page, we cannot change this situation." ,"I have told the players. We have to improve, we are not going going to have the goals from Leo. The midfielders have to score more goals and we must improve as a squad,"&nbsp;he continued. "You always miss someone who is the best in the world. We have to accept it. The players must give a little more.",Meanwhile, in the match, Barcelona registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over Juventus as new signing Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig grabbed the goals.&nbsp;,Following Barcelona's victory, Pique said that "the team was affected.","Especially those of us who have spent <a href="https://opoyi.com/all-the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-lionel-messis-legendary-barcelona-career?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">more years sharing a dressing room</a> with [Messi]," Pique continued. "At the level of talent and magic, it is not the same when the best in history goes away. You lose a very important part in attack, someone that gave you a lot of goals and assists."

{\"time\":1628471514763,\"strCount\":3521,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Just hours after bidding farewell to arguably the&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/all-the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-lionel-messis-legendary-barcelona-career?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">greatest player in their club history</a>, Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman, newly designated club captain&nbsp;Sergio Busquets&nbsp;and veteran defender&nbsp;Gerard Pique&nbsp;paid tribute to&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/lionel-messi-close-to-joining-paris-saint-germain-reports?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Lionel Messi</a>&nbsp;before and after their game against Juventus&nbsp;in the Joan Gamper Trophy, a pre-season invitational competition hosted by the Catalan club, on Sunday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The match, which usually&nbsp;serves as the squad presentation for the upcoming season, had a sense of grief around it as almost&nbsp;3,000 fans at the Johan Cruyff stadium chanted \\\"Messi, Messi\\\" before the start of the game and at the 10th minute. The game essentially marks the beginning of a new era for Barcelona -- a Messi-less era.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/where-does-jack-grealish-to-manchester-city-stand-among-the-most-expensive-football-transfers-of-all-time?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Where does Grealish stand among the world’s costliest football transfers?</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Earlier on Sunday, a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/really-difficult-tearful-lionel-messi-bids-adieu-to-fc-barcelona?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">tearful Messi bid farewell</a> to the only club for which he has played, insisting he had wanted to remain and did everything he could to make that happen.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, the Catalan club could not complete the 34-year-old's new contract, with his previous deal having expired last month, due to \\\"financial and structural obstacles.\\\" \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In a bid to uplift the spirit, Koeman addressed the crowd, saying, \\\"Despite Leo Messi's farewell, we are very excited about the new season with the squad that we have and the signings we have made,\\\" according to ESPN inputs.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Moreover, the youngsters that are coming up to the first team and that are the future of this great club,\\\" he continued. \\\"We are convinced that we will give you a lot of joy this season. With a lot of help, work, sacrifice, we will achieve the maximum. We know the duty we have to represent this club.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The coach further said, \\\"We have to turn the page, we cannot change this situation.\\\" \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I have told the players. We have to improve, we are not going going to have the goals from Leo. The midfielders have to score more goals and we must improve as a squad,\\\"&nbsp;he continued. \\\"You always miss someone who is the best in the world. We have to accept it. The players must give a little more.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Meanwhile, in the match, Barcelona registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over Juventus as new signing Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig grabbed the goals.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Following Barcelona's victory, Pique said that \\\"the team was affected.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Especially those of us who have spent <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/all-the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-lionel-messis-legendary-barcelona-career?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">more years sharing a dressing room</a> with [Messi],\\\" Pique continued. \\\"At the level of talent and magic, it is not the same when the best in history goes away. You lose a very important part in attack, someone that gave you a lot of goals and assists.\\\"\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Barcelona registered a comfortable 3-0 victory against Juventus</li>
  <li>Before the match Ronald Koeman,&nbsp;Sergio Busquets&nbsp;and Gerard Pique paid tribute to him</li>
  <li>Almost&nbsp;3,000 fans at the Johan Cruyff stadium chanted "Messi, Messi"</li>
</ul>

Barcelona, Ronald Koeman hoping to 'turn the page' after Lionel Messi's departure

Having trailed 2-0 from the first leg, Barcelona needed extra-time to reach the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday, with a 3-2 aggregate win over Sevilla coming just two days after a police raid on the club and the arrest of their former president.,Danish international Martin Braithwaite hit the crucial goal in the fifth minute of extra-time with a diving header off a Jordi Alba cross.,Gerard Pique had equalised in the fourth minute of stoppage time with virtually the last play of the game to save Barca.,<b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://opoyi.com/serie-a-juventus-down-struggling-minnows-spezia">Serie A: Juventus down struggling minnows Spezia</a></b>,The veteran international headed in at the near post after a fine cross from Antoine Griezmann.,That was after Ousmane Dembele, who scored in the 2-0 win at Sevilla in La Liga at the weekend, had given the 30-time Spanish Cup winners a 12th-minute lead in the second leg.,However, Sevilla could have killed the game off in the 73rd minute.,They were awarded a penalty when Lucas Ocampos was brought down by Oscar Mingueza.,However, Ocampos saw his tame right-foot effort from the spot saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.,Flagging Sevilla were then reduced to 10 men in injury time when Brazilian Fernando was red-carded for a foul on Francisco Trincao.,It was a much-needed win for Barcelona after former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, current chief executive Oscar Grau, head of legal services Roma Gomez Ponti and Bartomeu's advisor Jaume Masferrer were arrested by Catalan police, who searched the club's offices on Monday morning.,They were all questioned in relation to last year's "Barcagate" scandal.,The club holds its presidential elections later this week.,The search of Barcelona's stadium was part of a probe into allegations the club carried out a defamation campaign against current and former players who were critical of Bartomeu.,Spanish radio station Cadena Ser claimed in February 2020 that Barca covered up inflated payments to a company called I3 Ventures which it had hired to boost the image of the club on social media.,<b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://opoyi.com/la-liga-vinicius-junior-earns-real-madrid-a-draw-against-real-sociedad">La Liga: Vinicius Junior earns Real Madrid a draw against Real Sociedad</a></b>,Part of the social media campaign included criticising current and former players like Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez, and iconic coach Pep Guardiola.,Barcelona will face either Athletic Bilbao or Levante, who are 1-1 in their semi-final, in the final on April 17 in Seville.,Before that, however, Barcelona will attempt another comeback effort when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie next week, which&nbsp;Barca trail 4-1 from the first leg.

{\"time\":1614820302863,\"strCount\":2787,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Having trailed 2-0 from the first leg, Barcelona needed extra-time to reach the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday, with a 3-2 aggregate win over Sevilla coming just two days after a police raid on the club and the arrest of their former president.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Danish international Martin Braithwaite hit the crucial goal in the fifth minute of extra-time with a diving header off a Jordi Alba cross.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Gerard Pique had equalised in the fourth minute of stoppage time with virtually the last play of the game to save Barca.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>ALSO READ | <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/serie-a-juventus-down-struggling-minnows-spezia\\\">Serie A: Juventus down struggling minnows Spezia</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The veteran international headed in at the near post after a fine cross from Antoine Griezmann.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"That was after Ousmane Dembele, who scored in the 2-0 win at Sevilla in La Liga at the weekend, had given the 30-time Spanish Cup winners a 12th-minute lead in the second leg.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, Sevilla could have killed the game off in the 73rd minute.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"They were awarded a penalty when Lucas Ocampos was brought down by Oscar Mingueza.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, Ocampos saw his tame right-foot effort from the spot saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Flagging Sevilla were then reduced to 10 men in injury time when Brazilian Fernando was red-carded for a foul on Francisco Trincao.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It was a much-needed win for Barcelona after former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, current chief executive Oscar Grau, head of legal services Roma Gomez Ponti and Bartomeu's advisor Jaume Masferrer were arrested by Catalan police, who searched the club's offices on Monday morning.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"They were all questioned in relation to last year's \\\"Barcagate\\\" scandal.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The club holds its presidential elections later this week.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The search of Barcelona's stadium was part of a probe into allegations the club carried out a defamation campaign against current and former players who were critical of Bartomeu.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Spanish radio station Cadena Ser claimed in February 2020 that Barca covered up inflated payments to a company called I3 Ventures which it had hired to boost the image of the club on social media.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>ALSO READ | <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-vinicius-junior-earns-real-madrid-a-draw-against-real-sociedad\\\">La Liga: Vinicius Junior earns Real Madrid a draw against Real Sociedad</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Part of the social media campaign included criticising current and former players like Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez, and iconic coach Pep Guardiola.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona will face either Athletic Bilbao or Levante, who are 1-1 in their semi-final, in the final on April 17 in Seville.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Before that, however, Barcelona will attempt another comeback effort when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie next week, which&nbsp;Barca trail 4-1 from the first leg.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Barcelona were trailing to Sevilla 2-0 from the first leg in the Copa de Rey</li>
  <li>Danish international Martin Braithwaite hit the winner in the fifth minute of extra-time</li>
  <li>Ousmane Dembele had the 30-time Spanish Cup winners a 12th-minute lead in the second leg</li>
</ul>

Extra-time winner from Martin Braithwaite sends Barcelona to Spanish Cup final

SevillaFC

More worries were added to Barcelona on Saturday after its
star defender Gerard Pique injured his knee during a match with Atletico Madrid
which the club went on to lose 1-0. ,Pique sprained his knee during the second half of the La
Liga match, when Angelo Correo collided with him. He was carried off the field
on a stretcher, with his face scrunched in an agony expressing a serious
injury. ,And serious enough it turned out to be, when the club came
out with a statement on Sunday announcing that the centre back was down with a
grade-3 injury in the ligament. ,"Tests have shown that he has a grade 3 sprain in the
internal lateral ligament and partial injury to the anterior cruciate ligament
in his right knee," said Barcelona in a statement, as per an AFP report. ,The club also confirmed that Sergi Roberto, who can play
right back or central midfield, will be out for two months after tearing a
muscle in his thigh.,<b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://opoyi.com/new-orleans-saints-quarterback-drew-brees-has-11-broken-ribs-report">New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has 11 broken ribs: Report</a>,There was no official estimate for Pique's return but
reports in the Spanish press have suggested he could be out for anything
between two and six months, AFP said. ,The season is not going well for the Catalans, who sit at 10th
spot in the club league.,The club did not say how much time it will have to go
without Pique, but reports suggested he may be out for at least a couple of
months and six months on a higher side.,<b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://opoyi.com/orlando-city-advance-in-wild-mls-playoff-win-columbus-crew-through-too">Orlando City advance in wild MLS playoff win, Columbus Crew through, too</a>,Pique's absence leaves Barca with Clement Lenglet as their
one fit central defender, given Samuel Umtiti and Ronald Araujo are also out
injured, AFP said. ,Frenkie de Jong has occasionally dropped into defence in
recent weeks but the situation is far from ideal for Ronald Koeman, whose side
slipped to their third league loss of the season against Atletico.

{\"time\":1606069865457,\"strCount\":2098,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"More worries were added to Barcelona on Saturday after its\\nstar defender Gerard Pique injured his knee during a match with Atletico Madrid\\nwhich the club went on to lose 1-0. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Pique sprained his knee during the second half of the La\\nLiga match, when Angelo Correo collided with him. He was carried off the field\\non a stretcher, with his face scrunched in an agony expressing a serious\\ninjury. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And serious enough it turned out to be, when the club came\\nout with a statement on Sunday announcing that the centre back was down with a\\ngrade-3 injury in the ligament. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Tests have shown that he has a grade 3 sprain in the\\ninternal lateral ligament and partial injury to the anterior cruciate ligament\\nin his right knee,\\\" said Barcelona in a statement, as per an AFP report. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The club also confirmed that Sergi Roberto, who can play\\nright back or central midfield, will be out for two months after tearing a\\nmuscle in his thigh.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/new-orleans-saints-quarterback-drew-brees-has-11-broken-ribs-report-463457/\\\">New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has 11 broken ribs: Report</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"There was no official estimate for Pique's return but\\nreports in the Spanish press have suggested he could be out for anything\\nbetween two and six months, AFP said. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The season is not going well for the Catalans, who sit at 10th\\nspot in the club league.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The club did not say how much time it will have to go\\nwithout Pique, but reports suggested he may be out for at least a couple of\\nmonths and six months on a higher side.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/orlando-city-advance-in-wild-mls-playoff-win-columbus-crew-through-too-168337/\\\">Orlando City advance in wild MLS playoff win, Columbus Crew through, too</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Pique's absence leaves Barca with Clement Lenglet as their\\none fit central defender, given Samuel Umtiti and Ronald Araujo are also out\\ninjured, AFP said. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Frenkie de Jong has occasionally dropped into defence in\\nrecent weeks but the situation is far from ideal for Ronald Koeman, whose side\\nslipped to their third league loss of the season against Atletico.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Barcelona confirmed PIque's injury on Sunday</li>
  <li>It categorised it as injury to anterior cruciate ligament in right knee</li>
  <li>With the defender out for months, club's position became more vulnerable in La liga&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

#GerardPique