Laia Cervelló Herrero

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Laia Cervelló Herrero |Pol Ballús

Barcelona's team plane landed at around 4am on Wednesday after a rollercoaster two days in Milan. They had been knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage by Inter, thanks to a cruel twist of fate from their point of view. With less than three of the second leg's 90 minutes to go, Barcelona were ahead for the first time in the tie thanks to a goal from Raphinha which looked like it had completed a remarkable comeback 2-0 down on the night (and 5-3 overall) for Hansi Flick's side.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Laia Cervelló Herrero

While the Inter Milan players celebrated like madmen, the Barcelona players struggled to mask their pain. Gerard Martin sat on the pitch, staring blankly into the distance, struggling to hold back the tears. Fermin Lopez, who had already lost the battle against his emotions, went over to hug him, completely soaked by the rain that fell incessantly on the Giuseppe Meazza stadium throughout the evening.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Laia Cervelló Herrero

It was extra time in an already intense match. Taking advantage of Ferran Torres' substitution for Pau Victor, he took a breather. He crouched down and then put his hands on his knees, clearly exhausted. He was spent. So were the three forwards. But he had enough strength left to become the unexpected hero. He intercepted a pass from Luka Modric to Brahim Diaz - who slipped a second earlier - lifted his head, looked at Thibaut Courtois' goal and didn't think twice.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Laia Cervelló Herrero

Ansu Fati took off his bib, threw it to the ground and headed straight for the second row of seats on the bench, kicking a few empty seats on the way for good measure. There were only a few minutes left of the game against Celta Vigo on Saturday but, despite a lengthy warm up on the touchline, he was not going to come on - as has happened so many times before. Fati's disappointment was laid bare. He was not the only one to be left disgruntled at the weekend.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Laia Cervelló Herrero

Barcelona Femeni defender Mapi Leon has been banned for two matches following an incident with Espanyol opponent Daniela Caracas during a Liga F match in February. After that game, Espanyol expressed their "total discontent and condemnation" with the incident, which occurred in the 15th minute of the league derby between the two sides. Video footage widely circulated on social media appeared to show Barcelona defender Leon, 29, inappropriately touching Caracas.