FC Barcelona News: 26 February 2026

Barcelona returned to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Wednesday to begin preparations for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Villarreal, their second consecutive home fixture after last weekend’s victory over Levante at Spotify Camp Nou. Kick-off is scheduled for 4.15 p.m. CET.

The squad was granted a 48-hour breather following the Levante win, and coaching staff quickly shifted focus to the Yellow Submarine, hoping to build momentum ahead of a congested run-in that still includes European and cup obligations.

Speaking of cup business, Raphinha struck an upbeat tone when asked about the upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final return leg against Atlético Madrid. “It’s difficult but we believe we can come back,” the Brazilian winger said, underlining the squad’s refusal to concede the tie despite a first-leg deficit.

Off the pitch, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal collected more silverware, receiving the Aldo Rovira award for the 2024-25 campaign. A cross-section of journalists from leading outlets voted the Blaugrana prodigy the winner for the second straight season, cementing his status as one of European football’s brightest prospects.

In reserve-team action, Barça Atlètic had to claw its way to a 2-2 draw at Castellón B after falling two goals behind inside the opening 20 minutes. The point keeps the developmental side in the thick of the promotion fight.

Meanwhile, transfer talk surrounding Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni appears to be cooling from Barcelona’s perspective. Despite frequent links placing the centre-back on the club’s radar, respected Italian transfer reporter Matteo Moretto indicates Bastoni leans toward remaining at Inter, where the Nerazzurri hierarchy consider him indispensable.

With Villarreal looming and European drama on the horizon, Barcelona’s next few training sessions will be pivotal as they seek balance between rotation and rhythm.