“Xabi stay, Xabi stay,” Barcelona fans chanted from the stands at Camp Nou during the match against Osasuna. The chant, clearly delivered with irony, reflects the current perception surrounding Alonso: that his time at Real Madrid has been harmful to the team. That explains why Barcelona supporters would like his tenure to last as long as possible.

Osasuna were forced to abandon their low block once they found themselves at a disadvantage, allowing Barcelona’s attackers more space to operate. A well-crafted move saw Jules Koundé reach the byline and whip in a cross, and the ball was deflected by an Osasuna defender into the path of Raphinha—he tapped in to secure victory.

Barcelona's long-running financial crisis has taken a dramatic twist after reports claimed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is weighing up a staggering €10 billion offer to buy the club. The proposal,

It’s a frosty December morning in Madrid. But inside its swish Hotel Ritz, there is the warm buzz of money and power. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta enter together, just as the breakfast event at which they ...