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      Pep Guardiola’s brother, 47, leads minnows to top of LaLiga as he prepares to face Jude Bellingham in title clash

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      IT will be no surprise to anyone to hear ­Guardiola is top of the league.But it is a bit of a shock to realise it is the club run by Pere Guardiola, not his brother Pep.
      Pere Guardiola, right, has taken Girona to the top of LaLigaCredit: Getty
      Pere plays football similar to that of Pep’s Manchester CityCredit: Alamy
      And that it is Spanish minnows Girona, not ­Manchester City, who are No 1.
      The unlikely LaLiga pace-setters went to the summit after their win at Villarreal on Wednesday night.
      Next up, and visiting the 14,000-capacity Estadi Montilivi on Saturday, are Jude Bellingham and second-placed Real Madrid.
      The prospect of Girona, who joined the global City Football Group headed by the Etihad outfit in 2017, playing in the Champions League may already be causing concerns for Uefa.
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      Their rules currently ban clubs under mutual ownership playing in the same competition.
      Yet the Catalan side, in only their fourth LaLiga campaign in 90 years, are the fairytale story of the season.
      A side that plays Pep-like football — all about excitement and attacking, high pressing and quick feet rather than the overwhelming control of City.
      But one that has done it on a shoestring, featuring a cast of unlikely stars and a Middlesbrough flop who is a true local hero.
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      Pere Guardiola at 47, five years younger than his sibling, came to prominence initially as an agent, with clients including Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta.
      But in 2017, shortly before the City buy-out, he took a 16 per cent stake in Girona, where he is now ‘chairman’, combined with work as a player representative.
      It has not been an unmitigated success, with three years in Liga B after relegation in 2019 and promotion then only gained via the play-offs.
      That was the first season with former Rayo Vallecano midfielder Michel as boss — and the start of a rebuild led by one-time Boro winger Cristhian Stuani.
      The Uruguayan, now 36, refused to leave after relegation, pledging to stay until he had scored for the club in LaLiga once more, a feat he has now accomplished 12 times in 40 matches.
      One-time Manchester United stalwart Daley Blind has brought experience, with former City man Eric Garcia on loan from Barcelona.
      The craft comes from Ukrainian Viktor Tsyhankov, signed from Dinamo Kiev, and 19-year-old Brazilian schemer Savio, who is on loan from French sister club Troyes.
      Six wins and a draw in an unbeaten start has seen the 18-goal joint top scorers rise to the summit for the first time in the club’s history.
      Michel, who gave the go-ahead for a celebratory dressing-room picture after Wednesday’s win, said: “It’s great to look at the table and see that we are top.
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      “We could only savour it for one night because we had to start preparing for Real Madrid.
      “Still, we deserved to enjoy the moment. This is a team that believes in what it is doing.” More

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      Broke Barcelona announce huge £263m pre-tax profit… but there’s a catch

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      BARCELONA have announced a pre-tax profit of £263million with the club announcing a record turnover.The Spanish giants have been plagued by financial issues in recent years but appear to be back on the right path.
      Barcelona have announced a pre-tax profit of £263millionCredit: EPA
      Barcelona had to sell top players like Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, while Lionel Messi also left the club.
      But now the club is back in the green thanks to record merchandise and ticket sales.
      Barcelona have also raised £303m through commercial activity – with £173m in sponsorship alone thanks in part to a deal with front-of-shirt sponsor Spotify.
      Barcelona club stores have also raised a record £73m over the last year.
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      The Barcelona museum has a turnover of around £35m while the Women’s team has also seen its most successful financial campaign to date.
      Record gate income of £2.3m has helped produce a record turnover of £6.7m – a 95 per cent increase on the previous season.
      That has helped the club record a turnover of £1.89billion, and a pre-tax profit of £263m.
      However, that total takes into consideration the recently agreed LaLiga TV deal.
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      Barca are set to bring in £346m across the five-year deal, which begins from the 2024-25 season.
      The club has also been forced to offload a number of assets to balance the books – and not just players.
      Last month Barcelona sold 25 per cent of their Barca studios to cryptocurrency firm Socios.com for £85m to help register new signings. More

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      Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski’s bizarre ‘backwards eating diet’ revealed and it’s inspired by nutritionist wife Anna

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      BARCELONA superstar Robert Lewandowski has adopted a strange backwards eating diet that sees him eat dessert BEFORE starters.Lewandowski is one of the best strikers in the world having terrorised opposing defences for years during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and now Barca.
      Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski is in top shape thanks to a bizarre backwards dietCredit: Instagram @_rl9
      Lewandowski eats dessert and then moves on to the starter and main courseCredit: Getty
      Lewandowski was inspired by his wife Anna, who is a nutritionistCredit: Instagram @annalewandowska
      And the 35-year-old has stated he didn’t really reach the best of his ability until he sorted his diet out.
      Many would think that means he would cut sugar, fast food and alcohol, but in the Poland international’s case it means something way more radical.
      According to The Guardian, Lewandowski switched the order of his meals as part of a diet that would be the dream of any child told by their mum they have to eat their veggies before pudding.
      The Pole star always starts with dessert before moving on to his starter and main course.
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      But there is a method to this madness as Lewa was inspired by his wife Anna, who is a former karate champion that now specialises in fitness and nutrition.
      The idea behind it is that sugary foods are digested faster and thus re-ordering meals ensures they don’t mix with other food groups, like proteins and carbohydrates.
      This unique approach helps fat burn quicker and has worked out for the Barcelona star who is still in sensational shape despite his advanced age.
      Lewandowski’s former Poland team-mate Thiago Cionek, though, insists there is much more to his diet assigned by Anna.
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      Cionek told ESPN: “He is a guy who is hungry to improve as a player, and for that reason, he has a special diet that his wife gives him.
      “She is a nutritionist and is well known in Poland. Robert even told me that the big change in his career, when he reached the elite clubs and in the national team, was when he radically changed what he ate.
      “On game day, he eats a lot of protein. And there is always tuna for breakfast. He also avoids anything with gluten and lactose.
      “The day before playing, after dinner, he still finishes off with a bowl of rice pudding to fill the body with carbohydrates and glucose to play the next day. Then, in recovery, there are lots of vegetables and avocado.” More

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      Barcelona ‘charged with BRIBERY’ as Spanish champions face Champions League ban over referee payments

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      BARCELONA could be banned from the Champions League after being charged with allegedly bribing referees.Back in March, SunSport reported the Catalan giants could be axed from Europe’s elite competition if they are found guilty.
      Barcelona could be banned from the Champions League if found guiltyCredit: EPA
      The Catalan giants last lifted the Champions League back in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now Spanish outlet El Debate are reporting that judge Joaquin Aguirre has accused Barcelona of bribery.
      This relates to £6million in payments to Jose Maria Enruquez Negreira – former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees.
      Ex-Barcelona presidents Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell have both been charged, along with Negreira and his son Javier Enriquez Romero.
      The LaLiga champions are accused of breaching a law which bans officials from receiving reward for their performances of public duties.
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      The Supreme Court have classified Negreira as an individual who was performing a public function.
      The charges allege that Negreira was given cash through a shell company set up by ex-Barcelona director Josep Contreras.
      It is also alleged Contreras earned 50 per cent commission from this transaction.
      Former ref Alberto Gimenez has also accused Negreira of labelling him a “chicken” in a “secret match-fixing meeting”.
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      He told RadioMarca: “Negreira pressured me. He met me with other referees and told me: ‘Hey chicken, be careful with what you say on television. You already understand me. Be careful’.
      “There is a formula for fixing matches. It’s a fool’s trap: I’m a friend of ‘such and such’ who will support you, you give me so much and I’ll fix it for you.
      “If the result is negative, the money is returned. If he wins, he is marked for life. If he loses and returns the money, he has another chance.”

      LaLiga president Javier Tebas previously urged Barca president Laporta to explain the situation.
      The club’s vice-president, Rafael Yuste, then claimed they had hired a law firm to begin an investigation.
      Yuste also claimed the payments to Negreira’s Dasnil company ended in 2018.
      One of the potential punishments for Barcelona includes a Champions League ban.
      The Spanish side have not won the competition since 2015 and were eliminated in the group stage in each of the past two seasons. More

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      Athletic Bilbao star Oihan Sancet sent off for horror challenge against Getafe as Mason Greenwood starts first match

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO star Oihan Sancet was sent off for a horror challenge during Mason Greenwood’s full Getafe debut.The Manchester United loanee has not started a football match since January 2022 – when he was suspended by the Red Devils.
      Athletic Bilbao star Oihan Sancet was sent off for horror challenge on Jose Angel CarmonaCredit: La Liga
      Mason Greenwood started his first match for GetafeCredit: Alamy
      He made substitute appearances against Osasuna and Real Sociedad before Getafe boss Jose Bordalas trusted the winger to start against Athletic Bilbao.
      But just six minutes into the contest his side fell behind – before a horror tackle turned the match around.
      Sancet lunged for a 50-50 aerial ball but used his foot while Athletic Bilbao star Jose Angel Carmona went in with his head.
      The result was a nasty collision with Sancet kicking Carmona in the back.
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      The referee was left with little choice but to brandish a red card, and Getafe capitalised by equalising six minutes after half-time.
      Greenwood played a big role in the goal as it was his corner that was glanced in by Gaston Alvarez – taking a deflection off Inaki Williams.
      However, Williams would make amends as he struck to put his side back in front.
      The ten men battled on but were dealt a late blow when Juanmi Latasa scored with nine minutes left of normal time.
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      Getafe have now won one, drawn one and lost one since Greenwood arrived.
      They face Villarreal on Saturday and the 21-year-old will be hoping to be named in the starting line-up once again. More

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      Mason Greenwood to make first START for Getafe since Man Utd loan transfer in LaLiga showdown with Athletic Club

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      MASON GREENWOOD has been named in the starting line-up by Getafe for the first time.The loanee will start their trip to Athletic Club in La Liga on Wednesday evening.
      Mason Greenwood has been handed his first start since joining GetafeCredit: Rex
      Greenwood completed a season-long loan switch to Getafe from Manchester United on transfer deadline day.
      The 21-year-old made his debut earlier this month as his new club picked up their first win of the season.
      He came off the bench for the final 13 minutes of Getafe’s 3-2 win at home to Osasuna.
      It was an eventful debut for Greenwood, who was targeted with chants by the Osasuna fans.
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      However, their manager Jagoba Arrasate later defended the former England international after the match.
      Greenwood also came off the bench on Sunday as Getafe fell to a 4-3 defeat in a seven-goal thriller against Real Sociedad.
      Before his debut, the Red Devils academy product had not played a competitive match since January 2022, when he started in United’s 1-0 home win over West Ham.
      The club suspended Greenwood shortly after he was arrested later that year.
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      Greenwood made his Getafe debut off the bench last weekendCredit: Rex
      He was arrested on suspicion of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 
      However, the CPS dropped all charges in February 2023.   More

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      Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe LIVE: Latest updates as Mason Greenwood STARTS first La Liga game – stream, TV

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      MASON GREENWOOD is back in action tonight as his Getafe side take on Athletic Bilbao in La Liga – and he’s starting!Getafe lost to Real Sociedad at the weekend but Greenwood and Co will be hoping for a better outcome tonight against their Basque opponents.

      Kick-off time: 6pm BST
      Stream/TV: Viaplay TV
      Getafe XI: To follow

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      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      Getafe formation

      Athletic Bilbao formation

      Athletic Bilbao subs
      13 Agirrezabala, 5 Yeray, 10 Muniain, 14 D. Garcia, 15 Lekue, 19 Imanol, 20 Villalibre, 22 R. Garcia, 24 Prados, 29 Ares, 20 Unai.
      Getafe subs
      Fuzato, Benito, Djene, Mata, Oscar, Latasa, Alderete, Lozano, Carmona, Mitrovic, Damian, Patrick.
      Athletic Bilbao XI
      1 Simon; 18 De Marcos, 3 Vivian, 4 Paredes, 17 Yuri; 21 Herrera, 6 Vesga; 9 Williams, 8 Sancet, 7 Berenguer; Guruzeta.

      Getafe XI
      Mason Greenwood makes his first start for Getafe.
      13 Soria, 3 Angileri, 4 Gaston, 6 Domingos, 8 Arambarri, 11 Alena, 12 Greenwood, 16 Rico, 19 Borja, 20 Maksimovic, 21 Iglesias.

      The team sheets are in!!!
      Mason Greenwood loan
      Manchester United loaned Mason Greenwood to Getafe during the summer transfer window.
      That was after a six-month internal investigation over charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      The charges against Greenwood were dropped but United opted against having him in Erik ten Hag’s squad this season.
      The striker hasn’t managed to impress so far at the Alfonso Perez.
      Credit: Rex
      Head-to-head
      Athletic Bilbao and Getafe’s first ever encounter took place back in 2004 when the latter won 3-1 at home.
      Since then, the two sides have faced off 36 times with Valverde’s side winning a small majority of 11 times across all competitions.
      Bordalas’ team have picked up nine victories along the way.
      Their last four meetings finished in a draw after Bilbao’s 5-1 victory at San Mames in 2021.
      Getafe haven’t won since 2020 when they prevailed with a score of 2-0 away.
      Credit: Getty
      Team news
      Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde will be without Nico Williams.
      Williams is set to miss a third consecutive game due to a muscle injury he sustained while on international duty with Spain.
      Peru Nolaskoain is also sidelined with a knee problem, while Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta is dealing with a calf injury.
      Getafe boss Jose Bordalas, on the other hand, has no fresh injury concerns.
      However, Bordalas will still be without Luis Milla and forward Enes Unal who are out with a muscle and knee injury respectively.
      But the Spanish tactician could welcome Real Madrid loanee Juanmi Latasa back to the starting line-up after he came off to score against Real Sociedad last time out.
      It is currently unknown whether Mason Greenwood will start for the visitors tonight at San Mames.
      Credit: Getty
      Shirts at the ready
      This is the scene inside the dressing room at the San Mames…

      Greenwood to start?
      Mason Greenwood will be desperate to start tonight after making a handful of substitute appearances for Getafe so far.
      He’ll also be pining to get his first goal for his new club.
      Credit: AP
      Welcome to Athletic vs Getafe
      Getafe are back in action tonight as they take on Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
      Mason Greenwood has yet to start for his new side but that full debut could come tonight.
      Greenwood and Co lost 4-3 in thrilling fashion to Real Sociedad at the weekend.
      But they’ll be out to turn their fortunes around tonight against a Bilbao side who are bang in form.
      Load more entries… More

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      Barcelona looking to raid CHAMPIONSHIP in shock summer transfer leaving fans confused

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      BARCELONA are reportedly sniffing around in the Championship as they identify a new target for next summer. The Catalan giants have left fans confused over reports that they are interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City.
      Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester CityCredit: Getty
      Xavi is looking for midfield reinforcements and could sign Ndidi for free on the expiry of his contract next summerCredit: Getty
      According to SPORT, Barcelona are keeping tabs on the Nigerian midfielder and are considering an approach in the summer when he will be a free agent.
      Ndidi’s current contract with The Foxes is set to expire in June 2024 when Barca would be able to snatch him up on a free transfer.
      The La Liga outfit have had difficulty with balancing their finances in recent seasons and the option to take on players without a transfer fee is something they have leant into.
      Despite the potential deal seeming to be a savvy acquisition, fans have been left shocked by the idea of Barcelona raiding the Championship for midfield reinforcements.
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      One fan took to social media to say: “Free transfer masters, Barcelona scouts are out looking for players that have only one year left in their contracts.”
      Another seemed stumped that Barcelona were after Ndidi, simply asking: “Barcelona??”
      A free deal for Ndidi would be considered as a win by the club who, according to SPORT, were quoted £70m when they approached Leicester for a deal in years gone by.
      And they would beat some stiff competition to his signature with reports suggesting that Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have all considered a move for the 26-year-old.
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      The former Genk man has been a regular in Leicester’s team this season and has already got off to an impressive start.
      He has netted three times and registered one assist in his ten appearances in all competitions this term.
      Ndidi was relegated to the Championship with Leicester last seasonCredit: Getty More