“This is not our Barca” screamed the front page of Sport newspaper, the daily Barcelona cheerleader. Losing 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao, their first league defeat of the season, meant few on planet Barca were happy, despite remaining top of the league.
It was the second setback in four days after failing to win at Ajax, yet doubts about the style of play under new manager Gerardo Martino have been prevalent for much longer. Fans compare everything to what Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side achieved.
For months, Barca players played down the doubts. They said everything was normal, that there was no concern in the dressing room.
As recently as Monday, Andres Iniesta said that the two defeats had not made one iota of difference to the mentality of the players, that the team spirit remained undiminished. Barca watchers begged to differ.
On Wednesday, Gerard Pique faced the media. He is intelligent on and off the field.
Friends say that if you tell him something once then he soaks in the information. His view is a respected one and it has changed.
“When we used to have the ball a lot we could rest,” he said. “Now we play in a more direct way, we find it harder to hold onto the ball. We still press but it’s impossible to press for 90 minutes.”
It was an acknowledgement that Barca’s style has changed. Many say it had to do so, because it was becoming too predictable.
Now, they hit more long balls, especially long diagonal cross-field balls. In San Mames, too many were cut out by Athletic defenders. There also appeared to be confusion among Barca players regarding their tactics.
The attacking 4-3-3 system is ingrained into every player at the club from a young age, but it has been tweaked. Players are not sure if they have to push a high defensive line or play deep, or play balls short and long.
There appears to be a lack of leadership on the pitch, on the bench and from the boardroom.
It is baffling why a new top level central defender hasn’t been purchased. Carles Puyol starts, but he is not fit. And if they are to hit long balls forward, wouldn’t it be wise to have a big forward rather than their diminutive strikers?
Barcelona did not play badly in Bilbao as they had done in Amsterdam. Two defeats caused concern, yet they are still top of the league with 13 wins and a draw from 15 league games.
It hardly constitutes crisis, especially as they are also missing Lionel Messi, Daniel Alves and Jordi Alba, all key players. Nonetheless doubts are growing.
sports@thenational.ae
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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United States |
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China |
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3. |
UAE |
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4. |
Japan |
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5 |
Norway |
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Canada |
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Singapore |
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Australia |
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Saudi Arabia |
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South Korea |
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Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
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- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Sole survivors
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Stormy seas
Weather warnings show that Storm Eunice is soon to make landfall. The videographer and I are scrambling to return to the other side of the Channel before it does. As we race to the port of Calais, I see miles of wire fencing topped with barbed wire all around it, a silent ‘Keep Out’ sign for those who, unlike us, aren’t lucky enough to have the right to move freely and safely across borders.
We set sail on a giant ferry whose length dwarfs the dinghies migrants use by nearly a 100 times. Despite the windy rain lashing at the portholes, we arrive safely in Dover; grateful but acutely aware of the miserable conditions the people we’ve left behind are in and of the privilege of choice.
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The biog
Name: Dr Lalia Al Helaly
Education: PhD in Sociology from Cairo
Favourite authors: Elif Shafaq and Nizar Qabbani.
Favourite music: classical Arabic music such as Um Khalthoum and Abdul Wahab,
She loves the beach and advises her clients to go for meditation.
Company profile
Name: Oulo.com
Founder: Kamal Nazha
Based: Dubai
Founded: 2020
Number of employees: 5
Sector: Technology
Funding: $450,000
