Barcelona cited UEFA rules preventing clubs from changing stadiums during the Champions League's opening phase and "the logistical difficulties and extra costs" if they kept open two grounds at the same time.

Barcelona said on Monday they had secured 1.45 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in funding for a redevelopment plan and would start the renovation of the Camp Nou stadium on June 1.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday to move 12 points clear of their rivals at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona and Manchester City drew an entertaining friendly 3-3 at Camp Nou on Wednesday in a game held to raise awareness of and funds for research into Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Barcelona's attempts to establish themselves once again as a force in La Liga and the Champions League this season have seen the heavily-indebted Catalans gamble with their future to enable a striking summer spending spree.

Barcelona's amazing 6-1 victory over Paris St Germain on Wednesday that sent them through to the Champions League quarter-finals will forever stay in the memories of supporters, coach Luis Enrique said.

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos rescued a draw and maintained the European champions' six-point lead at the top of La Liga in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona on Saturday.

Barcelona's Nou Camp is the biggest soccer arena in Europe and has long been the home of the world's best players but visitors have often complained that it is lacking in atmosphere.

Real Madrid can open a nine-point lead over bitter rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga by winning Saturday's 'Clasico' at the Nou Camp.

Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez insists he did not deliberately attempt to injure Lionel Messi during his side's defeat to Barcelona.

Barcelona open up a comfortable lead in their Copa del Rey last-16 clash with Espanyol after winning the first leg 4-1 at Camp Nou.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has credited Diego Maradona with being his biggest influence starting a career in football.

Luis Suarez scored either side of a Neymar double as Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 Champions League victory over BATE at Camp Nou.

Barcelona's reliance on Lionel Messi should not be considered a bad thing, according to former centre-back Patrik Andersson.

Barcelona were held to a scoreless draw by third-tier Villanovense on Wednesday in a disappointing start to the Copa del Rey for the defending champion.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has responded angrily to reports suggesting Lionel Messi will leave the club, insisting that the reports are "embarrassing".

Barcelona star Neymar has insisted that he will sign a new contract at Camp Nou amid interest from Manchester United.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez says he feels "responsibility" to try and compensate for the loss of Lionel Messi during his injury layoff.

Ivan Rakitic has labelled Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar "football magicians".

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique launched a staunch defence of his players after they came from behind without the injured Lionel Messi to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 on Tuesday.