"My desire played a trick on me" - Ferran Torres sends message to Barcelona teammates and fans after red card
Barcelona forward Ferran Torres issued an apology to fans and teammates after receiving a red card in a near-perfect outing for the Catalan club against Girona on Sunday (September 15). Barcelona got their fifth league victory in as many games at Estadi Montilivi to solidify their position atop the La Liga table.
The only blemish in an otherwise spotless outing was Ferran Torres' red card (86'). The Spaniard replaced Robert Lewandowski in the 69th minute but could only play for 17 minutes before being given the marching orders by the referee.
Ferran Torres rushed into an unnecessary challenge, stepping on the foot of Yaser Asprilla. A quick look at the VAR left the referee with no choice but to give marching orders to the forward. He will now miss Barcelona's next La Liga game against Villarreal on September 22.
Taking to X after the game, Ferran Torres apologized for his rash decision. The Barcelona forward wrote:
"We won, which is the most important thing, but I want to take this opportunity to apologize to the team, fans and rival player. My desire played a trick on me in that action. The best thing is that a new challenge begins on Thursday." (Translated from Spanish by Google)
Lamine Yamal was the star of the afternoon, scoring two goals (30' and 37') to take the game away from their Catalan neighbors in the first half. Dani Olmo (47') and Pedri (64') added the finishing touches to make it 4-0 for the Blaugrana.
Cristhian Stuani's 80th-minute goal was merely a consolation as the match ended 4-1 in favor of the visitors.
"Hopefully it’s not heavy," - Hansi Flick provides updates as Dani Olmo picks injury in Barcelona vs Girona game
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick provided an update on Dani Olmo's injury after the game against Girona on Sunday. Olmo was forced to leave the pitch with an injury and was replaced by Eric Garcia (61'). The incident happened after he had scored his third goal of the season in the 47th minute to make it 3-0 for the visitors.
Olmo joined the Catalan giants from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window for a reported price tag of €62 million (via GOAL). The Spaniard scored in his first two games for the Catalan giants, immediately justifying the club's investments.
Speaking about the injury after the game, Hansi Flick commented that further tests were required.
“We have to wait and see tomorrow, our doctor takes care of him and we will see. We are not sure. Hopefully, it’s not heavy, but I can’t say anything else,” said Flick to the reporters. (via Barca Blaugranes)
It remains to be seen if Dani Olmo will be able to play in Barcelona's UEFA Champions League 2024-25 opener against Monaco on September 19 at Stade Louis II.