LaLiga news

Atletico Madrid hammered Real Madrid on Saturday in the first derby of the season, with some calamitous defending from Los Blancos leading to a comprehensive 5-2 win from their city rivals. Julian Alvarez stole the show from Kylian Mbappe by scoring twice for Diego Simeone's side, while Antoine Griezmann added a fifth in stoppage time to complete the rout.

Barcelona star Joan Garcia remains sidelined after a successful knee operation with the goalkeeper in danger of missing the Clasico showdown against Real Madrid in late October. The 24-year-old stopper, signed this summer from Espanyol for €25 million, has been ruled out for between four and six weeks after arthroscopic surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Cristiano Ronaldo was named as a key reason for Inigo Martinez to join Al-Nassr from Barcelona as the defender opened up on having "enriching conversations" with the Portugal hero. At 40, Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectation. His blistering display against Al-Ittihad served as another reminder that he’s still operating at the highest level.

Barcelona have been told to get rid of Hansi Flick due to his methods with Robert Lewandowski. Legendary goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski did not mince his words, declaring that a squad the veteran striker “should have won everything", including the Champions League, last season as he blamed the German coach for their failure.

Xabi Alonso believes Franco Mastantuono has the Real Madrid "gene" as the manager waxed lyrical about the 18-year-old's bright start since his summer transfer from River Plate. Madrid’s swoop for Mastantuono had been in the works for months. They agreed a deal but had to bide their time until the wonderkid turned 18. Once the birthday candles were blown out, the six-year contract was sealed, tying him to the Bernabeu until 2031.

Harry Kane became the fastest player to reach 100 goals for a club in Europe's top five leagues after bagging a brace for Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen. The England captain had scored 98 goals in just 103 games for Bayern before kick-off, but his double in Friday's Bundesliga clash brought up his century and put him in a league of his own.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele was confirmed as the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner earlier this week and final voting figures revealed he finished more than 300 points clear of Barcelona's teenage superstar Lamine Yamal. The Frenchman's stellar campaign, which included a historic quadruple, made him only PSG's second ever recipient of the prestigious prize.

Lamine Yamal has expressed his delight at being back fit again after a frustrating period with a groin injury. The 18-year-old missed Barcelona's games against Valencia, Newcastle United, Getafe and Real Oviedo in recent weeks but his time on the sidelines appears to be over. The winger declared he is "back" on Instagram, potentially paving the way for him to return to Hansi Flick's side.

After primary target William Saliba agreed a new long-term deal at Arsenal, Real have reportedly turned their attention back to Ibrahim Konate. The Liverpool defender's contract expires next summer, fitting Madrid's strategy of focusing on free transfers, but there is said to be internal debate at the club over the move.

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed Jude Bellingham is ready to feature in the crucial derby against Atletico Madrid. The England midfielder has returned from shoulder surgery earlier than expected, offering Alonso flexibility in midfield as Los Blancos chase a perfect start to the 2025-26 La Liga season.

Sergio Busquets has announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, prompting an outpouring of emotion from the football world. Former rival and Spain teammate Sergio Ramos paid tribute to the Barcelona legend, calling him “one of the most brilliant midfielders” he ever played alongside.

Kylian Mbappe was hiding in the background while Xabi Alonso soliloquised. It was just after the opening game of the Champions League group phase. Mbappe had pieced together a remarkable Blancos rescue act, scoring twice to overturn a 1-0 deficit (and he might have had one or two more.) Alonso was singing his praises. He hailed Mbappe's "incredible impact", and promised that they were "just getting started.” And then, as he realised Mbappe was in the room - just out of the shot - he tailed off.

Barcelona overturned a first-half deficit to claim a 3-1 win at Real Oviedo, with Robert Lewandowski making a decisive impact off the bench. The striker remains patient over his substitute role but continues to find the net, while Hansi Flick’s tactical tweaks and substitutes, including Frenkie de Jong, proved crucial in securing the comeback.

Luis de la Fuente has dismissed Hansi Flick’s complaints about Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal, saying he’s “not interested” in the Barcelona coach’s criticism. Flick was angered after the teenager was given painkillers on international duty, sparking fears of long-term damage. Now, Barca are carefully managing his recovery ahead of a key Champions League showdown.

Endrick has shut down Real Madrid’s idea of a loan move, insisting on fighting for his place at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 19-year-old has yet to debut under Xabi Alonso after recovering from injury, and with Gonzalo Garcia’s rise adding pressure, the teenager faces a defining battle to earn his breakthrough.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has held meetings regarding two highly-rated Dinamo Zagreb youngsters, reinforcing the club's interest in one long-term target and making contact with another. The former playmaker was in attendance to see the Croatian side in action and is already laying the groundwork for future transfers at Camp Nou.

Barcelona came from behind to beat Real Oviedo 3-1 on Thursday, but summer signing Joan Garcia’s early mistake put the Blaugrana on the back foot. Hansi Flick’s side recovered thanks to the influence of Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong, with the win keeping Barca’s title race alive as they remain just two points behind leaders Real Madrid.