Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has accused Clasico rivals Barcelona of generating the “biggest scandal in the history of Spanish football”. The Blaugrana remain embroiled in the long-running Negreira case, with accusations being levelled at the Catalan giants of bribing match officials. No definitive conclusion to that saga has been reached, much to the bemusement of Arbeloa.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has sustained a hamstring injury and faces a period on the sidelines, in the wake of his Champions League suspension. The Brazil international was shown a red card during their 4-2 defeat to Benfica and will subsequently be absent from the rematch between the two sides.

Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has established which of the Real Madrid superstars at his disposal are untouchable and will always be selected in the biggest of Los Blancos’ games. The Spaniard took charge of the club following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso earlier this month and has sought to put his stamp on a fractious squad filled with global names.

New Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has publicly admitted he had to tell the Jude Bellingham to "stop running" in training. The former Los Blancos defender, who took over the first-team job recently, expressed his astonishment at Bellingham's boundless stamina - but has urged his star midfielder to conserve his energy.

The eagerly anticipated Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid has been intensified by the pre-match comments of Jose Mourinho, who confirmed he has not offered any specific advice to his former player and current Los Blancos boss, Alvaro Arbeloa. The match at the Estadio da Luz is critical for both sides, with Benfica needing a win to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.