Chirayu Parmar

Trent Alexander-Arnold is edging closer to a Real Madrid return and could make the squad against Juventus after resuming group training. However, Xabi Alonso is still unsure about the condition of Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen ahead of Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona, with several key players facing late fitness tests in a decisive week for Los Blancos.

Former Brazil manager Emerson Leao has launched a fierce attack on Neymar, calling him “not an example to anyone” and claiming the forward is “past his prime”. Leao criticised the 33-year-old's lifestyle, fitness and declining form, reigniting debate over the Santos star’s place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans.

Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a major double boost ahead of their Champions League showdown against Bayer Leverkusen, with Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos back in the squad after injury layoffs. The French champions travel to Germany with renewed confidence, although Luis Enrique will still be without midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves.

Harry Kane has defended Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham after the youngster struggled in the 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. The England captain urged patience and encouraged the 20-year-old to “keep working hard,” as questions grow over his adaptation to life at Dortmund following his high-profile transfer from Sunderland in the summer window.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly defended coach Hansi Flick after he was sent off in the 2-1 win over Girona on Saturday, claiming he was “pushed to the limit” by referee Gil Manzano. The German received two yellow cards in quick succession and now risks missing the touchline for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid.

Real Madrid escaped Getafe with a hard-fought 1-0 win, thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s strike and Vinicius Jr provoking two red cards. Xabi Alonso praised his players’ resilience in a tense, scrappy game, while dismissing claims that Los Blancos are overly reliant on Mbappe ahead of a decisive week featuring Juventus in the Champions League and Barcelona in El Clasico.

Real Madrid snatched a 1-0 win over Getafe in dramatic circumstances, but the home side were left furious after Allan Nyom’s red card and a controversial VAR decision turned the game. Kylian Mbappe scored the late winner as tempers flared, with Getafe players accusing officials of bias and claiming the match was “stolen”.

Nico Schlotterbeck has admitted he is in no rush to sign a new Borussia Dortmund contract, saying he will “see where it leads”, as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid monitor the defender’s situation. Dortmund want him tied down until 2030, but fresh doubts over his long-term plans have reopened transfer speculation.

Barcelona came close to missing the Champions League after UEFA threatened sanctions over financial fair play breaches. President Joan Laporta confirmed the club narrowly avoided sporting punishment by negotiating a reduced fine. The move highlights how far Barca have come financially, though challenges remain as the club continues rebuilding its economic stability.

Bayern Munich have been told it would be a “must” to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck if contract talks with Dayot Upamecano collapse. With the Frenchman’s future uncertain and Liverpool monitoring the situation, Lothar Matthaus believes the German international could be the ideal replacement one who already knows the Bundesliga inside out.

Hansi Flick admitted he’s “particularly sad” about Raphinha’s situation as Barcelona's injury crisis deepens, with Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres also ruled out this week after returning from international duty. With key forwards missing and El Clasico approaching, the German coach faces a growing headache as the Catalans prepare for decisive games against Girona, Olympiacos and Real Madrid.

Barcelona have officially renewed their partnership with Spotify, extending their sponsorship through 2030 and maintaining the naming rights of Camp Nou until 2034. The deal comes just months before the stadium’s grand reopening, marking a new chapter in Barca’s long-term strategy to unite football, music and global audiences.

Barcelona have been granted permission to reopen the Camp Nou to 27,000 fans after the city council approved the stadium’s first occupancy phase. However, the club have chosen to remain at Montjuic for now, prioritising financial stability and waiting for a larger capacity clearance before making their long-awaited return home.

Romelu Lukaku’s agent has revealed that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti once considered signing the Belgian striker before the club turned their focus to Kylian Mbappe. The Napoli forward was seen as a short-term option, but Madrid opted to wait - a decision that eventually brought the French superstar to the Bernabeu on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has opened up on his unexpected bond with Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Al-Nassr. The Spaniard praised the Portuguese icon’s humility, calling him “approachable” and obsessed with football, while recalling a touching late-night meeting soon after his arrival at the Saudi Pro League club in the summer transfer window.

Juventus are under investigation once again after UEFA opened proceedings into alleged financial irregularities between 2022 and 2025. The probe, which could lead to new fines or squad registration limits, adds to growing concerns over the club’s financial stability just a year after their European ban.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is under fresh scrutiny after former presidential candidate Victor Font accused the club of concealing €80 million (£67m/$87m) in losses and mismanaging key projects. Font has urged for elections “as soon as possible,” reigniting tensions ahead of the 2026 race and questioning the transparency of the current regime.

Luca Zidane has received his first-ever Algeria call-up at 27 years old, marking a new chapter in his career. The Granada goalkeeper, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, switched his international allegiance from France and says he’s “ready to give everything” with the Fennecs already sure of a place at the 2026 World Cup.