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Portuguese full-back: This player’s absence is affecting Barcelona

When Barcelona travelled to take on Atletico Madrid on Saturday, they did so in the knowledge that securing victory would be a giant step towards defending their title in La Liga. Real Madrid had lost at Mallorca earlier in the day, meaning a seven-point gap could potentially be opened up on Los Blancos at the summit.

Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has identified Bayern Munich star Michael Olise as the ideal "like-for-like" successor to Mohamed Salah ahead of the Egyptian's summer departure. The 33-year-old forward recently confirmed he will end his legendary nine-year stint at Anfield, leaving the Reds’ recruitment team with a monumental task to fill the void on the right wing.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has been forced to rejig her squad slightly ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Iceland next week, after an injury withdrawal. The England manager has taken the opportunity to hand out another maiden call-up while also strengthening her squad with a further body, by adding Chelsea full-back Niamh Charles following her strong return to action after three months out.

Former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. The 41-year-old appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool at Liverpool Crown Court, having been denied bail at a previous hearing over an alleged incident involving a 51-year-old man at a Merseyside golf club.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has called Marcus Rashford's potential £26 million (£34m) transfer to Barcelona an "absolute robbery". The defender-turned-pundit believes the England international has finally rediscovered his best form on loan at the Spotify Camp Nou and would like to see him return to Old Trafford.

The player brings a long career on the pitch to an end

Former Arsenal and Wales star Aaron Ramsey has officially retired from professional football with immediate effect. The 35-year-old playmaker, who remains one of the most decorated players in Welsh history, calls time on a glittering career that spanned nearly two decades and included three FA Cup triumphs with the Gunners.

Manchester United have joined the race for Southampton’s Shea Charles after the midfielder dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup. The Red Devils face competition from Premier League rivals for the former Manchester City prodigy.

Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has revealed his heartbreak over Carlos Tevez’s controversial move to Manchester City in 2009. The former defender admitted to jokingly threatening the striker after the transfer while suggesting the move was a direct act of "payback" following a breakdown in Tevez's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Deniz Undav’s role in the Germany squad was a hot topic during the recent international break. Things are now set to calm down.

Joshua Kimmich has moved to diffuse tensions with Vinicius Junior as Bayern Munich travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. The Germany international insists there is no lingering animosity following their previous high-stakes encounters in Europe.

Chelsea's first-team squad have reportedly appealed to head coach Liam Rosenior to lift Enzo Fernandez's disciplinary suspension ahead of their pivotal Premier League meeting with Manchester City. Despite his team-mates viewing him as an essential tactical component, the 25-year-old remains sidelined after publicly casting doubt over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Lionel Messi found himself trending for an unusual reason following Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with Austin. The legendary forward produced a rare misplaced pass that left fans convinced he was still looking for his retired former team-mate Jordi Alba.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his latest unconventional training methods after footage of his players balancing pens between their fingers while dribbling went viral. The Spaniard insists that these unique exercises are designed to foster clarity and commitment within the squad as they look to move past recent domestic cup disappointments.

Manchester United have announced Harry Maguire has signed a new contract running until 2027, with the option of a further year. Maguire's previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, but the Red Devils have moved to tie him down to fresh terms following another season of impressive performances.

Brazil sensation Endrick has opened up about his fascination with Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton and the 'Bobby' nickname bestowed upon him by his Real Madrid team-mates. The teenager revealed that his appreciation for the 1966 World Cup winner stems from a unique blend of modern gaming and historical research.

Minnesota United have provided a positive update on James Rodriguez following his recent emergency hospitalization. The Colombian superstar has returned to the club’s training facility after a health scare while on international duty.

Former England international Conor Coady has been discharged from hospital after a frightening head injury left him unconscious during Charlton Athletic’s 1-1 draw with Watford. The 33-year-old, currently on loan from Wrexham, required nine minutes of on-field treatment after blocking a powerful shot with his face in the closing stages at Vicarage Road, before he was stretchered off and taken to hospital.

Antonio Conte has admitted he is "flattered" by links to the Italy national team job, opening the door to a second spell managing his country. The Napoli boss suggested that systemic changes are required to fix the Azzurri following their latest World Cup qualification failure.

Jose Mourinho has publicly declared his intention to remain as Benfica head coach next season despite a frustrating campaign that has left the club's silverware hopes in tatters. The 63-year-old dismissed suggestions that his representative has been trying to engineer an exit from the Estadio da Luz, insisting that he alone remains in charge of his professional destiny.

It was one of those passes that only Trent Alexander-Arnold could play. Liverpool had struggled to break down Tottenham in December 2024, Spurs holding strong for 23 minutes despite waves of pressure. And then, Alexander-Arnold delivered the killer ball. He drifted in from the right wing, created the ideal angle, and whipped a cross in between two centre-backs, right onto Luis Diaz's head.

Christophe Dugarry has predicted that Paris Saint-Germain will "massacre" Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final first leg. The France World Cup winner believes the gulf between the two teams is "colossal" and he doesn't expect a serious challenge from Arne Slot's struggling Reds at the Parc des Princes.

The hour is drawing near!

A visibly dejected Jose Mourinho has effectively conceded the Liga Portugal title race following Benfica’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Casa Pia. The legendary manager questioned the professional hunger of certain squad members, suggesting they "don't breathe football" after a defensive lapse saw them throw away a lead despite commanding possession.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series tracking the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we focus on Egypt, travelling across nine decades of footballing triumphs, heartbreaks, miracles, and rebirth; from silent years that tested a nation’s patience, to the unforgettable return in 1990, and the rise of a boy from Nagrig who carried a continent’s dreams on his shoulders: Mohamed Salah.

Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has lashed out at the "shameful" state of officiating in Spain. The Atleti chief expressed his fury after VAR intervention led to a red card for Barcelona’s Gerard Martin being overturned.

Napoli manager Antonio Conte has called for realism regarding his side's Scudetto chances despite a late 1-0 victory over AC Milan moving the reigning champions into second place. While the result narrowed the gap to the Serie A summit to seven points, Conte admitted that catching Inter remains a tough task.

Pessimism hangs over the upcoming match