Real Madrid news

Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr in the summer, with a move to either Major League Soccer or a return to Europe both options for the Portugal superstar. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United ace has a release clause of €50 million (£43m/$59m) in his contract ahead of the summer window and will not lack for offers if he decide to quit the Saudi Pro League.

January is a notoriously bad time for buyers because nobody ever wants to sell top talent midway through the season. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. Some clubs need to raise funds to balance the books, while others can be left with not option but to unload an unhappy player who has made it clear that he wants to join a stronger side.

Jude Bellingham left the field in tears after picking up an untimely injury in Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. The England international crumpled to the turf clutching at his hamstring, with immediate fears being raised regarding how long he could be sidelined for. According to reports in Spain, the 22-year-old has avoided a serious setback and will only be out for around a month.

After all the drama provided by the Champions League in midweek, domestic action returned over the weekend, and it did not disappoint. Title races and battles to earn European spots are heating up around the continent, with there plenty of twists and turns still to come over the next three-and-a-half months.

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.

Rumours linking Bruno Fernandes with a stunning January move to Real Madrid have been shut down by Fabrizio Romano. The transfer guru reports that claims the Manchester United captain offered himself to Los Blancos this month are "completely fake". Fernandes' future has been a frequent topic of discussion, but it appears likely that the 31-year-old will remain at Old Trafford until at least the end of the season, as his side seek Champions League qualification.

A late, if rather fortuitous, Kylian Mbappe penalty bailed out Real Madrid as they edged Rayo Vallecano, 2-1, on Sunday. Los Blancos were poor for most of the game, but a spot-kick deep into second-half stoppage time, converted by Mbappe, handed them a narrow win to stay within a point of Liga leaders Barcelona. Vinicius Jr also found the net in what was an unconvincing victory at the Bernabeu.

Jude Bellingham has suffered a serious injury scare during England’s countdown to the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid midfielder was left clutching at his hamstring during a La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. He was clearly in some pain, after crumpling to the turf, and has handed untimely fitness concerns to Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa and Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.

How to watch the LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano, as well as kick-off time and team news.

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.

Endrick has addressed speculation over his long-term future after the striker opened up on his “almost perfect” start to life at Lyon following his loan move from Real Madrid. The Brazil international has well and truly hit the ground running in Ligue 1, scoring four goals in just three games, leading to talk his temporary spell in France could even be extended.

Enzo Fernandez is reportedly among a group of Chelsea players who feel their recent performances should prompt fresh talks about a new contract. The Argentine has been linked with interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain but he still has more than six years on his current deal. Blues boss Liam Rosenior is keen to retain the midfielder but whether he stays at the club next season remains to be seen.

Real Madrid will be reunited with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League knockout play-off round, while title holders Paris Saint-Germain must overcome domestic rivals Monaco in order to reach the last-16 and Newcastle face a tough test against Qarabag. A number of European heavyweights are paying the price for failing to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.