LaLiga news

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.

Super sub Robert Lewandowski saved goalkeeper Joan Garcia's blushes as Barcelona came from behind to beat a spirited Real Oviedo 3-1 on Thursday in La Liga. The 37-year-old is not getting any younger but he showed once again that his class is undeniable with a clinical finish against the struggling side. Garcia made a mistake he will want to forget quickly but the Poland star saved the day.

Barcelona star Joan Garcia has come under fire on social media after his costly mistake was instantly punished by Alberto Reina's stunning 40-yard strike for lowly Real Oviedo. The goalkeeper was drawn out of his box by a long ball over the top and just when it looked like he had dealt with the danger, his wayward pass was pounced upon by the Oviedo midfielder to give them a 1-0 lead.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are reportedly inching closer to ending their search to own a second football club. FSG have been at the reins for the Anfield outfit since 2010 and after a slow start, they have overseen a hugely successful period in recent years. But their ambition, it appears, does not stop at Liverpool as they have a Spanish team in their sights.

Real Betis opened their Europa League account with a hard-earned 2-2 draw against Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The Andalusian outfit had Antony to thank as his late equaliser denied Forest all three points. Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo hailed the Brazilian's impact and even went so far as to say that the Manchester United flop might be the club's most important signing ever.