Real Madrid news

Didier Deschamps has launched a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting the Real Madrid superstar will never run "11 kilometres per match" but remains a "true captain" for his country. The France boss hit back at ongoing criticism of the forward’s work rate, claiming his explosive profile requires a different tactical approach to get the best out of him for Les Bleus.

The January transfer window offered admittedly few high profile moves, but there were certainly some significant deals that will have an impact this year and for those to come.

Real Madrid wonderkid Franco Mastantuono has been told he must toughen up and show significantly more bravery if he wants to succeed at the Bernabeu. Argentina legend Mario Kempes believes the 18-year-old is currently failing to reach his potential and has urged him to emulate Barcelona rival Lamine Yamal while outworking superstars like Kylian Mbappe to survive at the club.

Ezequiel Garay forms part of an exclusive group of players. The former Real Madrid and Argentina defender has worked alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That makes him well placed to pass judgement of which of the iconic forwards can be considered the GOAT. It comes as little surprise to find that the South American sides with his fellow countryman.

Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has had his say on some of the top attacking talents in European football, offering his backing to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antoine Semenyo. The four-time Premier League winner was eventually forced to choose his ultimate forward in a bracket that included Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal - scroll on to find out who won!

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reignited the fierce war of words with bitter rivals Real Madrid, publicly mocking the penalty that gifted Kylian Mbappe a late winner against Rayo Vallecano. The outspoken Catalan chief was spotted openly ridiculing the decision, labelling the incident a "dive", suggesting that Alvaro Arbeloa's side are benefitting from favourable officiating as tensions between the two clubs reach boiling point.

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.