LaLiga news

Xabi Alonso has offered a robust defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness, form, and future at Real Madrid, as the English defender prepares to make only his third league start of the season in Sunday’s away trip to Elche. The 27-year-old’s transfer from Liverpool has not yet ignited in the Spanish capital, with recurring injuries limiting him to brief cameo appearances and only two starts in La Liga.

Barcelona enjoyed a successful return to the Camp Nou, as they dispatched Athletic Club 3-0 in their first game at their spiritual home in almost three years. A Ferran Torres brace and goals from Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez gave Hansi Flick's side a comfortable victory. The visitors' job was made harder when Oihan Sanchet was given his marching orders for a horrendous challenge on Lopez.

Marcus Rashford will have to wait a little longer to play in Barcelona's newly reopened Camp Nou after being ruled out of their clash with Athletic Club. The Manchester United loanee has enjoyed an excellent start to life with the Catalan outfit, contributing a hatful of goals and assists. But the Blaugrana say he will not feature in Saturday's La Liga encounter as they try to close in on rivals Real Madrid.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has weighed into the Jude Bellingham debate and urged the Real Madrid and England superstar to focus on his job and not be distracted by his critics. Tension has developed between the midfielder and Thomas Tuchel, which has primarily focused on player behaviour and squad integration. The situation began in the summer when Tuchel referred to Bellingham's on-field demeanour as "repulsive."

Sergio Ramos has left fans bemused and delighted in equal measure after posting a light-hearted Instagram video of himself dancing to Taylor Swift’s global hit Shake It Off. The 39-year-old, now playing for Monterrey in Mexico, showed a surprisingly playful side - a huge contrast to the uncompromising persona that defined his peak years at Real Madrid.

David Alaba’s journey from Bayern Munich icon to injury-hampered Real Madrid defender continues to spark debate in Germany, especially as Austria’s World Cup qualification thrusts him back into the spotlight. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has now addressed rising speculation over a potential return, praising Alaba’s influence but insisting there are “no plans yet.”

Bayern Munich's sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed that the club tried to sign Antony in the summer transfer window. The winger earlier revealed that Vincent Kompany personally called him late on deadline night before he chose Real Betis. Now Freund has confirmed that talks did indeed take place, offering clarity on Bayern’s approach, their evaluation of the player, and why the move ultimately remained only a possibility.

A war of words has erupted between La Liga and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following scathing criticism by president Javier Tebas. The Spanish league chief used a recent appearance at a sports summit in Argentina to lament the state of football in the South American country and the way its institutions are managed, drawing a sharp rebuke from AFA president Claudio Tapia.

Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has warned emerging superstar Lamine Yamal about the inevitable "downsides" of football stardom, such as injuries and pressure. While praising the teenage winger as a "truly special player," Rakitic emphasised the importance of Yamal following his own path rather than being compared to club legends.

Barcelona’s long-awaited Camp Nou return has been anything but calm. Hansi Flick welcomes the timely comebacks of Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but the uncertainty around Marcus Rashford's illness, and Frenkie de Jong's suspension casts a shadow over a crucial weekend. With Pedri still monitored closely, Barca step into their homecoming fighting fitness as much as form.

Former Germany defender Jerome Boateng has started training with Hansi Flick and Barcelona as he aims to to complete practical requirements for his coaching license. The recently-retired player saw a planned internship at former club Bayern Munich cancelled following vocal fan protests regarding his conviction for domestic assault.

Former Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has expressed his admiration for international team-mate Luka Modric, stating that AC Milan are not aware of how lucky are to have the Real Madrid legend in their squad. Rakitic described Modric as a "unique, special" player whose approach to football is "admirable," urging football fans universally to appreciate the 40-year-old's enduring quality.

Barcelona enter a decisive moment in their season with uncertainty surrounding Marcus Rashford, who left training for the second consecutive day due to a severe flu, casting doubt over his availability for the highly-anticipated return to Camp Nou against Athletic Bilbao. As Hansi Flick’s side prepares for their long-awaited homecoming, crucial injury boosts and a renewed push for confidence shape the narrative ahead of a demanding run.

Barcelona have reiterated their stance on a loan transfer for Lionel Messi, with club president Joan Laporta saying such a deal is "not realistic". He has also suggested that those clinging to the dream of seeing the Argentine GOAT return to Catalunya in a playing capacity "live in the past", with La Liga's champions having moved on from their most iconic No.10.

Antoine Griezmann has opened up about the "mental" toll of Atletico Madrid's collapse in La Liga and the Champions League last season, admitting his "spirits plummeted" during the difficult month of March. However, following his contract renewal until 2027, the French forward is determined to achieve more with the club, targeting major trophies and aiming to finally exorcise the demons of his 2016 Champions League final penalty miss.

Hansi Flick admits his Barcelona team are lacking in the confidence required to challenge for all titles this season, but remains convinced “everything will be fine” as key players - Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Joan Garcia, and Raphinha - are nearing returns from various injuries. With nine games coming up in the next four weeks, the revival of his squad could not come at a better time.

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has declared his ambition to win "everything," including the World Cup, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or, after receiving the Di Stéfano Award for the best player of the 2024-25 season by Marca. The 18-year-old star, who recently returned to partial training after a pubalgia issue, also expressed his excitement for Barcelona's historic return to Camp Nou against Athletic Club.