Jose Mourinho is bracing for a backlash, warning that Real Madrid will be "dangerous" as they prepare to face his Benfica side in a high-stakes Champions League play-off. The Special One finds himself on the opposite side of the touchline, looking to inflict more misery on his former employers following a shock victory in the League phase. However, despite the magnitude of the occasion, the Portuguese tactician insists he is unfazed, citing his lifetime of experience in Europe's elite competition as the key to navigating the tie.
Wayne Rooney has outlined how Thomas Tuchel’s new England contract, which is due to take him through to the summer of 2028, will impact international stars such as Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. The former Three Lions captain believes that the demanding German tactician is now less likely to make contentious decisions in his World Cup squad selection.
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin is still processing the moment he became an unlikely Champions League hero. The Ukrainian shot-stopper opened up about the chaotic confusion in the dugout before his 98th-minute header secured a stunning 4-2 victory over Real Madrid, which earned a classy post-match gesture from Thibaut Courtois.
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.
Though the Premier League took a week off to allow for the FA Cup, there were still plenty of storylines to follow within England, while title races around the rest of Europe continue to take plenty of twists and turns.
Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Junior has opened up about his close personal ties with Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, claiming that the Hungary international is begging for the chance to play in his new Nike boots. The Brazilian attacker says the Hungary international is one of many close friends in football, with Chelsea's Reece James among them.
Jose Mourinho’s shadow looms large over the Santiago Bernabeu years after his departure from Real Madrid. Rumours of a possible return to the Spanish side in the wake of Xabi Alonso's sacking gained steam after the Portuguese coach masterminded Benfica's incredible 4-2 win over his former player Alvaro Arbeloa and it turns out president Florentino Perez could bring him back to the club for free in the summer.
Vinicius Junior has revealed how he helped Real Madrid to sign Kylian Mbappe, with the Brazilian claiming to have acted as the French forward’s “agent”. World Cup winner Mbappe finally became a ‘Galactico’ at the Bernabeu in 2024, following several years of speculation regarding a move to Spain, and has become a prolific presence for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid have issued an injury update on star striker Kylian Mbappe ahead of their meeting with Benfica on Tuesday night. The Spanish giants play the Portuguese side in their Champions League playoff clash as the two sides vie to secure a spot in the last-16 of Europe's elite club competition. The fixture sees the sides meet just weeks after Benfica's dramatic 4-2 win over Los Blancos in the group phase.
Real Madrid are 'lucky' to have Trent Alexander-Arnold, at least that's according to head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Alexander-Arnold moved to the Spanish giants last summer on a free transfer, a transfer that irked Liverpool fans. However, the right-back has endured an indifferent start to life in Madrid, with injuries limiting the England's international's impact.
Jude Bellingham treated his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, to a trip to the Bernabeu on Valentine's Day. The pair were spotted in the VIP section as Bellingham watched his Real Madrid team-mates ease to a 4-1 in over Real Sociedad on Saturday evening. The England international is currently sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano earlier this month.
Eden Hazard has opened up on some of the 'really bad' clashes with Jose Mourinho during their time together at Chelsea. The Belgian winger moved to Stamford Bridge in 2012 and established himself as a fan favourite during his seven years at Stamford Bridge before he went on to sign for La Liga giants Real Madrid in 2019 having won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League with the Blues.
Liverpool have been warned that star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai harbours ambitions of playing for Real Madrid at some point in his career. Szoboszlai's contract runs until 2028 and the reigning Premier League champions want to keep him, with talks over a new deal taking place. However, comments from Hungary manager Marco Rossi could sour the mood at Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his return from a lengthy injury absence by registering an assist as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 4-1 to climb to the top of La Liga. The England international had not started for over two months due to a thigh problem, but immediately influenced proceedings, setting up the opening goal inside five minutes and earning praise from head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
If it wasn't already clear, Jude Bellingham is the new face of adidas in men's football - taking on the mantle from Lionel Messi as he follows the path trodden by the likes of David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane to become a true icon of the Three Stripes. Like those former greats, his relationship with the German sportswear giant looks certain to stretch well beyond his playing days.
Bayern Munich have officially secured the long-term future of Dayot Upamecano, confirming that the French international has signed a contract extension until 2030. The 27-year-old was in the final months of his previous deal, sparking intense speculation that he would leave for free. However, the defender has opted to commit his peak years to the Bavarian giants, dealing a massive blow to his high-profile suitors in Spain and France.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admits that Jude Bellingham faces a “race against time” when it comes to proving his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid midfielder is nursing a hamstring injury picked up at club level. He has not been ruled out of March internationals, but may require his head coach with the Three Lions to make a selection based on reputation this summer.
Real Madrid have been handed a major boost ahead of their crucial La Liga meeting with Real Sociedad as Kylian Mbappe returned to first-team training on Friday. The Frenchman’s presence on the grass at Valdebebas appears to have cooled the immediate panic following a fresh injury scare that saw him miss two consecutive days of preparation.
Tottenham are reportedly lining up a move for former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger, with the Germany international approaching the end of his contract at Real Madrid. The charismatic 32-year-old is due to become a free agent in the summer of 2026. It could be that Rudiger ends up trading places with Spurs’ World Cup-winning captain Cristian Romero, as he sees a switch to Santiago Bernabeu speculated on.
Robinho Jr only turned 18 in December, but he has already broken into the senior team at Santos, where he is now rubbing shoulders with Brazil's all-time record goal-scorer, Neymar. The teenager is already attracting transfer interest from a host of top European clubs, partly because of his ability, but also due to the footballing legacy of his father.
Real Madrid have been rocked by a fresh injury scare as Kylian Mbappe missed training for the second day running. The Frenchman is struggling with recurring knee discomfort ahead of Saturday’s clash with Real Sociedad. With a massive Champions League tie against Benfica on the horizon, manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces a nervous wait to see if his talisman will be fit to lead the line in the capital.
The father of Manchester City midfielder Rodri has provided a crucial update on his son's future at the Etihad Stadium, admitting that negotiations are ongoing while refusing to rule out a potential exit. With Real Madrid reportedly circling, the Ballon d'Or winner is facing a decisive summer as he battles to regain full fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid have been dealt a potentially crushing blow as reports suggest Jude Bellingham’s hamstring injury is worse than initially diagnosed. The England midfielder, who limped off against Rayo Vallecano, was expected to miss a month, but fresh concerns indicate he could be sidelined for double that time, leaving manager Alvaro Arbeloa short for the Champions League knockouts and crucial La Liga matches.
Michael Owen has explained to GOAL how Thomas Tuchel could work Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers into the same starting XI, rather than having to pick between two creative playmakers. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of options in the No.10 role, with the race on to nail down that berth ahead of a quest for global glory being opened this summer.
Real Madrid’s dressing room crisis has deepened with explosive claims that Arda Guler is being "bullied" by his own teammates. The scout who discovered the Turkish midfielder alleges a clique of stars with "very high egos" are deliberately freezing him out, a toxic dynamic that he believes also contributed to Xabi Alonso’s shock departure from the Bernabeu.
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