Neil Banerjee

Real Madrid’s preparations for their Champions League showdown with Liverpool have been dealt a blow after teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono has been ruled out indefinitely with pubalgia. The 18-year-old Argentine has been a key rotational player under Xabi Alonso, but his absence comes at a crucial point in Madrid’s campaign, forcing tactical adjustments ahead of their high-stakes European clash this Tuesday.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson endured a hostile welcome to Istanbul’s fiercest football rivalry, pelted with objects by Besiktas fans during Fenerbahce’s fiery 3-2 derby win. The Brazilian, who left City after eight years and six Premier League titles, responded with calm defiance as he posted a thumbs-up photo after the match, symbolising both resilience and victory in one of Europe’s most volatile derbies.

Carlo Ancelotti has conquered everything club football has to offer but his biggest dream now lies on the world stage. As Brazil’s head coach, the Italian tactician is chasing the one title missing from his glittering resume, the FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 tournament looming, Ancelotti’s mission is as emotional as it is historic, to end Brazil’s 24-year drought and perhaps, face his homeland, Italy, in the final.

Kevin Filling has quickly become one of Europe’s most-watched teenage talents but the Swedish striker insists he’s staying grounded despite growing transfer noise. With Manchester United and Aston Villa circling the AIK prodigy, the youngster remains focused on cementing his place at Stockholm. For now, he says, “I don’t know anything” and prefers to let his football do the talking.

Wolves’ turbulent season hit another twist after Vitor Pereira’s sacking, with reports linking Sporting Lisbon boss Rui Borges to Molineux. The Portuguese tactician has firmly rejected the move. With Wolves winless after 10 games and bottom of the Premier League, Borges’ refusal underscores the club’s deepening crisis and Sporting’s determination to stay focused on their title defence.

Athletic Club face a major Champions League setback ahead of their crucial clash with Newcastle United as Nico Williams remains doubtful with a recurring groin issue. The Spanish winger, struggling with pubalgia, continues to train separately and may miss the trip to St James’ Park. His uncertain fitness leaves Ernesto Valverde’s side weakened ahead of a huge fixture.

Bayern Munich have once again posted record revenues, crossing €978 million (£858m/$1.1bn) in turnover for 2024–25. But as CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen proudly declared, the club’s success isn’t built on billionaire handouts or reckless spending. “We don’t have anyone handing us millions,” he said, defending Bayern’s prudent philosophy amid football’s inflated transfer market and the Premier League’s financial dominance.

Barcelona bounced back from their El Clasico loss with a convincing 3-1 win over Elche, a night that once again underlined Marcus Rashford’s rebirth under Hansi Flick. In Raphinha’s absence, the English winger has been electric, scoring his sixth of the season and earning a standing ovation from the Barca fans. Yet, even in triumph, Flick was clear he expects even more goals from Rashford.

Paris Saint-Germain are moving swiftly to extend the contract of club prodigy Senny Mayulu. The 19-year-old midfielder who scored in the 2025 Champions League final is being monitored by Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea as his current contract expires in 2027. However, the French champions are finalising a contract extension that could secure the future of one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

Romelu Lukaku’s long road to recovery may soon be over. After a brutal thigh injury sidelined him for over two months, the Belgian striker is now returning to Italy to undergo final medical assessments. Coach Antonio Conte and Napoli’s staff are hopeful of a December return, as the club looks to reignite their attack and reshape their Champions League ambitions.

Santiago Gimenez’s goal drought in Serie A has forced AC Milan to consider reinforcements ahead of the January window. The Mexico international hasn't been able to find the net in any of the opening nine games of the tournament, prompting CEO Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare to start scouting alternatives. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee has re-emerged as a prime target, while Roma’s Artem Dovbyk remains a fallback option if talks stall.

Ex-Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez remains in no hurry to return to the dugout. Since his Barcelona exit in 2024, the Spanish legend has turned down multiple approaches, including a latest managerial offer from Spartak Moscow in Russia, as he waits for a project that truly matches his footballing philosophy. While clubs circle, Xavi’s intent is to wait for the next step must as he prioritises vision over convenience.

Paris Saint-Germain’s turbulent October continues to expose cracks beneath their star-studded surface. A frustrating 1-1 draw against Lorient has left coach Luis Enrique visibly exasperated, calling his team’s display “bad” and lacking “composure.” With points slipping away, key player injured, and a defining run of fixtures approaching, PSG’s dominance in Ligue 1 suddenly looks fragile.

Italian refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi has defended his decision to suspend Maurizio Mariani and Daniele Bindoni following the chaotic clash between Napoli and Inter that saw a controversial penalty reshape the game. Rocchi was left angry at the mistakes made by the referee and his assistant, branding the episode a procedural failure.

After years of courtroom clashes and failed negotiations, Real Madrid and A22 Sports Management, the company behind the European Super League, are preparing to sue UEFA for an astonishing €4.5 billion. The lawsuit, rooted in the EU’s landmark antitrust ruling, accuses UEFA of abusing its dominance and stifling fair competition.

Zenit St. Petersburg star Andrei Mostovoy has opened up about the terrifying kidnapping attempt he survived in St. Petersburg. The 27-year-old Russian international was attacked by three masked men near his vehicle but fought them off before escaping. The ordeal, linked to a broader criminal plot, left Mostovoy shaken. However, the player has now returned to training further sharing details of the ordeal he went through.

Barcelona’s injury crisis deepens as star midfielder Pedri suffers a distal hamstring tear, sidelining him for crucial fixtures including the Champions League clash against Chelsea. With Gavi, Raphinha and Andreas Christensen also out, coach Hansi Flick faces a mounting midfield crisis that threatens to derail Blaugrana's season before the year’s end.

German football legend Lothar Matthaus believes 17-year-old Lennart Karl could be the next Jamal Musiala, a fearless and technically gifted prodigy destined for Bayern Munich stardom under Vincent Kompany. After scoring on his Champions League debut and in the Bundesliga against Borussia Monchengladbach in the same week, Karl has captured Germany’s attention, with Matthaus seeing in him the same blend of boldness and intelligence that made Musiala a modern Bayern jewel.