Real Madrid delivered an emphatic response to their recent domestic slip-up by comfortably brushing aside city rivals Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu. Led by a clinical brace from Kylian Mbappe, the hosts moved level on points with leaders Barcelona to maintain strong early momentum at the top of the Liga table after five games.
Real Madrid have initiated discussions to secure Jude Bellingham on a new long-term contract until 2031. The proposed deal would see the England international's wages increased to match the club's highest earners, protecting their star midfielder from potential Premier League suitors and ensuring his prime years remain firmly rooted at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Jude Bellingham refused to hide behind Real Madrid's victory on Tuesday night, delivering a brutally honest assessment of his own performance in front of goal. Despite Los Blancos securing a vital three points in their Champions League opener, the England international was left frustrated by his failure to convert clear-cut opportunities.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
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