Diego Simeone has snubbed Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe to back Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The Atletico Madrid manager believes the Argentine superstar's remarkable World Cup exploits at 39 outweigh every other contender in a star-studded field.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Barcelona at the top of La Liga has been overshadowed by a growing sense of injustice within the walls of Valdebebas. Despite a strong start to the campaign under Jose Mourinho, the atmosphere has soured due to perceived officiating inconsistencies that have left the coaching staff and players alike reaching a breaking point.
David Alaba has emerged as a surprise target for Hamburg SV as the Bundesliga strugglers desperately search for defensive reinforcements following a calamitous start to the domestic campaign. The decorated Austrian defender remains unattached after departing Real Madrid, clearing the path for an immediate free-transfer swoop outside the window.
Elche manager Martin Anselmi has urged his players to adopt a fearless, possession-based approach when they host Real Madrid at the Estadio Martinez Valero on Tuesday night. Despite facing a daunting task against high-flying opposition, the Argentine tactician believes retaining the ball is his side's best route to securing their first La Liga victory.
Barcelona’s marquee summer signing Rodri has opened up about the intense pursuit he faced from Real Madrid before completing his move to Catalonia. The Spanish midfielder revealed that Jose Mourinho personally reached out to convince him to choose the Santiago Bernabeu over the Camp Nou.
Rodri has opened up on the difficult decision to reject Real Madrid in favour of a summer move to Barcelona, admitting that the sporting project under Hansi Flick was the deciding factor. The Spanish international opted to leave Manchester City for a return to La Liga, sparking a massive tug-of-war between the two Clasico giants.
Dynamo Makhachkala
