Newcastle United's pre-season preparations took a dark turn on Saturday night as Anthony Elanga was stretchered off following a brutal challenge during a friendly against Valencia. The incident at the Mestalla sparked a massive confrontation on the touchline involving players and staff from both sides as tensions boiled over in Spain.
Lewis Hall has departed Newcastle United’s training camp in Spain, returning to Tyneside ahead of schedule. While the club maintains he is managing a minor fitness issue, his exit comes at a time when Manchester United are heavily linked with a move for the talented left-back.
Jordi Alba has credited Unai Emery with changing the course of his career after the Aston Villa boss converted him from a winger into a left-back at Valencia. The former Barcelona and Spain star admitted he initially resisted the move but believes it ultimately helped him reach the highest level of the game.
The Champions League final. It's the biggest match on the club calendar in football, always featuring historic clubs and so often the best players on the planet at that moment. Sometimes, it lives up to expectation in the most extraordinary fashion. Sometimes, sadly, it just doesn't. Either way, there is usually drama, as was the case in Saturday's final as Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal on penalties.
Spain’s World Cup preparations have suffered a devastating blow after Nico Williams was forced off with a muscular injury during Athletic Club's La Liga match against Valencia. Coming just weeks before the tournament and following Lamine Yamal's season-ending injury, the winger's distress on the pitch has sparked major fears over his availability for the national squad.
Diego Simeone pulled off a managerial masterstroke at the Mestalla, opting to rest every single regular starter ahead of a season-defining Champions League semi-final with Arsenal. Despite the wholesale changes, his second-string side, and a pair of inspired debutants, secured a vital 2-0 victory over Valencia.
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