Ikhtisar Calendar Stars

Bayern Munich director of sales and marketing Rouven Kasper believes the global appeal of Germany's showpiece fixture against Borussia Dortmund now rivals Spain's famous showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The two Bundesliga heavyweights meet at the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening, locked together on 17 points at the top.

Netherlands manager Xavi has opened up on Ronaldinho's drastic drop in form following his Ballon d'Or triumph at Barcelona. The legendary Spanish midfielder insisted the Brazilian's sudden decline was purely down to a lack of motivation and hunger, rather than his infamous off-pitch lifestyle.

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has called on his old club to complete the permanent signing of on-loan Barcelona star Ronald Araujo following his impressive start to life at Anfield. The Merseyside outfit have a pre-agreed £47 million option to purchase the Uruguayan international at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Former Barcelona forward Thierry Henry has heaped praise on Real Madrid following their vital 2-1 El Clasico victory over his old club. The Frenchman was particularly blown away by Jude Bellingham's performance, describing the England international's dominant display in midfield as an absolute joke.