Gavi described head coach Hansi Flick as a father figure following Barcelona’s title win, saying the German’s unwavering belief allowed him to get back to his best after three injury-hit years. Barca clinched their 29th LaLiga title – and their second in a row – with a comfortable 2-0 win over rivals Real Madrid in […]
Former Milan star and director Leonardo is ‘hurt’ that Paolo Maldini is no longer at Milan, insisting that the Rossoneri legend ‘can’t be replaced’ by an algorithm.
Milan find themselves fighting for a Champions League spot despite a brilliant start to the season.
Back-to-back defeats against Sassuolo and Atalanta have left the Rossoneri level on 67 points with Roma in the fourth spot with just two games remaining.
Fans are furious with CEO Giorgio Furlani, who was urged to leave the club before last night’s 3-2 loss against Atalanta at San Siro.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara of AC Milan look on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maldini contributed to Milan’s title win in the 2021-22 campaign as one of the prominent directors, but was sacked one year later and hasn’t yet taken on a new role at another club.
Leonardo: It hurts everyone not to see Maldini at Milan
“If you have Paolo Maldini at Milan, I don’t know what kind of algorithm could tell me it’s better not to have him,” Leonardo told Cronache di Spogliatoio via Calciomercato.com.
“It doesn’t just hurt me not to see him there; it hurts everyone. Paolo belongs in the world of football. I think there are no figures in today’s game as complete as he is. He developed himself over time, becoming a top-level executive, successful at the club where he spent 30 years.”
Leonardo was a Milan director when he appointed Maldini in the summer of 2018.
“I’m sure Paolo still has a lot to offer. Today, there is a very political, very complex and archaic structure that sometimes even prevents this from happening,” Leonardo said.
“What is needed, beyond ideas, expertise, and desire, is someone who can inspire people and make them believe there is something beautiful worth chasing. It’s difficult to find a figure capable of conveying that idea unanimously. I see very few people with those qualities, and Paolo, perhaps, is the only one.”
Milan’s final two Serie A games of the season are away at Genoa and at home to Cagliari.
“Too many clubs no longer rely on the option of a sporting director with real authority,” Leonardo continued.
“He makes certain decisions within a broader working structure, but there is something very influential nowadays: algorithms. I have nothing against them, but I have always seen them as support for human decision-making, not something meant to replace it.”
The Serie A race for survival still involves three clubs, Cremonese, Lecce and Cagliari, and the last team dropping to Serie B could be determined by a relegation play-off: here are all the possible scenarios.
Serie A Round 36 saw Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese earn three points over direct rivals Lecce and Cagliari.
Cremonese defeated Pisa 3-0 on Sunday, with Vardy scoring the opening goal, while Lecce lost 1-0 to Juventus and Cagliari lost 2-0 to Udinese.
Cremonese still sit 18th, but just one point below Lecce and six from Cagliari. The Sardinians are by far the better-placed team in the race for survival, needing just one point to confirm their Serie A status.
If all three teams finish level on points, the Classifica Avulsa will determine the better-placed team, only considering matches against direct opponents.
Once again, it would be Cagliari emerging on top with seven points earned against Lecce (six) and Cremonese (four).
If just two teams finish with the same number of points, the relegated team will be determined by a relegation play-off played over two legs.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 10: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Pisa SC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 10, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The team with a better head-to-head record would play the second leg at home.
Cremonese would play the decider at home against Lecce, having a better head-to-head record against the Giallorossi, but would be the visitors in the second leg against Cagliari, who secured one win and one draw against Vardy’s side during the regular season.
Lecce, on the other hand, have a better head-to-head record than Cagliari following a 2-0 win and a 2-1 loss, so they’d play the second leg at home if they were to finish level on points with the Sardinians.
The third and last relegated team will join Pisa and Verona in Serie B.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Fans of US Lecce during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Serie A race for survival: all the scenarios
Cremonese, Lecce and Cagliari finish level on points – Lecce and Cremonese would play a relegation play-off (second leg at Cremonese), Cagliari safe.
Cremonese and Lecce finish level on points – relegation play-off, second leg at Cremonese.
Lecce and Cagliari finish level on points – relegation play-off, second leg at Lecce.
Cremonese and Cagliari finish level on points – relegation play-off, second leg at Cagliari.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini ironically responded to Parma’s protests over a late penalty in their Serie A meeting on Sunday: ‘Carlos Cuesta is right…’
Roma completed a stunning comeback in their latest Serie A match against Parma, securing a 3-2 win at the Stadio Tardini with two goals in stoppage time.
Donyell Malen converted a spot kick at minute 101, allowing Roma to catch Milan in fourth with 67 points and just two rounds remaining.
“I think what happened is obvious; the whole stadium and all of Italy saw it. Parma deserve respect,” the Spaniard told DAZ, as quoted by Gazzetta.
Gasperini’s sarcastic response to Parma’s protests
During his post-match press conference, Gasperini replied sarcastically: “There are the images; the whole of Italy will see them. Cuesta is right. They all seem very clear to me,” said the Roma boss.
“I understand the disappointment of losing in stoppage time. They played with extraordinary spirit, and that’s good for the league. Winning for us is a great source of satisfaction. We had many chances, and Suzuki was outstanding. The numbers speak for themselves, as do the incidents. It would have been a cruel blow to lose this match, so I understand the bitterness.”
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Roma were awarded a late penalty after a challenge between Sascha Britschgi and Devyne Rensch, who fell to the ground in Parma’s penalty box following a mutual shirt tug.
Referee Daniele Chiffi initially didn’t give the penalty, but then changed his mind after a pitchside VAR review.
Gasperini was so nervous that he didn’t even watch Malen’s attempt, but he celebrated wildly with his players once the Dutchman converted the spot-kick.
Reports in Italy claim that Juventus directors will hold talks with Dusan Vlahovic’s father in the coming days in a decisive meeting for the striker’s contract extension.
Juventus will continue contract talks with Vlahovic in the coming days, according to reports from Tuttosport and Gazzetta.
Latest on Juventus contract talks with Vlahovic
According to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri will meet with the striker’s father this week, while Gazzetta claims the meeting will take place next week after a Serie A match against Vlahovic’s former club, Fiorentina.
Vlahovic’s contract expires at the end of the season, and there have been mixed reports on the striker’s willingness to sign a new deal, which would necessarily come with a pay cut from his current €12m per season.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The latest Gazzetta report suggests that Vlahovic is still unlikely to finalise talks with the Bianconeri, hoping for offers from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
However, Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has been pushing for the striker’s renewal, so the Serie A giants will try to meet his demands.
Juventus have already complied with Spalletti’s wishes by extending the contracts of Weston McKennie and Manuel Locatelli, and the Tuscan tactician hopes that talks between Vlahovic and the club will reach the same outcome.
Vlahovic has scored a goal in each of his last two appearances for Juventus.
He made his first appearance for a starter in over five months on Saturday, scoring an early goal to give the Old Lady a 1-0 win over Lecce.
Manchester United have moved swiftly and decisively to shut down any speculation regarding the future of Amad Diallo.
Following emerging reports linking the 23-year-old winger with an end-of-season departure, with the likes of AC Milan and Premier League rivals Sunderland reportedly monitoring his situation, Old Trafford insiders have emphatically rejected the idea of a sale.
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According to TEAMtalk, the Red Devils hierarchy have effectively “laughed off” suggestions that the Ivorian international could be allowed to leave, reaffirming his status as an absolutely non-negotiable cornerstone of the club’s long-term project.
The external reports regarding Amad’s potential availability stem from what has been a highly transitional campaign for the young attacker.
However, the appointment of interim boss Michael Carrick has triggered a highly positive reset.
Carrick immediately restored the elegant forward to his preferred position in the final third, a tactical shift that has delighted the player.
Amad has privately expressed immense happiness working under the interim manager, while Carrick himself recently lauded the winger’s work ethic, energy, and overall attitude both with and without the ball.
While Amad’s raw output this term has been modest, registering just four goal contributions across 30 Premier League appearances while navigating stiff competition from summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, the Man United boardroom remains entirely unconcerned.
Man United hierarchy have complete faith in the youngster
Backed heavily by Director of Football Jason Wilcox, who played an instrumental role in handing the youngster a lucrative long-term contract extension earlier this year, the club views Amad’s versatility as crucial.
The Old Trafford recruitment team firmly believes the 23-year-old possesses an exceptionally high ceiling and fully intends to build their future forward line around his unique skill set.
Far from being surplus to requirements, Amad remains an untouchable asset at Old Trafford, firmly entrenched as one of the definitive faces of the Red Devils’ ongoing rebuild.
West Ham United are bracing themselves for a massive summer boardroom battle over their prized asset.
Their latest defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League has moved them closer to the drop and that could mean a number of their key players could leave the club in the summer transfer window.
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According to reports from Football Insider, the Hammers have slapped an astronomical £84 million valuation on standout midfielder Mateus Fernandes in an effort to ward off circling suitors.
While West Ham find themselves locked in a desperate scrap for top-flight survival with just two matches remaining, their 21-year-old Portuguese sensation appears entirely destined to continue his career at the absolute highest level, regardless of the London club’s ultimate fate.
West Ham demand premium fee for star midfielder
Demanding £84 million represents more than double the initial £38 million package (plus add-ons) the Hammers invested to acquire him from Southampton just last summer.
Despite West Ham enduring a deeply turbulent domestic campaign that currently teeters on the brink of the Championship, Fernandes has been an undisputed revelation.
Featuring in 34 of the club’s 36 Premier League fixtures to date, his aggressive press resistance, exceptional ball-carrying, and relentless work ethic have made him one of the most exciting young profiles in Europe.
His meteoric rise was further validated recently when Portugal manager Roberto Martínez handed him his senior international debut against the United States.
For Man United, signing a dynamic, multi-functional midfielder is an urgent priority for the upcoming transfer window.
Not only are they losing Casemiro at the end of the season, they are also dealing with lack of quality and depth in the midfield regardless of the Brazilian’s exit.
The Old Trafford hierarchy is planning a comprehensive restructure to future-proof their squad, and Fernandes’ elite tactical versatility, capable of operating seamlessly as a deep-lying number six, a box-to-box eight, or an advanced playmaker, fits their recruitment agenda.
Furthermore, reports indicate that United captain Bruno Fernandes is highly supportive of bringing his highly rated compatriot to Manchester to help shoulder the midfield burden.
Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso emerging as a highly coveted target for Premier League teams.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Manchester United and Arsenal are both positioning themselves to secure the signature of the 26-year-old Italian international.
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Cambiaso is reportedly ready to embark on a new chapter in his career during the upcoming transfer window, and Juventus have quietly made interested parties aware that an exit is possible.
However, prying the defender away from Turin will require a massive financial commitment, as the Bianconeri have placed a strict valuation in excess of €60 million on their prized wide operator.
Cambiaso’s steep rise to the top of English scouting lists is a direct result of his outstanding individual development.
Andrea Cambiaso has impressed this season
The Genoa-born defender has established himself as one of the most complete full-backs in European football, largely due to his exceptional tactical versatility.
Highly proficient with both feet, Cambiaso is capable of operating seamlessly as a traditional left-back, an advanced right wing-back, or even stepping centrally to act as an inverted playmaker.
For Man United, the motivations for a summer push are entirely clear.
The Old Trafford hierarchy is actively scouring the market for premium, left-sided defensive reinforcements.
With long-term availability issues continuously plaguing Luke Shaw, signing a reliable, top-tier defender who can instantly command a starting role on the left flank is an absolute priority for their defensive rebuild.
Amid ongoing internal discussions regarding potential reshuffles across the backline, Arteta views Cambiaso’s exceptional awareness and two-footed flexibility as the perfect premium addition to elevate the Gunners’ tactical ceiling.
Despite the powerful allure generated by Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium, negotiating with Juventus promises to be difficult for the Premier League teams.
The Italian giants hold immense contractual leverage, having already resisted heavy interest from Manchester City in previous windows, they secured Cambiaso to a robust long-term agreement running until the summer of 2029.
Verdict: Real Betis win Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Looking to take another giant leap towards punching their Champions League ticket, Real Betis will welcome Elche to Andalusia on Tuesday night. Real Betis Starting with the hosts, while Real Betis might have watched their Europa League adventure come to a frustrating end last month as […]
Verdict: Ante Budimir over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 2/5 Bookmaker: Luckster Desperately searching for an essential La Liga boost on Tuesday night, Atletico Madrid will travel to the Estadio El Sadar when they meet Osasuna. Osasuna Starting with the hosts, while Osasuna might have signed off April with a 2-1 victory at home […]
A defiant Alvaro Arbeloa vowed that “Real Madrid always comes back” after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat in El Clasico crowned Barcelona as LaLiga champions. Arbeloa watched on as his team found themselves two goals down in the opening 18 minutes, with Marcus Rashford’s stunning free-kick putting the Blaugrana in front. Ferran Torres then doubled Barcelona’s lead […]
Verdict: Manchester City win & Under 4.5 goals Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Dachbet With their Premier League title dreams hanging by a thread, Manchester City will welcome Crystal Palace to the Etihad on Wednesday night. Manchester City Starting with the hosts, watching Arsenal claim a hugely controversial 1-0 victory away at relegation scrappers West Ham […]
Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw Best Odds: 6/1 Bookmaker: Zetbet Everton and Sunderland will lock horns with each other in the Premier League next weekend. The match between the Toffees and the Black Cats will be held at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 3pm UK time on […]
Milan have only accumulated 25 points in the second half of the season, the lowest total in the last nine years.
Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan find themselves fighting for a Champions League place with just two games remaining following a dreadful run of form in the second part of the campaign.
As reported by TMW, the Rossoneri have only earned 25 points in the Gione di Ritorno, the fewest in the last nine seasons.
Milan have lost three of their last five league games and are now level on 67 points with Roma in fourth.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Fans of AC Milan spell out “G.F OUT”, as they protest against Giorgio Furlani, Chief Executive Officer of AC Milan, prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If Rossoneri and Giallorossi finish level on points, Allegri’s side will finish ahead, having a better head-to-head record against Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season, with one win and one draw.
Milan’s remaining fixtures are away at Genoa and at home to Cagliari, while Roma will play their city rivals Lazio in the next round and already-relegated Verona in the last game of the season.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan’s record in the Girone di Ritorno until Round 36
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini refused to watch Donyell Malen taking a late penalty in an away 3-2 win at Parma, which eventually allowed the Giallorossi to catch Milan in fourth.
The race for a Champions League in Serie A is very much alive, and Roma took a big step forward on Sunday, beating Parma 3-2 away, while Milan lost with the same result at home against Atalanta.
Giallorossi and Rossoneri are now level on points in fourth, with just two games remaining.
Roma scored twice in the stoppages against Parma, with the winning goal coming at minute 101 from a controversial Malen penalty kick.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Giallorossi coach Gasperini refused to watch the Dutchman’s attempt from the spot, but was already smiling before the ex-Aston Villa star scored a decisive goal in the race for the top four.
Video: Gasperini didn’t watch Malen’s penalty
Roma received the late spot kick for a Sascha Britschgi foul on Devyne Rensch.
The two players held each other inside the penalty area, bringing both of them down. After a pitchside VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to the Giallorossi, sparking outrage from Parma.
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Carlos Cuesta, head coach of Parma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 19, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“But sometimes you have to understand why things happen. From 2-1 to 2-3, obvious things happened, and it is not just about the penalty area, it is the whole dynamic that leaves me feeling this way. They showed disrespect to us. There were events that conditioned the dynamics of the match too much. Against Napoli, I was the first to say it was not a penalty, but today there were many small things I did not like.”
Lewis Ferguson’s agent says the Scotland midfielder is ‘happy’ at Bologna, but is also ‘ready’ to play in any of the top-five European leagues, with Serie A and the English Premier League as his ‘primary options.’
Scotland star Ferguson, 26, has had ups and downs in his second season under Vincenzo Italiano at Bologna, scoring just one goal and providing no assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this term.
The 26-year-old’s contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara expires in June 2028, but Bologna hold an option to extend for a further campaign.
Agent: Ferguson will ‘soon meet’ Bologna
Ferguson is expected to start in Bologna’s away game at Napoli on Monday evening, while his agent, Bill McMurdo, has explained the midfielder’s transfer priorities for the summer.
“Lewis has two years left in his contract. We’ll soon meet with the club to see whether they want to offer him a contract extension or let him go,” Ferguson’s agent told TMW.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma is challenged by Lewis Ferguson of Bologna during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Lewis is more than ready to play in one of the so-called top Italian clubs, if they show interest and if Bologna are willing to sell him. He wants to play at the highest possible level to continue improving in his career.”
Ferguson has been playing for Bologna since 2022, when he completed a permanent €2m transfer from Aberdeen.
He has become the Rossoblu’s captain and contributed to a historic Coppa Italia victory last season.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Lewis Ferguson, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna lift the Coppa Italia trophy as their team mates celebrate after the team’s victory in the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Ferguson has scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 132 appearances with Bologna.
“He would consider offers from any of the top five leagues, with Italy and England as his primary options,” his agent concluded.
“Lewis is more than happy to stay at Bologna, but he’s also ready to take on any new challenge to develop in his career. Any transfer, however, must be profitable for both parties.”
Liverpool are stepping up their efforts to search for a successor of Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian attacker has announced his decision to leave the Reds at the end of the season and the Merseyside club will be left with a monumental task of replacing one of their greatest modern day players.
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According to reports from L’Équipe, the Merseyside club are formally preparing a €50 million push to sign AS Monaco’s highly coveted playmaker Maghnes Akliouche.
Liverpool are prioritising a major summer rebuild in which a lot of attacking and defensive additions are expected to arrive at the club after a poor season.
Liverpool plan move for Akliouche to replace Salah
Securing the 24-year-old French international is viewed not just as a move to fill Salah’s vacant position on the right flank, but as a crucial step toward injecting desperately needed technical quality back into the team.
Replacing a historic output machine like Salah is an impossible like-for-like task, and Liverpool’s recruitment team seems fully aware of that reality.
Operating primarily off the right, the Frenchman is a master at drifting into central pockets, linking the midfield to the forward line, and orchestrating overloads through quick combinations.
His output this season shows his immense maturity, acting as the principal architect of Monaco’s attack, Akliouche has racked up seven goals and 11 assists across 41 appearances in all competitions, consistently shining both in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
Monaco famously played hardball last summer, slapping a prohibitive €70 million price tag on their academy graduate that successfully deterred the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, though reports indicate Akliouche personally rejected the prospect of joining Spurs regardless.
With Monaco now reportedly willing to soften their stance and sanction a sale for around €50 million, the door has opened for his exit and given encouragement to Liverpool to make a move.
Yet, Liverpool are far from alone in the race. Reigning French champions Paris Saint-Germain retain a long-standing, aggressive interest in the midfielder, viewing him as the perfect premium addition to the team.
The Reds might even attempt an ambitious double swoop, monitoring Akliouche’s highly rated midfield teammate Lamine Camara as they prepare for further squad departures.
Arsenal’s gritty, hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium showed their true credentials this season.
While late-game drama and VAR interventions dominated the post-match headlines, the true cornerstone of the Gunners’ crucial triumph was the breathtaking performance of David Raya.
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The Spaniard made crucial saves for the Gunners in crucial moments. The most iconic save coming against Mateus Fernandes in a one on one situation, a save that may win the title for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Spanish shot-stopper produced a masterclass in clutch goalkeeping, securing a vital three points that inches Arsenal ever closer to lifting the league title.
Arsenal manager praises goalkeeper David Raya
Mikel Arteta acknowledged the performance of Raya and praised him for his quality.
The 30-year-old made three defining saves, beginning with an acrobatic, full-stretch stop to deny Taty Castellanos just before the interval.
Raya saved his absolute best for the second half, producing a miraculous, point-blank block to thwart Fernandes when the midfielder looked destined to equalise.
He told Arsenal.com: “When you talk about magic moments, this is certainly one of the most needed moments as well to pull off with that save. He was incredible.”
The match concluded in chaotic fashion when West Ham had a stoppage-time equaliser correctly ruled out by VAR following a clear-cut foul on Raya.
Raya registered five crucial recoveries and secured his 18th clean sheet of the campaign.
In doing so, he officially locked down his third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove award, a remarkable testament to his sustained individual excellence.
With an extended break before hosting Burnley on May 18, followed by a final-day trip to Crystal Palace, Arsenal’s objective is crystal clear, two more wins guarantee the title.
Arteta signed Raya to replace Aaron Ramsdale and at that time, the decision received a lot of criticism but the Spanish manager has been proved right by the goalkeeper.
Former Serie A and West Ham star Paolo Di Canio blames Milan players for their ‘lack of personality’ arguing that ‘many players do not have the stature suited to wearaing such a heavy shirt.’
Milan lost their second consecutive match in Serie A on Sunday against Atalanta, seeing Juventus overtake them in the third spot and, even more worryingly, Roma catch them in fourth.
The Rossoneri still have their fate into their own hands as two wins in the final two games of the season would give them Champions League qualification, having a better head-to-head record than Roma this season.
Milan, however, have only won one of their last seven league matches, losing three of the last five.
Last night, they went 3-0 down at home before scoring twice in the dying minutes.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Zero identity, zero personality, zero enthusiasm. It was painfully obvious, despite the effort,” Di Canio, a former Milan, Juventus and Lazio striker told Sky Sport Italia.
“They lack personality, courage and extra willingness to take responsibility and give something of themselves. There was none of that at all today. That’s the aggravating factor. I’m not fooled by the final minutes.
“Until their scored, it was absolutely devastating and some players in these conditions showed they do not have the stature to play in the Champions League,” the former striker continued.
Paolo Di Canio
“The substitutes did well, but even there it’s a matter of personality. Maybe the came on knowing they had nothing tlo lose. The others were being booed, so they came on and ran. It’s easier that way. The five substitues came on welland but if they had played like that all season, Milan would have solved their problems.
“In situations like these, you can see more clearly that many players do not have the stature suited to wearaing such a heavy shirt in front of 70,000 fans at San Siro.”
Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta, a five-time Champions League winner with the Rossoneri, added: “It’s not the first half alone. It comes from the games Udinese, Juventus and Sassuolo. It’s four games out of six played like this. I think they even had commitment, but they’ve lost mental clarity and ended up exhausted at the crucial part of the season.”
Giovanni Di Lorenzo will return to the Napoli line-up after over three months in a home Serie A match against Bologna, with the Partenopei needing a win to secure Champions League qualification with two games to spare.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Maradona in Naples.
David Neres and Romelu Lukaku are unavailable for the Partenopei, who will, however, see Di Lorenzo return to the starting XI for the first time since the end of January.
Bologna have travelled to Naples without Nicolò Cambiaghi, Martin Vitik and Nicolò Casale.
Bologna have little hope of qualifying for the Conference League, as they are nine points below seventh-placed Atalanta, who they will meet in Bergamo next weekend.
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Ederson of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli, on the other hand, sit second in the standings and will mathematically clinch a Champions League placement with a victory.
As reported by Gazzetta, Sky Sport, and other media outlets, Antonio Conte will confirm a 3-4-3 formation with Scott McTominay starting in central midfield.
Bologna will look to Santiago Castro up front, while Lewis Ferguson is expected to partner with Remo Freuler in the middle of the park.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 22: Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli controls the ball whilst under pressure from Lewis Ferguson of Bologna during the Supercoppa Italiana Final between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at King Saud University Stadium on December 22, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Napoli vs. Bologna – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on BBC Alba, BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, DAZN in the UK and Ireland, and Paramount+ in the UK. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Napoli vs. Bologna – probable line-ups
Napoli (3-4-3):Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Politano, Lobotka, McTominay, Gutiérrez; De Bruyne, Højlund, Alisson.
Parma turned upside down with the Dutchman at minute 101. Dybala’s farewell: ‘I’ll wave goodbye to the Olimpico in the derby.’
Milan darkness
Boos at San Siro, Champions League at risk
Atalanta dominate and go 3-0. The Devil wakes up in the end. Disastrous and banned Leao. Allegri: ‘A tough moment.’
Inter of the big players for the double: Sarri prepares a new Lazio
Corriere dello Sport
More Malen, less Milan
Champions League bagarre
Donyell turns Parma upside down (2-3). Atalanta win at San Siro (2-3).
Crazy Roma: goal at 101′. Allegri collapses, and Gasps catches him
The ex-Aston Villa man makes the difference again: 13 goals in 16 games. Rensch scores too. Ederson, Zappacosta and Raspa put Max in trouble. Pavlovic and Nkunku (penalty) not enough. Protests against the players and Furlani.
Revolutionised fixture list: three or four games on Sunday at 12:30 with the derby?
Napoli, Conte can kill it off
They are qualified for the Champions League with three points. Di Lorenzo returns to the XI after 100 days. Transfer: Manna pounces on Gila and Khalali.
From Zielinski to Micki: It’s an Inter worthy of the double
Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on Wednesday: 29% of the 113 total goals scored by attacking midfielders or central midfielders. Only Frattesi is scoreless.
Tuttosport
Milan, what a hell
Shocking loss against Atalanta (2-3). Tough protest: Champions League bagarre.
The Rossoneri first sink, then come close to an incredible comeback, but with the second consecutive loss, they leave the third spot and are caught by Roma, who completed a stunning 2-3 comeback in Parma amid controversy. Napoli can secure Champions League qualification tonight. Como are also in the race and in the meantime they celebrate a historic feat: the first time in Europe.
Juve, Lucio’s demands
From the attacking midfielder to Vlahovic’s renewal: Spalletti has clear requests for the club.
Behind the scenes of the Lecce outburst. The coach wants DV9’s renewal (‘We can’t play without somebody like him’) and valuable reinforcements. Elkann calls him from Taormina to reassure him, but an operative agreement with Comolli must be reached. Meeting with the Serbian this week.
Toro issue, Zapata can leave
The captain drags everyone, but earns 2.5m per season. D’Aversa deems him fundamental, but he’s also on the brink.
When Mikel Arteta made the ruthless call to replace fan-favourite Aaron Ramsdale, the footballing world was surprised.
Arsenal already possessed a top-class, highly popular English goalkeeper and making a move for David Raya felt something that was not needed.
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However, the Spaniard has more than justified his signing, as well as the decision that Arteta made.
Raya has won the Golden Glove award in the Premier League for three seasons in a row now.
Following yet another heroic, match-winning display in a crucial, highly dramatic victory over West Ham United, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has joined a growing chorus of elite voices declaring the Spaniard not just the premier shot-stopper in England, but quite possibly the absolute best goalkeeper on the planet.
David Raya has been sensational for Arsenal
Against West Ham, in a fixture defined by intense late pressure and massive VAR controversy, Raya once again proved to be the ultimate difference-maker.
Redknapp was quick to hold his hands up and admit his own initial doubts, highlighting the incredible vision shown by the Arsenal manager.
‘When you think back, this is where the manager deserves credit because when David Raya first come, I wasn’t sure about that decision,’ Redknapp said on Sky Sports, as reported by Metro.
‘Arsenal already had a good goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale. I was thinking, “why are you making that change?”
‘But this season Raya has shown he’s definitely the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and maybe the best goalkeeper in the world.
‘It is an unbelievable save in the moment. You have to give the goalkeeper credit. He stands up and then he flicks out his right foot. It is an unbelievable save.’
Just last month, following Raya’s masterclass in the Champions League, teammate Kai Havertz publicly voiced the exact same opinion, calling the 30-year-old phenomenally underestimated and the best player in the world in his position.
Arteta himself has continuously lauded his number one as extraordinary, fully vindicated by a player who has single-handedly rescued points for the Gunners time and time again.
Raya has provided Arsenal with the calming, world-class foundation required to deal with pressure situations and ability to make saves when goals have looked certain.
Just a year after the excitement of lifting the Premier League trophy, Arne Slot finds himself navigating an increasingly turbulent storm at Anfield.
The Reds have struggled a lot this season and they are set to end the season without silverware, a huge surprise from how they performed last year and the kind of business they did in the summer transfer window last year.
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With frustrated supporters openly clamouring for a managerial change, reports inevitably linked the Merseyside club with former fan-favourite Xabi Alonso.
However, highly respected transfer authority Fabrizio Romano has definitively quashed the speculation, confirming that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) remain entirely committed to Slot and have absolutely no intention of making a change in the dugout.
Liverpool believe Arne Slot can revive the club again
Last season, Slot successfully capitalised on the world-class foundations left behind by Jürgen Klopp, steering the Reds to an incredible Premier League title in his debut campaign.
Fast forward to May 2026, and the contrast is stark. They are currently 20 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
While speaking on his Youtube channel, Romano provided the latest update. He said:
“At the moment, the feeling at Liverpool, I can confirm that it is absolutely in the direction that they want to continue with Slot. Why? Because so far, and it’s May now, it’s no longer February, March, or April. In May, Liverpool have not made contact with any other manager. There were many rumours on Liverpool making contact with Alonso coming from Germany, but I can guarantee that Liverpool this year never made any direct approach with Alonso or with his agents.”
Slot has been granted the opportunity to fix the ongoing structural issues, but if Liverpool do not hit the ground running with an energised, cohesive identity next season, the calls for his departure will become impossible to ignore.
It is going to be a crucial summer for Liverpool and they have some big decisions to make.
Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are leaving the club while Alisson Becker could be heading out as well.
Francisco Trincão’s revival at Sporting CP has quietly turned him into one of the most interesting attacking names on the European transfer market.
Once regarded as one of Portugal’s brightest young talents during his move to Barcelona, the winger has rebuilt his reputation in Lisbon with maturity, consistency and end product.
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The 26-year-old is now attracting attention from several Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Chelsea both linked with a possible summer move, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
His current Sporting contract runs until 2030, while recent reports claim his deal includes a €60 million release clause, giving interested clubs a clear figure to work with.
Trincão has impressed top clubs including Liverpool & Chelsea
Trincão has become a vital part of Sporting’s attack since joining the club permanently in 2023.
His ability to operate from wide areas, drift inside and create chances has made him especially valuable in a modern system where forwards are expected to contribute beyond goals.
Chelsea’s interest also makes sense. The London club have repeatedly looked for technically gifted forwards who can beat defenders, create chances and offer tactical flexibility.
Trincão’s left-footed profile, experience in Portugal and Spain, and improved decision-making would make him a useful addition to a squad still searching for reliable attacking balance.
Arsenal and other English clubs are also said to be monitoring the situation, but Sporting will not be under pressure to sell cheaply.
With his contract secured until 2030 and a reported €60m clause in place, the Portuguese champions are in a strong negotiating position.
Liverpool appear to be moving with real intent, Chelsea are watching closely, and Sporting know they possess a player whose value has risen sharply.
Manchester United are on the lookout for defensive options in the summer transfer window.
A major rebuild is expected at Old Trafford under the leadership if INEOS and almost all positions are expected to be strengthened by the club this summer.
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AC Milan’s formidable centre-back Strahinja Pavlović has emerged as a target for the Red Devils, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Man United and Crystal Palace are both positioning themselves to test the resolve of the Rossoneri hierarchy.
While Crystal Palace have acted swiftly as the first club to formally gauge the parameters of a potential deal, Man United are understood to harbor a highly concrete, long-term interest.
However, prying the dominant 24-year-old away from San Siro will require a massive financial and structural push, as Milan have currently placed a strict “not for sale” tag on their defensive cornerstone.
Man United have closely monitored Pavlović
Pavlović’s steep rise to the top of English scouting lists is a testament to his exceptional individual development under manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Arriving in Lombardy in the summer of 2024 from RB Salzburg for an initial fee of €18.5 million, the aggressive, left-footed defender initially had to bide his time to adapt to the rigorous tactical demands of Italian football.
Fast forward to the current campaign, and the Serbian international has undeniably transformed into one of the most improved and dominant figures in Serie A.
Man United remain committed to acquiring elite, left-sided defensive profiles who can combine rugged aerial dominance with progressive ball-carrying abilities.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s early probing highlights their ambitious recruitment strategy, aiming to secure premium European talent before market valuations spiral completely out of reach.
Despite the growing external noise, AC Milan’s current public stance is uncompromising. The club views Pavlović as an indispensable pillar to build around for the future, firmly valuing him at a base floor of €40 million to €50 million.
Contractually, the Italian giants hold total leverage, Pavlović’s existing agreement runs until the summer of 2028, complete with a club option to extend the deal for an additional season.
However, reliable Italian insiders suggest that Milan’s absolute resolve could eventually be tested by their collective finish to the season.
Should the club suffer a disastrous failure to secure lucrative Champions League qualification, the hierarchy at Via Aldo Rossi may be forced to reluctantly reconsider their non-negotiable stance to balance the books.
Barcelona are interested in a move for Chelsea attacker Joao Pedro, who has highly impressed in his debut season for the Premier League side.
According to Sport, the Catalan giants have identified the 24-year-old Brazilian as a primary alternative to Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez.
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With Barcelona actively laying the groundwork for a transition in attack to eventually replace veteran talisman Robert Lewandowski, sporting director Deco is monitoring the Premier League market closely.
Pedro’s inclusion on Barcelona’s exclusive shortlist comes as no surprise given his exceptional individual campaign.
Arriving at Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, the versatile attacker has been a rare beacon of brilliance amidst widespread collective inconsistency in West London.
Racking up 20 goals and nine assists across all competitions during his debut season, his sharp execution, physical intensity, and ability to operate both as a focal-point number nine and a creative presence between the lines have deeply impressed the Blaugrana hierarchy.
While Barcelona’s initial preference remains Álvarez, negotiations for the Argentine are expected to be exceptionally difficult.
Atlético Madrid are highly reluctant to sell, reportedly demanding a fee north of €120 million.
Consequently, Deco has seriously explored the parameters of a move for Pedro, which Sport estimates could cost between €80 million and €100 million.
Chelsea are in a strong position with the striker’s future
To pitch the move, Barcelona are reportedly leaning on their successful “Raphinha blueprint”, highlighting how another standout Brazilian international traded the Premier League for Camp Nou in his mid-20s to elevate his career to world-class heights.
Although Chelsea hold immense contractual leverage, having signed Pedro to a massive deal running until 2033, their inability to offer elite European competition presents a formidable obstacle in keeping their star players content.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s ongoing struggle to establish a stable, top-four project threatens to dismantle their highly expensive squad before it fully matures.
Tottenham Hotspur’s contract negotiations with star defender Micky van de Ven have abruptly hit the brakes.
Initially, club hierarchy had mapped out a clear strategy to sit down with the 25-year-old’s representatives before the season’s end to reward him with a lucrative new package.
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However, with Tottenham enduring a catastrophic domestic campaign that has left them dangling dangerously above the Premier League relegation zone, the Dutch international has understandably paused all long-term commitments, according to Football Insider.
Sensing an imminent opportunity, European heavyweights, most notably Liverpool and Barcelona, are maintaining a close interest in the situation.
The latest development involving Van de Ven would give them encouragement to make the move for him in the summer transfer window.
Widely praised for his breathtaking recovery pace and dominant physical presence, the left-footed centre-back has frequently worn the captain’s armband this season amidst widespread squad turmoil.
With the club fiercely battling to avoid a disastrous drop to the Championship, Van de Ven has prioritised top-flight survival over boardroom talks.
While the Dutchman’s existing agreement runs until the summer of 2029, giving Tottenham significant theoretical leverage, things could change quickly if Spurs are relegated from the Premier League.
Insiders indicate that an exit is highly probable if Spurs fail to secure their top-flight status, and could remain on the table even if they survive.
What makes Liverpool’s interest strong is that Arne Slot previously attempted to sign the defender twice during his managerial stints in the Eredivisie.
Securing his signature, however, will require a massive financial outlay. Emerging reports suggest Tottenham would demand a premium fee in the region of £60 million to £80 million to even consider parting ways with their prized asset.
Furthermore, suitors will need to meet hefty personal terms, as Van de Ven is reportedly seeking a wage hike to around £200,000 per week.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have initiated contact with the representatives of Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol, exploring the feasibility of a blockbuster transfer.
Both the clubs are reportedly ‘huge admirers’ of the 24-year-old defender.
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However, the Premier League giants have no intention of selling their prized asset.
City are planning a decisive move, moving quickly to open formal contract extension talks to secure the 24-year-old’s long-term future and firmly ward off his elite suitors, according to TEAMtalk.
Man City defender is a wanted man this summer
The intense interest from both Madrid and Bayern hardly comes as a surprise.
Both European giants are actively scouring the market for premium, left-sided defensive reinforcements, and Gvardiol’s fits the profile of the player they are looking for.
Capable of operating seamlessly as a progressive, ball-playing centre-back or as an attacking threat from left-back, the Croatian international has established himself as one of the most complete defenders in the modern game.
Yet, Gvardiol’s current campaign has been defined by off-pitch frustration rather than on-pitch action.
A severe right tibial fracture sustained during a hard-fought draw against Chelsea in early January abruptly derailed his season, forcing him into months of strenuous rehabilitation.
While City were compelled to navigate a severe defensive injury crisis in his absence, eventually recruiting Marc Guéhi in the winter window to bolster the backline, manager Pep Guardiola’s reliance on Gvardiol’s unique skill set has never wavered.
Guardiola recently made his stance clear to the media, noting that a player of Gvardiol’s caliber is incredibly rare to find and expressing his explicit desire for the defender to remain in Manchester.
With his existing agreement set to expire in the summer of 2028, Gvardiol is entering that delicate two-year window where rival clubs often attempt to apply transfer pressure.
Recognising the impending threat, Man City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, is moving aggressively to maintain core squad stability.
Emerging reports indicate the club is tabling an extension that would keep him at the Etihad until at least 2030, complete with an option for an additional year and a substantial pay rise reflecting his cornerstone status.
The club holds immense leverage, backed by a highly competitive sporting environment where Gvardiol is understood to be exceptionally happy.
With all eyes falling on the English capital on Monday night, Tottenham will welcome Leeds to north London for what could be a season-defining showdown. Enjoying what has become an essential resurge over the past fortnight, Spurs have dragged themselves out of the drop zone and can take another giant leap towards Premier League safety. […]
Clinching their spot in the final of this season’s Champions League last week and claiming a hugely controversial 1-0 victory away at West Ham on Sunday, Arsenal are on the cusp of making major history. Now within touching distance of getting their hands on a first Premier League crown since way back in 2004, Mikel […]
Clinching their spot in the final of this season’s Champions League last week and claiming a hugely controversial 1-0 victory away at West Ham on Sunday, Arsenal are on the cusp of making major history. Now within touching distance of getting their hands on a first Premier League crown since way back in 2004, Mikel […]
With his stunning strike against Real Madrid on Sunday, Marcus Rashford became just the second Barcelona player this century to net a direct free kick in El Clasico, joining the legendary Lionel Messi in an exclusive two-man club.
Marcus Rashford was one of the standout performers in FC Barcelona‘s title-clinching win over Real Madrid on Sunday, opening the scoring with a stunning free kick. Beyond the significance of the goal itself, Rashford’s strike brought an end to Lionel Messi‘s distinction as the only Barcelona player to score a direct free kick against Real Madrid in the 21st century.
With Lamine Yamal sidelined through injury and Raphinha still working his way back to full fitness, coach Hansi Flick turned to Rashford as a starter on the right wing. The Englishman had last started in La Liga back on April 4 against Atletico Madrid, when he also scored, and Flick’s faith was rewarded almost immediately.
After Antonio Rudiger fouled Ferran Torres on the edge of the box, Rashford stepped up to take the free kick from the right side. Opting to drive the ball toward Thibaut Courtois’s near post, Rashford caught the Belgian goalkeeper with a step to his left, and the thunderous effort was impossible to stop, opening what would become a 2-0 victory in just the ninth minute.
In doing so, Rashford ended Messi’s unique status as the sole Barcelona player to score a direct free kick against Real Madrid in the 21st century. Messi had achieved that feat twice during his time at the club, making the record all the more exclusive.
As highlighted by OptaJose on X (formerly Twitter), Rashford’s effort was the third free kick goal Barcelona have scored against Real Madrid in this century, and the first since October 2012, when the previous one had also come in a La Liga fixture at Camp Nou.
Since Messi’s departure in 2021, Barcelona have converted just three direct free kicks from over 100 attempts, with Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Pablo Torre each netting one. Rashford’s goal brings that tally to four, a figure that underscores the significant drop in free kick precision the club has experienced since the Argentine’s exit.
Messi’s free kick goals against Real Madrid
Lionel Messi is currently closing in on the top tier of all-time free kick goalscorers, with 71 to his name and just one behind Juninho Pernambucano for a place in the top three. Two of those goals came against Real Madrid while wearing the Barcelona shirt.
The first arrived in the Spanish Super Cup in August 2012, when Messi curled a stunning long-range free kick past Iker Casillas at the Santiago Bernabéu in the second leg, with Barcelona claiming the trophy. The second came just two months later in a La Liga match at Camp Nou, in a 2-2 draw in which both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo each scored a brace.
Marcus Rashford (L) and Lionel Messi (R) of FC Barcelona.
Crystal Palace are reportedly expanding their search for a new manager, with former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid star Filipe Luís emerging as a shock candidate to take the reins at Selhurst Park.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, while Bournemouth’s outgoing boss Andoni Iraola remains the club’s “top target,” the Eagles are keeping a close eye on the Brazilian tactical prodigy as they prepare for life after Oliver Glasner.
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The south London club is at a crossroads following Glasner’s decision to depart at the end of this season that has seen Palace reach their first-ever European final.
While ambitious moves for Iraola are underway, the potential appointment of Luis represents a bold shift toward one of the most exciting young coaches in world football.
Crystal Palace eyeing surprise move for Filipe Luis
The interest in Filipe Luís comes at a time when the 40-year-old’s stock has never been higher.
Despite a surprising sacking from Flamengo in March 2026, reportedly due to boardroom friction rather than performance, Lues is emerging as a manager in high demand.
Alex Crook revealed that while Palace have made it clear to Iraola that he is their preferred choice, no formal offer has been signed, leaving the door open for alternative candidates.
Taking to X, Crook revealed: “Ambitious #CPFC have made it clear to Andoni Iraola he would be their top target. No formal offer and nothing advanced yet as per my tweet yesterday. May depend on whether Palace follow up their interest. Felipe Luis another name under consideration by the Eagles.”
With Chelsea also reportedly monitoring Iraola’s situation, the Palace hierarchy is ensuring they have elite contingencies in place.
Filipe Luis’ impressive managerial record
To Premier League fans, Filipe Luis is best remembered as a world-class left-back who won the title with Chelsea in 2015.
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However, since retiring in late 2023, his transition into management has been nothing short of incredible.
Taking charge of Flamengo in September 2024, he orchestrated a period of unprecedented dominance in South American football.
In just 18 months, he achieved a remarkable 70% win rate across 101 matches and secured seven titles.
His style of play is influenced by his time under Diego Simeone with more focus on positional play.
Felipe became the first person in Brazilian history to win the Libertadores and the national league as both a player and a coach.
Leeds United reportedly remain interested in signing Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, according to the latest from Football Insider.
The French international, who has spent the current campaign on loan at West Ham, has become a primary target for Daniel Farke as the Whites look to bolster their defensive options for the 2026–27 season.
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While they were ultimately beaten to his signature by the Hammers, the recruitment team at Elland Road has continued to track his progress closely in East London.
Leeds confident of agreeing Axel Disasi deal
As per the report, Leeds United are ‘confident of agreeing a deal’ to sign the Chelsea defender if West Ham are relegated.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, correspondent Pete O’Rourke confirmed that Disasi’s performances have put him back at the top of Leeds’ shortlist.
The defender has really impressed during his time under Nuno Espirito Santo, proving he can thrive in the high-intensity environment of the Premier League.
O’Rourke said: “Leeds did look at Disasi before he moved to West Ham; they were one of the clubs interested in the French defender.
“It’s a situation that they will be keeping tabs on. We fully expect Daniel Farke’s side to strengthen their centre-back options in the summer after the move to a three-man defensive formation.”
Having struggled for a consistent role at Chelsea, his long-term future is almost certainly away from Stamford Bridge, with a permanent exit expected this summer.
West Ham want to keep Disasi but permanent move depends on survival
Currently sitting 18th in the table following a controversial defeat to Arsenal, the Hammers face a nervous end to the season.
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While Disasi has been enjoying his time at West Ham, the prospect of staying in the Premier League with Leeds, who have already guaranteed their safety, could be more appealing than a season in the second tier.
Marcus Rashford etched his name into El Clásico history on Sunday evening, opening the scoring with a spectacular free-kick as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 to clinch the La Liga title.
In a season defined by his rejuvenation in Catalonia, the Manchester United loanee produced a moment of pure magic at the Spotify Camp Nou that has already been hailed as one of the goals of the season.
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The strike came in just the ninth minute, setting the stage for a dominant performance. Ferran Torres doubled the lead shortly after, but it was Rashford’s dead-ball brilliance that made the headlines and secured Barcelona’s 29th league crown with three games to spare.
Incredible fan footage of Marcus Rashford free-kick
While the official broadcast captured the ball’s curling flight, mind-blowing fan footage from behind the goal has since gone viral, showing the incredible trajectory of the strike.
Standing roughly 25 yards out, Rashford unleashed a powerful, dipping effort that flew into the top-left corner, leaving Thibaut Courtois completely motionless.
The atmosphere inside the stadium went electric as soon as the ball hit the back of the net.
Rashford’s strike made him the first Blaugrana player to score a direct free-kick in a Clásico since Lionel Messi in 2012.
MARCUS RASHFORD FREEKICK LOOKS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING FROM THIS ANGLE. WHAT A STRIKE ? pic.twitter.com/CYNCxl0c4u
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Rashford fell out with Ruben Amorim which resulted in his initial loan move to Aston Villa last January followed by a season long loan at Barcelona, where Rashford has found his form again.
However, despite Barcelona holding a £26 million purchase option, the club’s well-documented financial constraints may complicate a permanent deal.
Reports suggest that while Rashford is desperate to stay at Barcelona, the Catalan giants are also weighing up moves for younger targets.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also said to be showing an interest in the Englishman who has scored 14 goals and 14 assists in 47 games for the Spanish giants across all competitions.
Regardless of where he plays next season, his title-winning contribution has ensured that if this was his final act at the Camp Nou, it was a legendary one.
Hansi Flick says he will “never forget this moment” after leading Barcelona to a second consecutive LaLiga triumph with a 2-0 Clasico win over Real Madrid. Hours before kick-off, it was announced that Flick’s father had passed away, but he was in the dugout for Barcelona’s victory on Sunday. A stunning Marcus Rashford free-kick was […]
FC Barcelona claimed the 2025-26 La Liga title against Real Madrid on Sunday, and legends Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez celebrated the trophy on their social media.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez remain inextricably linked to the fabric of FC Barcelona, having spent years cementing their status as the most iconic duo in club history. In a heartfelt display of their enduring loyalty, both legends took to social media to celebrate the Blaugrana clinching the 2025-26 La Liga title following a decisive victory over Real Madrid.
Immediately following the final whistle, Messi shared his excitement with millions of followers to commemorate the club’s latest milestone. “Campeones!!! Visca el Barca!!!” the Argentine posted on his Instagram story alongside an image of the current squad hoisting the trophy.
Lionel Messi’s post celebrating FC Barcelona’s title.
Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez was equally vocal, adding to the digital celebration with his own brand of South American intensity. He dropped an emphatic “VAMOS” in the comments of the team’s victory post, a gesture that quickly went viral among the Barcelona faithful.
Luis Suarez’s celebration comment.
Despite Suarez departing in 2020 and Messi following a year later, both strikers maintain a deep-rooted emotional connection to the Catalan institution. This bond remains especially strong for Messi, who returned to the Camp Nou last year to the club that raised him.
How many trophies have Barcelona won in the post-Messi era?
While Barcelona have always been a global powerhouse, Lionel Messi’s era brought a level of unprecedented parity with Real Madrid. Between his 2004 debut and his 2021 departure, the Argentine legend led the club to a staggering 35 trophies.
The initial years following his exit were defined by transition and turmoil, as the club managed only two trophies in the first three seasons. However, the trajectory shifted under Xavi Hernandez and has reached new heights with Hansi Flick at the helm.
Under Flick’s disciplined leadership and the rise of stars like Lamine Yamal, Barcelona have re-established their domestic dominance. After sweeping the domestic treble in 2024-25, they have now secured both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in the current 2025-26 campaign.
This brings the club’s total to seven trophies since Messi’s departure five years ago. While international glory in the Champions League remains the final frontier, the foundation of this competitive roster looks stronger than it has in years.
Lionel Messi #10 and Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami CF.
Director of sport Igli Tare admits ‘there’s no point denying it, the right attention has been lacking’ at Milan in recent weeks, so they could go into a training retreat before facing Genoa.
The mood among fans started angry and deteriorated into rage during the 3-2 defeat to Atalanta, as many stormed out after just 52 minutes, while Rafael Leao was jeered again.
It was a remarkable night at San Siro, as La Dea went 3-0 up by the 51st minute with goals from Ederson, Davide Zappacosta and Giacomo Raspadori.
The Rossoneri staged a late fightback with Strahinja Pavlovic’s header and the Christopher Nkunku penalty for the final 3-2 result, but many fans in the Curva Sud had already walked out by then.
Tare admits Milan are in crisis
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Seeing the recent games, the right attention has been lacking. There’s no point denying it, we must all take our share of the responsibility,” Tare told DAZN Italia.
“The fans deserve a different team, but the only positive is that our destiny is still in our hands. We will try to take the good last half-hour and build on that, analyse everything that happened in the last six or seven weeks, and concentrate to achieve this important target.
“We’ve done so well for 10 months, it is only the last month and a half where we stuttered.”
ITALY – MAY 10: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Tare and Max Allegri only arrived a year ago, but there are already reports Milan will fire them both and are scouting for other alternatives.
“Honestly, I have received no signals from the club. I am totally concentrated on my work, because if we achieve the target we set at the start of the season, then we’ll have done well. All the rest, the speculation and pressure, that’s part of the job and you must be able to handle it.
“That is not important for me, what’s important is having the right mentality to face the remaining two games.”
ITALY – MAY 10: Fans of AC Milan spell out “G.F OUT”, as they protest against Giorgio Furlani, Chief Executive Officer of AC Milan, prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The evening had started in a tense atmosphere with the protest against CEO Giorgio Furlani, followed by repeated banners and chants insulting everyone from owner Gerry Cardinale to the players.
“The fans have the right to protest and express their beliefs. I see it as more of a psychological issue with the team, which has lost some of its calm that it had in previous months, but above all since we fell out of the race for first place, that took something out of us,” replied Tare.
“The fundamental thing now is to keep cool heads, be able to accept criticism, but also react and achieve our target. That will give us a step forward towards the future.”
ITALY – MAY 10: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan runs with the ball while under pressure from Isak Hien of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Tare confessed that they could well go into a training retreat before the trip to Genoa, an unusual move for a club this big, and a sign of how badly things are going.
“The coach and I spoke in front of the players, we told them everything that is swirling around us has to be set aside, because we saw the right reaction in the dressing room from the leaders of the team.
“Now we might all go into a training retreat a few days before the game, so we can spend more time together and analyse the situation carefully.”
Max Allegri insists Milan must ‘not try to lay blame’ and focus on locking down that Champions League spot after a 3-2 loss to Atalanta. ‘At least we’re back to scoring goals.’
The atmosphere was already tense before kick-off with the ultras protesting against CEO Giorgio Furlani and other club figures, but it was positively vicious by the time they went 3-0 down before the hour mark, with many walking out.
Ederson, Davide Zappacosta and Giacomo Raspadori had put Atalanta 3-0 up at San Siro, but there was a sting in the tail with a desperate fightback.
Strahinja Pavlovic’s header at the 88th minute and a Christopher Nkunku penalty at the 94th set up a fiery late push, but Matteo Gabbia’s header skimmed the upright for a potential 3-3.
Allegri tries to keep Milan steady
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“There’s no point talking about what has happened so far, because we cannot change it,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“All we can do is work well over the next week and be ready for a game against Genoa that will be decisive for our Champions League qualification.
“Tonight had started fairly well for 10 minutes, then we conceded that goal at the first chance, after which we fell apart. In the second half, once we had gone 3-0 down, there was a strong reaction. At least we got back to scoring goals, I realise it might seem an odd thing to say, but that’s a good sign.”
Milan had not found the net on home turf since the 3-2 win over Torino in March, ending a drought of over 300 minutes of football here.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It is natural that nobody expected such a difficult moment. I thought there would be a dip during the course of an entire campaign, but right now we have to simply focus on the next game with Genoa, a side that has often had good results at home.
“We need enthusiasm and hunger to get this victory,” insisted Allegri.
To make matters worse, Rafael Leao, Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan will all be suspended for next week’s trip to Genoa, while Davide Bartesaghi went off injured and Christian Pulisic pulled out this morning with a muscular problem.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan scores his team’s second goal from a penalty kick during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Leao ballooned several efforts into the stands before he was jeered when substituted, but the coach shrugged off questions about the Portugal international.
“I don’t think right now is a problem with Leao, Fullkrug, Nkunku, Gabbia, Maignan or anyone else. It’s a team issue. Rafa had opportunities tonight, he will be suspended next week, so we need to focus on preparing for the Genoa game.”
Incredibly, since beating Inter in the Derby della Madonnina to reopen the Scudetto race, they’ve crumbled with seven points from eight rounds.
Their last two games are away to Genoa and at home with Cagliari.
ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Everyone playing the final two rounds together is logical, but it’s not up to us, so we’ll see when we are told that we can play. I cannot reproach these lads, they’ve been working well.”
The tension between the fans and club figures is sky high, the ultras singling out CEO Furlani as the main figure to blame.
ITALY – MAY 10: Fans of AC Milan spell out “G.F OUT”, as they protest against Giorgio Furlani, Chief Executive Officer of AC Milan, prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“When results are lacking, I am the first person responsible, as I am the coach. These lads have always given their all, we mustn’t go looking for blame right now, but focus on how we achieved many victories this season and need to get two more.
“I said repeatedly that the Champions League spot was not locked down, despite what everyone else claimed, because I knew we hadn’t had a dip yet. The dip has arrived, now we’re got to finish it off,” concluded Allegri.
Newcastle United are looking to sign Mio Backhaus as a major goalkeeping reshuffle looms at St James’ Park.
According to The Chronicle, the Magpies are already scouring the market for fresh talent between the sticks, with a significant shift in their defensive ranks expected during the summer transfer window.
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The 34-year-old England international has faced an inconsistent season, losing his starting spot to loanee Aaron Ramsdale mid-campaign.
With Leeds boss Daniel Farke reportedly eyeing a £5 million to £10 million move for Pope to stabilize his own backline, Eddie Howe appears ready to sanction a departure to fund a younger, more modern overhaul of the position.
Newcastle want Mio Backhaus with goalkeeper shake-up expected
At the heart of this potential revolution is Werder Bremen’s towering stopper Mio Backhaus. Standing at 6ft 4in, the 22-year-old has caught the attention of Newcastle scouts after an impressive Bundesliga campaign.
Backhaus has been a rare bright spot for a Werder side battling relegation, recording five clean sheets in 30 appearances and earning praise for his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the air.
Backhaus’s statistical profile suggests he is a keeper ready for a step up; despite the pressure of a relegation scrap, his consistency has seen him maintain a high save percentage.
Newcastle’s recruitment team reportedly views the German youth international as a high-potential “project” signing, a back-up star who is ready to make the leap from the bench to challenge for a starting role in the Premier League.
Newcastle also targeting James Trafford
While Backhaus represents a long-term investment, he is not the only name on Howe’s shortlist.
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Trafford, who has spent the season on loan and is expected to leave the Etihad permanently this summer, is valued as a marquee option who could secure the position for the next decade.
The dual-pursuit of Trafford and Backhaus signals a clear strategy: Newcastle intend to move away from an aging department and transition toward younger, more agile keepers.
With Nick Pope likely to leave and Ramsdale’s loan expiring, the stage is set for a completely new look in the Newcastle goal come August.
AC Milan are interested in signing Ferran Torres from Barcelona in the summer of 2026, according to Fichajes. La Liga club Barcelona could sell Torres at the end of the season, and Serie A giants Milan have plans to bring him to San Siro. The report has stated: ‘For Ferran Torres, the interest from AC […]
Paris Saint-Germain do not want to sell Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Barcelona, who won La Liga last season, are keen on a deal for the French winger, but PSG have no plans to sell him. The report has stated: […]
AC Milan are interested in signing Ferran Torres from Barcelona in the summer of 2026, according to Fichajes. La Liga club Barcelona could sell Torres at the end of the season, and Serie A giants Milan have plans to bring him to San Siro. The report has stated: ‘For Ferran Torres, the interest from AC […]
Paris Saint-Germain do not want to sell Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Barcelona, who won La Liga last season, are keen on a deal for the French winger, but PSG have no plans to sell him. The report has stated: […]
Newcastle United want £85m to sell Anthony Gordon in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Barcelona and Bayern Munich are keen on the England international winger. The report has stated: ‘The current stance is firm. ‘Newcastle demands 85 million and has rejected all received […]
Real Madrid want to sign Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed interest in the Croatia international central defender from Bayern Munich, too. The report has stated: ‘For Real Madrid, exploring this path is a strategic necessity. ‘The Madrid club […]
Lamine Yamal has claimed the 7th title of his career while being just 18 years old, prompting questions on how Lionel Messi's and Cristiano Ronaldo's trophy cabinet looked at the same age.
Lamine Yamal has added yet another piece of silverware to his illustrious young career, securing the 2025-26 La Liga title to bring his trophy count to seven, all before his 19th birthday. With such unprecedented production at such a tender age, the question naturally arises: how do these numbers stack up against the early-career hauls of legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
The 2025-26 La Liga triumph marks Yamal’s second trophy of the season, following the Spanish Super Cup victory in January where Barcelona edged Real Madrid 3-2 in the final. While the Cules fell short in both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, stifled in both competitions by a resilient Atletico Madrid, the team’s evolution into a powerhouse under manager Hansi Flick is undeniable.
Furthermore, Yamal’s meteoric rise hasn’t been a one-season fluke; his statistical output has climbed alongside his tactical importance. The 2025-26 campaign has been a career year for the youngster, as he has racked up 24 goals and 17 assists. No longer just a creative playmaker, Yamal has transformed into Barcelona’s primary scoring threat and the most dangerous attacker in the league.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates with teammate Marc Casado after defeating Real Madrid.
Yamal’s trophy breakdown
With his 19th birthday not arriving until July 13, Yamal’s trophy cabinet currently holds seven major honors at just 18 years and 10 months old. His collection includes six titles with Barcelona and one historic triumph with the Spanish national team:
2022-23 La Liga (Barcelona).
2024 Euro (Spain).
2024-25 Spanish Super Cup (Barcelona).
2024-25 Copa del Rey (Barcelona).
2024-25 La Liga (Barcelona).
2024-25 Spanish Super Cup (Barcelona).
2025-26 La Liga (Barcelona).
Lionel Messi’s trophy cabinet at 18 years old
As left-footed graduates of La Masia, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal share more than just a developmental pedigree. However, at Yamal’s current age, the Argentine was still in the early stages of establishing himself as a regular starter, rather than the undisputed face of the franchise.
Before turning 19 in June 2006, Messi had captured four major trophies with Barcelona—three fewer than Yamal. His haul included back-to-back La Liga titles (2004-05, 2005-06), the 2005 Spanish Super Cup, and the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League. While he featured in six matches during that European run, a hamstring injury forced him to watch the final stages of the tournament from the sidelines.
Internationally, Messi also secured silverware at the youth level. In 2005, he led Argentina to a victory over the Netherlands to claim the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He famously swept the individual honors at that tournament, taking home both the Golden Boot as top scorer and the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player.
Leo Messi of FC Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet at 18 years old
Compared to the Barcelona duo, Cristiano Ronaldo’s breakthrough into the elite tier of trophy winners occurred slightly later in his professional development. At 18 years of age, the Portuguese star held only the 2002 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (Portuguese Super Cup) with Sporting CP, a match in which he was an unused substitute during a 5-1 rout of Leixões.
Ronaldo also claimed the Toulon Tournament with Portugal’s U-20 side in June 2003. Unlike Yamal and Messi, Ronaldo’s birthday falls mid-season (February 5), meaning he turned 19 in early 2004, just as the European season reached its business end.
If we account for his age-19 season (2003-04), he added the FA Cup with Manchester United to his resume, marking his second major trophy. That year remains a famous footnote in soccer history; while Ronaldo was finding his feet at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were bounced from the Champions League by Jose Mourinho’s Porto, and the Arsenal “Invincibles” denied him a Premier League title in his debut English campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Manchester United, and Lamine Yamal (M) and Lionel Messi (R) of Barcelona.
Pumas UNAM will host Club America in the second leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Here’s all the key information ahead of the matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming coverage for viewers in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Pumas UNAM vs Club America on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Pumas UNAM vs Club America
WHAT
Liga MX
WHEN
9:15 PM ET / 6:15 PM PT • Sunday, May 10, 2026
WHERE
DirecTV Stream, CBS Sports Golazo Network, Univision, TUDN, Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network, Univision, TUDN, Amazon Prime Video and ViX
The first leg of the latest edition of the Clasico Capitalino delivered everything fans could have hoped for, as Club America and Pumas UNAM battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw in a back-and-forth thriller. America created enough chances to leave with a victory on home turf, but the deadlock keeps the rivalry wide open heading into a decisive second leg.
With the series now shifting to their stadium, Pumasenter with a slight edge and the momentum of playing in front of their supporters, while America will be expected to push aggressively from the opening whistle in what shapes up as another intense, high-pressure showdown between two of Mexico City’s biggest clubs.
More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream
With DirecTV Stream, you can watch Pumas UNAM vs Club America and tons more Liga MX games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick as well as Google TV, Samsung and Peloton.
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial, and often shares with you a variety of different packages to choose from, so you can pick what suits you the best. That also includes packages filled with sports other than soccer including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and more.
DirecTV Stream has 140+ channels of live TV and unlimited DVR. That includes all of the most important soccer-related channels such as NBC, FOX, ESPN, TNT, CBS as well as more niche soccer channels including FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Univision, TUDN and GolTV.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Despite their strong start to the season, Real Madrid have ended the campaign in disappointing fashion, as Barcelona secured the LaLiga title. As a result, Los Blancos have now gone two consecutive years without major silverware, reflecting poor decision-making and flawed squad planning.
Real Madrid seemed to have started the 2025–26 season in top form, as a solid run of results promised a golden era under Xabi Alonso. However, poor performances and locker-room issues led to his dismissal. Far from being the ideal solution, Álvaro Arbeloa failed to resolve those same problems. Furthermore, Barcelona deepened their bitter rivals’ crisis by crowning themselves as LaLiga winners, plunging Real Madrid into a two-year title drought that reflected poor decisions and roster planning.
After the departures of Carlo Ancelotti, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modrić, Los Blancos entered a new era filled with promise. Led by Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham, they aimed to dominate European soccer once again. However, Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa failed to find the right balance between the midfield and the attack, leaving the team without a clear playing identity or direction. Compounding these issues, the roster has been plagued by injuries.
Amid a sporting transition, Real Madrid made a mistake that ultimately defined their season: The dismissal of Xabi Alonso. With this decision, the front office handed greater influence to the players, parting ways with a promising manager who was seeking support to fully control the dressing room. With a highly demanding, methodical style, he pushed players to embrace defined roles and commit to intense defensive work, something that ultimately cost him his position.
Coupled with Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, they also failed to properly plan the transition from Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, exposing poor squad construction from the very beginning of the season. Rather than signing a true deep-lying playmaker, they relied on Federico Valverde, Bellingham, and Arda Güler to take on that responsibility. However, none of them naturally fit that profile, forcing the solution onto Thiago Pitarch, who showed that he was still too young for such a major role.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is challenged by Pedri of FC Barcelona.
After those poor decisions, Real Madrid began to endure a season to forget. Reports of internal issues between players, such as Álvaro Carreras and Antonio Rüdiger, escalated into an even bigger incident involving Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni. The situation led to an internal disciplinary procedure by the club that ended with fines of €500,000 for each player. These conflicts exposed a much deeper problem: a lack of leadership in the dressing room and the absence of a manager with enough authority to control the squad’s biggest egos.
Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius fail to pull Real Madrid out of the slump
Kylian Mbappé arrived at Real Madrid in 2024, promising a new golden era for the club. With Vinícius Jr. already in the squad, the front office’s intention was not to replace the Brazilian, but rather to complement him. Despite a difficult start, the Frenchman scored 44 goals in his first season and has already added 41 in his second campaign. However, the two stars have failed to establish a true connection on the pitch, falling short of lifting Los Blancos out of their crisis.
Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. have failed to show their best version as a goalscoring duo at Real Madrid. Although the Frenchman starts as a center forward, he does not operate as a natural striker, constantly drifting toward the left flank and overlapping with the Brazilian. Consequently, they cannot recreate the chemistry Vinícius once had with Karim Benzema, as they struggle to combine through quick link-up play as they naturally move into identical areas.
If Real Madrid want Mbappé and Vinícius to develop into a truly feared attacking partnership, they may need to adopt a strategy similar Luis Enrique’s one at PSG: Constant positional rotation. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué shift across the front line based on the team’s needs. Both have already proven they can thrive in multiple attacking positions, which suggests they could successfully adapt to a similar system.
Real Madrid need a major midfield restructuring
Over the last few years, the best teams in the world have shown that having an elite midfield can define an entire season. While Vitinha and João Neves shine at PSG, Real Madrid continue to field profiles that are too similar, leaving the team without proper balance. This is far from unfamiliar territory for Los Blancos, as Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Luka Modrić once provided the perfect balance that allowed the club to dominate Europe.
Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid gestures towards Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
With Aurélien Tchouaméni operating as the defensive midfielder, Real Madrid may need a player capable of truly organizing the midfield. Although Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler clearly shine individually, they are naturally more attack-minded profiles and therefore struggle to dictate the tempo of the game. As a result, the team has failed to control transitions or stop counterattacks efficiently, leaving Los Blancos without real control of matches.
If Real Madrid manage to secure the signing of a deep-lying playmaker such as Enzo Fernández or Kees Smit, Los Blancos may eventually have to choose between Güler and Bellingham in the starting lineup, as Federico Valverde’s defensive contributions are key. However, the managerial change will likely be even more important for rebuilding the team, as it needs an experienced, winning profile capable of handling the major ego issues.
José Mourinho may be an ideal solution for Real Madrid
Following the failed spells of Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid now appear to be targeting a manager with extensive experience. Although Didier Deschamps and Mauricio Pochettino have emerged as major options, Los Blancos would reportedly need to wait until after the 2026 World Cup, which creates a significant issue by delaying major changes. This is precisely why, José Mourinho’s vast experience and legendary legacy make him an ideal solution.
Despite being under contract with Benfica, Mourinho supposedly has a clause that could allow him to leave for Real Madrid. As a fan favorite and legendary figure at the club, the Portuguese manager would immediately command respect in the dressing room, helping to eliminate ego clashes. In addition, he could bring balance back to the squad by imposing a strong work ethic. However, he would likely require full backing and complete authority to rebuild.
Raffaele Palladino feels he has created ‘magic’ with the Atalanta players after their 3-2 victory away to Milan, but is still not sure about his future. ‘I hope the club appreciates my work.’
La Dea had been in poor form coming into San Siro with two points from four rounds plus their Coppa Italia semi-final exit to Lazio on penalties.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan runs with the ball while under pressure from Isak Hien of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
However, they had the ideal start this evening, surging into a 3-0 lead by the 52nd minute with Ederson, Davide Zappacosta and Giacomo Raspadori goals.
Perhaps Atalanta felt a bit too comfortable, because they risked throwing it all away in the final stages, the Strahinja Pavlovic header and Christopher Nkunku penalty making the final score 3-2.
Palladino thankful to Atalanta players
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Giacomo Raspadori of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This evening I must thank the lads, as they put in a great performance, risking practically nothing in the first half,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“I said it in the dressing room, but I want to say it publicly, this was the response of a great squad that is working in the same direction. They received some criticism this week, but gave their response on the field.
“It’s a pity about the closing minutes, as we deserved to be 3-0 up, but Milan threw strikers on, scored with a set play and a penalty. It was good to win even when suffering.”
Atalanta are now solidly in seventh place, which will be enough for qualification to the Conference League only if Lazio lose the Coppa Italia Final to Inter on Wednesday.
It is less than they were accustomed to, but a lot considering how badly things were going when Palladino took over from Ivan Juric.
“A real magic has been created between me and these players, which was not to be taken for granted, as they felt unmotivated and sad when I arrived. We managed to get to the Champions League Round of 16 and the Coppa Italia semi-final too.
“I want what is best for the players, for the fans and for Atalanta, as they all deserve a strong Atalanta.”
Incredibly, Atalanta had not won back-to-back games away to Milan in Serie A since 1943, but have now picked up five victories and two draws against the Rossoneri in all competition since a 2-0 loss in February 2023.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There are strong reports now that director of sport Tony D’Amico will leave this summer, and the coach could well be changed too if they do not share the same vision for the future.
“I am not thinking about my future, but the present, and I need to end this season well. I’ve given my all for this club, I think that has been appreciated by the players and the fans, I hope to be appreciated by the club. I do not have regrets,” noted Palladino.
“I work day and night, the club will evaluate at the end of the season, but the greatest satisfaction is the response from these lads. They deserve the focus, not me.”
There were some worries, because Giorgio Scalvini limped off with an ankle sprain, then his replacement Odilon Kossounou also sustained a muscular injury.
Isak Hien was booked and will be suspended against Bologna, so there is a definite shortage of defenders.
The battle for the Champions League will go down to the wire, as Juventus climbed into third place, Roma caught Milan, with Como just two points behind in the Serie A table.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Head coach of Juventus FC Luciano Spalletti smiles during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If Napoli lose to Bologna on Monday, then there will be just five points separating second from sixth with two games left to play.
It is therefore worth noting what those final fixtures are, as they will be decisive.
Rafael Leao was booked tonight and will therefore be suspended when Milan visit Genoa.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan’s Champions League qualification is in huge doubt after a 3-2 home defeat to Atalanta, as the slip to joint fourth place with Roma, leapfrogged by Juventus.
The Rossoneri were in crisis after seven points in as many matches saw Champions League football thrown into doubt. Christian Pulisic suffered a muscular injury this morning and was ruled out, along with Luka Modric and suspended Fikayo Tomori, so Santiago Gimenez got his first start since October 28. They wore special jerseys for Mother’s Day with the names of their Mums on the back. La Dea missed Lorenzo Bernasconi after two points from four rounds, plus Coppa Italia elimination to Lazio in the semi-final.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Fans of AC Milan spell out “G.F OUT”, as they protest against Giorgio Furlani, Chief Executive Officer of AC Milan, prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It was almost a perfect start for Adrien Rabiot, whose screamer smacked against the outside of the upright in the fourth minute.
Instead, while Atalanta were complaining about a shirt-tug on Nikola Krstovic, the move continued and Ederson drilled low into the far bottom corner from just inside the box.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Ederson of Atalanta scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Krstovic turned and hammered a long-range effort to sting Mike Maignan’s gloves, then as the move continued Giacomo Raspadori just failed to get on the end of Davide Zappacosta’s pass.
Maignan was also tested by Nicola Zalewski at the near post, and before the Rossoneri had managed a single touch in the opposition penalty area, they found themselves 2-0 down.
Krstovic with his back to goal knocked down the De Ketelaere pass for Zappacosta, who shrugged off Matteo Gabbia to drill into the far bottom corner.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Marco Carnesecchi got down for a one-handed save on Gimenez, but the offside flag had gone up for the Mexico international anyway.
Rafael Leao’s frustration was showing, as he was booked for a lunge on Giorgio Scalvini and will be suspended against Genoa, then moments later wasted a golden opportunity by firing straight at Carnesecchi from seven yards.
Alexis Saelemaekers saw one strike smothered by Carnesecchi, then dribbled into the box only to be tackled cleanly by Isak Hien.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek fell awkwardly on his shoulder, so was replaced at half-time by Christopher Nkunku as Max Allegri tried to get back into the game. Scalvini also limped off with an ankle sprain for Atalanta.
La Dea added a third when Samuele Ricci’s pass to Leao was intercepted in midfield, Ederson sending Raspadori down the left to thread his finish through the eye of a needle at the near top corner.
Some fans had seen enough and walked out straight after that goal, leaving the Curva Sud empty with another 35 minutes left to play. There were still enough left to loudly jeer a triple substitution, Leao hauled off after booting a vague attempt into Row Z.
Odilon Kossounou was only on the field for a few minutes when having to come off with a muscular injury, and Nkunku saw Milan’s best chance denied by a desperate Carnesecchi save.
There could’ve been a fourth, Krstovic firing over from close range on a roll across from the right, while the hosts were unlucky to see Nkunku’s effort thump the crossbar when Niclas Fullkrug held off Honest Ahanor to set him up.
Fullkrug also laid it off for Youssouf Fofana’s deflected effort, forcing a Carnesecchi fingertip save, and Rabiot drilled wide, but Davide Bartesaghi also hobbled off with a muscular issue.
When Fullkrug did get the ball in the net on 81 minutes, he was clearly in an offside position and it did not count.
Milan finally did get their first home goal in over 300 minutes of football, as Samuele Ricci’s free kick to the back post was nodded in by Strahinja Pavlovic.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The situation went from bad to worse, as Pervis Estupinan and Alexis Saelemaekers were also booked and will be suspended against Genoa, along with Leao.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan scores his team’s second goal from a penalty kick during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Deep into stoppages, Nkunku ran into the box and went down over Marten de Roon’s challenge for a penalty, which Nkunku converted by firing into the near top corner.
They threw everything forward in added time, Matteo Gabbia’s glancing header inches wide from the Nkunku free kick to the back post. There were also penalty appeals for the ball striking Hien on the arm, but it was considered to be in a natural position.
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has slammed the officiating following a highly controversial VAR decision that denied his side a 95th-minute equaliser against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Hammers appeared to have snatched a vital point in their battle for survival when Callum Wilson bundled the ball home in stoppage time, only for the goal to be overturned after a lengthy review.
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The defeat leaves West Ham in 18th place, one point behind Tottenham, while Arsenal move five points clear at the summit.
The decision to penalise West Ham’s Pablo for a foul on David Raya has been described by pundits as the “biggest call of the season.”
Nuno Espirito Santo slams the referees
Speaking to Sky Sports shortly after the final whistle, a visibly frustrated Nuno did not hold back in his assessment of the modern game’s officiating standards.
The Portuguese coach argued that the lack of consistency in defining a “foul” is creating a state of confusion for players and managers alike.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Due to the circumstances and the way it finished, we are all upset.
“Look, there is a referee and VAR, there are circumstances in the past that have been judged differently. Let’s not go further than that.”
Nuno continued to express his disbelief at the interpretation of the rules: “Due to the recent seasons, it has been happening. Even the referees don’t know what is a foul and what is not a foul. It creates doubt. We made a very good match; Arsenal is a tough team, but we lost the game on a decision we cannot control.”
“Due to the recent seasons, it has been happening [similar incidents]. Even the referees don’t know what is a foul and what is not a foul, It creates doubt.
“Let’s look at the game overall. We made a very good match. Arsenal is a tough team. We lost the game.”
"Even the referees don't know what is or what is not a foul" ?
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo says other circumstances have been judged differently in the past ?? pic.twitter.com/lpL4kwSSjc
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 10, 2026
Also Read:
Jarrod Bowen Says David Raya has to expect the company
Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen echoed his manager’s sentiments, highlighting the physical nature of the Premier League.
Bowen suggested that goalkeepers are becoming overly protected in set-piece situations, often at the expense of the game’s competitive spirit.
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“Corners are physical. The Premier League is physical. That’s why everyone loves it,” Bowen argued. “You have to expect contact at corners. David Raya is a top keeper, but in that moment, he has to expect the company. If you give that as a foul, you have to give every single holding call in the box. It’s about consistency, and right now, we aren’t seeing it.”
With only two games remaining to save their season, West Ham’s frustrations are at an all-time high as they head into a pivotal final stretch where every decision could be the difference between safety and the Championship.
Real Madrid want to sign Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed interest in the Croatia international central defender from Bayern Munich, too. The report has stated: ‘For Real Madrid, exploring this path is a strategic necessity. ‘The Madrid club […]
Barcelona want to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal want €55 to €60 million to sell the Brazil international winger. The report has stated: ‘Gabriel Martinelli possesses several qualities that are attractive at Camp Nou. ‘He has […]
Newcastle United want £85m to sell Anthony Gordon in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Barcelona and Bayern Munich are keen on the England international winger. The report has stated: ‘The current stance is firm. ‘Newcastle demands 85 million and has rejected all received […]
Real Madrid want to sign Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed interest in the Croatia international central defender from Bayern Munich, too. The report has stated: ‘For Real Madrid, exploring this path is a strategic necessity. ‘The Madrid club […]
Barcelona want to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal want €55 to €60 million to sell the Brazil international winger. The report has stated: ‘Gabriel Martinelli possesses several qualities that are attractive at Camp Nou. ‘He has […]
Arsenal took a huge step towards the Premier League title with a dramatic 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened West Ham, who had a potential 95th-minute equaliser disallowed. West Ham produced a resolute defensive performance until, in the 83rd minute, Leandro Trossard fired through a crowd of bodies and beyond Mads Hermansen, after strong work from Martin […]
Pachuca will receive Toluca in the second leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Here’s all the key information ahead of the matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming coverage for viewers in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Pachuca vs Toluca on US television and via legal streaming:
After striking early through Enner Valencia, Pachucawalked away from the first leg with a hard-earned 1-0 edge over Toluca in what turned into a tense and physical battle from start to finish. The narrow win gives Pachuca momentum heading into the decisive second leg.
But there’s little room for comfort against a Tolucaside known for responding under pressure and flipping big matchups in their favor. Even with the advantage and the confidence gained from the opening result, Pachuca will need another composed performance to close out the series.
More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Milan ultras had a series of banners, chants and initiatives demanding the dismissal of CEO Giorgio Furlani, who they blame for their recent difficulties.
The protest started many hours before kick-off, when the Curva Sud groups released a lengthy statement condemning many club figures for a variety of issues over the last four years.
Milan fans protest Furlani
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Giorgio Furlani, CEO of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
They marched towards the stadium behind a huge banner reading ‘Furlani Go Away’ and then inside the stands they positioned themselves complete with phone lights to create the message: ‘GF Out’
The chants were also along the same lines, noting that ‘We are Milan.’
Over 20,000 signatures have been placed on the petition set up calling for CEO Furlani to be fired, but it seems as if owner Gerry Cardinale will stand by him.
This is largely because the books are being balanced with record revenues from player sales, even if the results have not been entirely satisfactory.
Without a victory against Atalanta this evening, they will drop down to fourth place and potentially even be caught by Roma.
Gian Piero Gasperini was in jubilant but measured mood after Roma’s extraordinary 2-3 comeback win at Parma, praising the spirit of his squad while remaining deliberately vague on Paulo Dybala’s future after the Argentine suggested the derby would be his final home appearance for the club.
According to his post-match interviews with DAZN and Sky Sport, via RomaNews.eu, Gasperini admitted the closing stages had tested even his nerves.
“It has happened very rarely to me to turn a game around in stoppage time from 2-1 to 3-2,” he said.
“It is testament to the heart these boys have. For the first time I did not watch the penalty, I was looking at the crowd, but there was the scoreboard and I saw it anyway.”
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Parma 2-3 Roma – Gasperini refuses to be drawn on Dybala exit as Malen hailed as transformative signing
When told that Dybala had publicly stated the derby would be his last home match, Gasperini was carefully non-committal.
“He said that? Well, maybe, who knows,” he said. “He was excellent again today, coming back after a long time out and giving us real quality. It is a shame not to have had him for so much of the season.”
Gasperini was more expansive on Donyell Malen, whose penalty proved the decisive moment.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“On the penalty, it is technique, everyone went for Dybala and they disturbed him, but he hit the post,” he said. “On Malen, he is a calm and not very expansive person. He integrated into the dressing room and has been extraordinary. He has incredible motivation and has raised our level.”
The Roma coach also singled out the impact of his substitutes as evidence of collective growth.
“The fact that we can change games with the players who come on means we are more prepared,” he said. “Rensch scored and won the penalty, that was the decisive change. But compliments to the players for how they came on. This group has shown its character from the first day.”
On the broader picture, Gasperini acknowledged Roma had been fortunate at moments, with Suzuki producing several stunning saves to keep Parma level before the late turnaround. “It seemed like a bewitched match,” he said. “Then everything happened in the final minutes.”
Parma head coach Carlos Cuesta was left fuming after his side’s 2-3 defeat to Roma, accusing the visitors of disrespect while insisting he was proud of his players’ efforts in a dramatic match that was ultimately decided by a Donyell Malen penalty in the 101st minute.
According to his post-match interview with DAZN, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Cuesta stopped short of spelling out exactly what he felt had crossed a line, but made clear he believed several incidents had unfairly shaped the game’s outcome.
“At Parma we try to be ourselves and to face people with respect,” he said. “But sometimes you have to understand why things happen. From 2-1 to 2-3, obvious things happened, and it is not just about the penalty area, it is the whole dynamic that leaves me feeling this way. They showed disrespect to us. There were events that conditioned the dynamics of the match too much. Against Napoli I was the first to say it was not a penalty, but today there were many small things I did not like.”
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Head coach Carlos Cuesta of Parma Calcio 1913 gestures during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Cuesta proud of Parma’s mentality despite late collapse against Roma
Despite his frustration, Cuesta was equally keen to highlight the positives.
“There is both bitterness about the result and pride at having done many good things,” he said.
“It was not easy to turn a game like today’s around against a strong opponent. And I hold tight to the mentality of these players, who even with their objective already achieved always want to represent Parma in the best possible way.”
On his substitutions, Cuesta explained the thinking behind replacing Strefezza with Pellegrino.
“We wanted to win, the choices were made for that reason,” he said. “Strefezza had no more than 55 minutes in his legs and we wanted to exploit Pellegrino’s physical strength. Those who came on did well, those who did not were ready.”
Parma host Como in their next fixture, and Cuesta confirmed that Britschgi will miss the game through suspension, while several other players are being assessed day by day due to ongoing physical issues.
Paulo Dybala has revealed he has received no contact from Roma regarding a contract renewal, confirming that next weekend’s derby against Lazio will be his final home appearance for the club if no agreement is reached, after Roma’s stunning 3-2 comeback win at Parma kept their Champions League hopes alive.
According to comments made to Sky Sport after the match, via LaRoma24, Dybala was candid about his uncertain future.
“I would like to know my future too,” he said. “The contract ends in two matches. The derby, as my contract states, will be my last match in front of our fans.”
Roma must win against their arch-rivals to keep their race for Champions League football alive, with the teams chasing a place in Europe’s premier competition all close together with just two weekends left.
Juventus, Milan, Roma and Como are all within just three points of one another, with just two able to take their place in the top four.
Napoli are in a good position and can all-but guarantee their spot if they beat Bologna on Monday evening.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma warms up prior the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Dybala future unresolved as Roma chase Champions League with final-day drama
Asked directly whether the club had been in touch, Dybala’s answer was brief and telling. “No,” he said.
The Argentine’s situation casts a long shadow over a remarkable evening for Roma, who trailed before fighting back to win through a Donyell Malen penalty in the 101st minute, a result that temporarily lifts them level with Milan on 67 points in fourth place, with the Rossoneri facing Atalanta later on Sunday.
Dybala was characteristically generous in deflecting individual focus back onto the collective.
“This is a team that gives everything until the end,” he said. “We know Champions League qualification does not depend only on us, but we will fight until the last moment.”
Milan director Igli Tare calls on fans to be ‘united’ with the club despite tonight’s protests, insisting ‘Champions League qualification is fundamental’ on a sporting and economic level.
The match with Atalanta kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 25: The fans of AC Milan show their support as they hold flags prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on January 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The pressure is piling on the Rossoneri after just seven points from as many matches left even Champions League qualification in doubt.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The fans are right to express their thoughts, the important thing is that we are all united in this moment, because it is fundamental we complete the process that we started this season,” Tare told DAZN Italia.
“We must try not to repeat the errors we’ve made in the past, as a performance like the one seen against Sassuolo leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. It has been a rough week, but we are all convinced the team will give a strong response tonight.”
Much has been said about the future of Tare and Max Allegri, so how could getting into the Champions League affect their status at San Siro?
“Champions League qualification is fundamental not for me, but for this club and the fans. We have slowed down in recent weeks, but our fate is still in our hands, and we must give a response tonight.
“It is fundamental for this club to secure Champions League participation, not just economically, but on a purely sporting level.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Rafael Leao had seemingly been heading for the bench today, but Christian Pulisic pulled out with a gluteal strain this morning in training, so the Portuguese star keeps his spot.
Santiago Gimenez gets his first start since October 28, which was also against Atalanta, after recovering from ankle surgery.
Fikayo Tomori is suspended and Luka Modric out for the season after a facial fracture.
“Modric’s absence is a blow for the team on the field, but he is not absent, because every day he spends at Milanello with the team, trying to cheer them on. I am very confident that Luka will continue his experience at Milan next season,” assured Tare.
The clash between West Ham United and Arsenal at the London Stadium ended in monumental controversy on Sunday evening, as a 95th-minute equaliser from Callum Wilson was spectacularly overturned by VAR.
The decision, which secured a 1-0 victory for the Gunners, has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, carrying massive implications for both the title race and the battle for top-flight survival.
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Leandro Trossard’s late goal appeared to have won it for Arsenal, but the stadium erupted in the dying seconds when Wilson bundled the ball home following a chaotic corner.
However, after a lengthy review and a trip to the pitchside monitor, referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 10, 2026
VAR controversially disallows West Ham goal
The controversy centered on West Ham substitute Pablo, who was judged to have impeded David Raya as the Spaniard attempted to claim the initial cross.
While Wilson wheeled away in celebration, VAR official Darren England flagged the incident for review.
The replays showed a tangle of arms in a crowded six-yard box, leading Kavanagh to conclude that the goalkeeper had been fouled. “After review, West Ham No. 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper,” the referee announced to a chorus of boos.
The decision provided Arsenal with a massive reprieve, allowing them to escape with three points that move them closer to their first league title in over two decades.
Rob Green on the controversy: “Biggest call of the season”
Former West Ham and England goalkeeper Rob Green, speaking on the high-stakes nature of the decision, described the incident as a defining moment in the campaign.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “It’s in the lap of the Gods this. There’s arms all over the place.
“It is a foul in any other season, in any other moment. But given the size of the moment and what the goal means for the title and survival, it’s the biggest call of the season.
“The arm is across the keeper, but Pablo himself is being held. It is impossible to say.”
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The fallout from the decision is twofold: Arsenal remain five points clear at the top, while West Ham stay rooted in the relegation zone. A draw would have finished off the advantage Arsenal have over Man City from City’s 3-3 draw vs Everton.
With only two games remaining, the Hammers face an uphill battle to avoid the drop, leaving their fans to rue a VAR intervention that could change the course of club history.
Barcelona want to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal want €55 to €60 million to sell the Brazil international winger. The report has stated: ‘Gabriel Martinelli possesses several qualities that are attractive at Camp Nou. ‘He has […]
Christian Pulisic has been excluded from AC Milan's squad for the game against Atalanta due to a new muscular injury, setting the alarms for the USMNT ahead of the World Cup.
AC Milan host Atalanta on Sunday, May 10, in Matchday 36 of the 2025-26 Serie A season, with the Rossoneri‘s Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance. The occasion has been complicated by the late withdrawal of Christian Pulisic due to injury, a development that has also set off alarm bells for the USMNT with the World Cup just over a month away.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic felt discomfort in his glute during AC Milan’s final training session on Sunday morning. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri chose not to risk the forward given the nature of the complaint and the timing of the issue.
The decision to protect Pulisic went beyond simply leaving him out of the starting lineup. Allegri excluded him from the squad entirely, meaning the American will watch the Atalanta match from the stands. With the World Cup now roughly a month away, the USMNT will be hoping the injury is minor and that the natural end of the club season will allow for a full recovery before the tournament begins.
In Pulisic’s absence, Allegri has opted to pair Santiago Gimenez with Rafael Leao in attack. A defeat against Atalanta would drop Milan from fourth to fifth place, pushing them out of the Champions League qualification spots with just two Serie A games remaining.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks dejected.
Pulisic faces another fitness hurdle ahead of international duty
Injuries have undoubtedly taken a toll on Pulisic during the 2025-26 campaign, derailing his momentum just as he hit his stride late last year. The forward previously missed the November international window featuring marquee matchups against Paraguay and Uruguay, and this latest setback serves as a haunting reminder of his physical struggles ahead of the summer’s big stage.
While AC Milan have yet to release a formal medical bulletin, updates are expected in the coming hours regarding a definitive diagnosis and recovery timeline. Per Transfermarkt, early projections suggest the USMNT star could return by May 16, potentially making him available for the following day’s away fixture against Genoa.
However, the timing remains disastrous for Pulisic, who is currently fighting to rediscover his clinical edge. His last goal dates back to a December 28 clash with Hellas Verona, and he hasn’t recorded a goal contribution since an assist against Torino on March 21, a concerning dry spell for the man expected to wear the captain’s armband for the United States in the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid, dominating the match from start to finish and claiming the 2025-26 LaLiga title. Thanks to an impressive goal by Marcus Rashford and a solid strike by Ferran Torres, they left their rivals with no chance.
Barcelona demonstrated their formidable strength and excellent form by defeating Real Madrid to claim theLaLiga title for the second consecutive season. While the Blaugranas focused on controlling possession, the Blancos relied on quick counterattacks. However, the defensive efficiency of Hansi Flick’s team left their opponents with no options. Furthermore, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres set a high scoring pace, sealing the victory.
Acknowledging his team’s lack of creativity, Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa opted for a rock-solid midfield pairing of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, seeking stability. However, they failed to provide balance and fed few balls to Jude Bellingham, who was unable to organize the play or lead effective counterattacks. As a result, Vinicius Jr. and Brahim Diaz had to receive passes from the defense in an attempt to launch counterattacks.
After scoring an early goal just 9 minutes into the game, Barcelona managed to dictate the pace of the match. To do so, the duo of Pedri and Gavi were essential, controlling the tempo and thwarting any attempt by Real Madrid to advance offensively. Furthermore, their intense high press kept their opponents pinned in their own box, forcing the defense to act as a creative hub with deep passes and leaving goalkeeper Joan Garcia with little to do.
Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo brilliantly led the Blaugranas’ attack. After receiving passes from the defense or from Pedri, both players switched positions and created team plays to open up spaces. There, Marcus Rashford emerged as one of the best players, shining on the right wing with dribbling and constant speed, making a solid impact. With this, they overshadowed Vinicius Jr.’s attempts to launch effective counterattacks.
Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona lifts the LaLiga EA Sports trophy as players of FC Barcelona celebrate.
Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres lead Barcelona’s victory
Although Lamine Yamal’s absence seemed to be quite noticeable, Marcus Rashford proved himself up to the task against Barcelona. Not only did he make a huge impact on the team, but he also scored an impressive free kick. After a foul on Ferran Torres on the edge of the box, the Englishman decided to take the free kick and fired a powerful shot across goal at Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid goalkeeper couldn’t reach the ball, opening the scoring.
Following a precise cross from Fermin Lopez to Dani Olmo, the Spaniard midfielder receives the ball and plays it back first-time with a pass to Ferran Torres. After controlling the ball, he managed to unleash a powerful shot toward Thibaut Courtois’s goal, leaving him with no chance to make the save. With these two goals, the Blaugranas managed to put pressure on Real Madrid and pin them back in their own penalty area, thanks to brilliant team play.
DANI OLMO WITH AN UNREAL LAY OFF TO FERRAN TORRES TO MAKE IT 2-0!!
Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong have been excluded from the starting lineup for Barcelona's game against Real Madrid.
FC Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, May 10, for a high-stakes Matchday 35 clash that could effectively decide the 2025-26 La Liga title. However, as the lineups were announced, the notable absences of superstars Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong from the starting XI immediately sent shockwaves through the Blaugrana faithful.
Regarding Raphinha, the Brazilian winger’s omission from the lineup is a calculated risk by manager Hansi Flick. Despite his status as one of the team’s most explosive offensive weapons, Raphinha is still working his way back from a lingering hamstring strain in his right thigh. While he is healthy enough to make the squad, Flick has opted to keep him on the bench as an impact sub rather than risking further injury from the opening whistle.
This marks the second consecutive matchday Raphinha has been included in the match-day squad since his injury layoff. He traveled for last week’s 2-1 road victory against Osasuna but remained an unused substitute. Fans are now watching the clock to see if he will make his first appearance for the club since a March 22 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Frenkie de Jong finds himself in a similar predicament, with Flick deciding that the Dutch midfield maestro isn’t quite ready for a full 90-minute shift in a match of this intensity. De Jong spent the entirety of March sidelined with his own hamstring issue; over the last five fixtures across La Liga and Champions League play, he has been eased back into action exclusively as a second-half substitute to preserve his long-term fitness.
Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona speaks to teammate Robert Lewandowski.
An El Clasico edition plagued by absences
El Clasico remains the pinnacle of club soccer, a global spectacle fueled by a century of rivalry and a galaxy of world-class stars. However, this latest installment—one with massive title implications—finds both Spanish giants significantly shorthanded, with injuries and internal turmoil stripping the marquee matchup of some of its biggest names.
Beyond the restricted roles for De Jong and Raphinha, Barcelona are reeling from the loss of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose hamstring injury has reportedly sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In a move that stunned many, Robert Lewandowski has also been relegated to the bench, though his exclusion appears to be a strictly tactical gamble by Flick rather than a fitness concern.
The situation is even more dire for Real Madrid, whose injury list reads like a medical ward. In addition to long-term absences for Rodrygo, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy, Los Blancos are without Arda Guler and Dani Carvajal. Most shockingly, Kylian Mbappe was a last-minute scratch, while Federico Valverde was ruled out after a training ground altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni left him needing stitches and unfit for duty.
In the last edition of El Clasico in the 2025-26 season, FC Barcelona could end up lifting La Liga title in front of Real Madrid's faces.
FC Barcelona are on the verge of another La Liga title, and in the 2025-26 season they have the chance to clinch it in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, right in front of Real Madrid‘s faces. Sunday’s El Clasico at Camp Nou could prove to be the night the Blaugrana are officially crowned champions, depending on how the result plays out.
Camp Nou has been an impenetrable fortress for Barcelona this season, with the Blaugrana winning all 17 home games played at their revamped stadium in the 2025-26 campaign. The Blaugrana also carry a 10-game La Liga winning streak into the match, while Real Madrid have won just two, drawn one and lost two of their last five, and have endured a turbulent week off the pitch, headlined by the confrontation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
A victory for Barcelona on Sunday would officially hand the Blaugrana the 2025-26 La Liga title. Three points would move them to 91 points, leaving Real Madrid on 77 with only three games remaining, a gap too large to bridge even if Barcelona were to lose every remaining fixture and Real Madrid win all of theirs.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona lifts the La Liga title trophy.
It would be Barcelona’s second consecutive La Liga title and their fifth in the last ten years. The win would also level the all-time head-to-head record between the two clubs, bringing both sides to 106 wins apiece across 264 meetings, with 52 draws.
How a Barcelona draw affects the La Liga standings
Even if the two sides share the spoils at Camp Nou, Barcelona would still be crowned La Liga champions on Sunday. Their current 11-point advantage over Real Madrid, 88 to 77, means the nine points still available to the Madrid side are not enough for them to overhaul the leaders, regardless of how the remaining fixtures play out.
A draw between these two clubs has become something of a rarity in recent years. The last 20 editions of El Clasico have all produced a winner, nine for Barcelona and 11 for Real Madrid, with the last draw dating back to December 2019 when the fixture at Camp Nou ended 0-0.
Adding to the occasion, Mundo Deportivo reports that La Liga would present the trophy directly at Camp Nou rather than waiting for the final round of fixtures, meaning that a win or a draw on Sunday could see Barcelona lift the title on the same night and on the same pitch as their greatest rivals.
How a Barcelona defeat affects the La Liga standings
A defeat for Barcelona on Sunday would delay their coronation but would by no means put the title in doubt. Real Madrid would need to win all three of their remaining games while Barcelona could still clinch the title by picking up just two more points from their final nine.
The next opportunity for Barcelona to seal the title could come as soon as next Thursday, when Real Madrid face Real Oviedo. Anything less than a win for Los Blancos would hand the Blaugrana the title, with Barcelona also due to face Deportivo Alaves, Real Betis and Valencia in their remaining fixtures.
Santos FC host RB Bragantino in Matchday 15 of the 2026 Brasileirao. Fans in the USA can follow all the action with complete kickoff times and broadcast details for TV and streaming coverage.
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Pressure is mounting on Santosas the Brazilian side continues to hover dangerously close to the relegation zone entering this crucial matchup. Led by Neymar Jr., Santos sit on 15 points — level with Corinthians but narrowly ahead on goal difference — making every result increasingly critical as the season progresses.
Standing in their way is a confident RB Bragantino squad that has climbed to 20 points and remains firmly in the hunt for a coveted Copa Libertadores berth, adding even more intensity to a matchup with major implications at both ends of the table.
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Atalanta director Luca Percassi refuses to be drawn on the future of director Tony D’Amico, linked with Milan, or coach Raffaele Palladino. ‘We will decide at the end of the season.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
La Dea have hit serious problems in the final weeks of the campaign, managing two points from the last four Serie A rounds, and knocked out of the Coppa Italia semi-final by Lazio on penalties.
Their chances of qualifying for Europe are now extremely slim, despite reaching the Champions League Round of 16 this term.
Atalanta future up in the air
Luca Percassi Vice Chairman of Atalanta (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
There are multiple reports that director of sport Tony D’Amico has been targeted by clubs including Roma and Milan, with Cristiano Giuntoli potentially arriving.
“Rumours are part of this world. What we can say is that D’Amico is a director who has done very well for Atalanta, but with all due calm and focus, we will sit down and make decisions at the end of the season,” replied Percassi to DAZN Italia.
“There isn’t long to go, so we want to be concentrated on these remaining matches and then decide once that is done, as is our tradition.
“Every match is an opportunity to clarify the situation, our ambition is to keep growing, so we’ll see how the season ends. We need to defend seventh place, all I can say is that we want to do well.”
The focus now is on next season, and it remains to be seen if coach Palladino will be confirmed, having taken over from sacked Ivan Juric.
“We have always been very clear with the coach. I like to discuss these things once the season is completed, and we will do that this time too, but the dialogue is open and there is an honest rapport,” said Percassi.
If Atalanta finish seventh, it could technically be enough to qualify for the Conference League, but only if Inter beat Lazio to lift the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Raffaele Palladino of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“There are teams competing for the Champions League and Europa League, if Atalanta did qualify for the Conference League, it would be a different result to one we’ve had in recent years, but still a solid result.
“There are teams this season like Como who were not in the top six last season, so Serie A is very competitive, we need to be ambitious to retain these European positions.”
Roma scraped an extraordinary 3-2 thriller at the 101st minute with a Donyell Malen penalty after Parma had turned it around to lead 2-1 at the 87th.
The Giallorossi were right back in the push for Champions League football after thrashing Fiorentina 4-0, but the pressure was on after Juventus won 1-0 away to Lecce last night. Paulo Dybala started with Donyell Malen and Matias Soulé for only the second time after January 25, with Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Zaragoza, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, but Neil El Aynaoui returned from suspension. The Ducali were already safe, but missed Adrian Bernabé, Gaetano Oristanio and Matija Frigan.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, poses for a photograph with Carlos Cuesta, Head Coach of Parma Calcio 1913, prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Malen had the ball in the net after nine minutes when controlling a long ball over the top and flicking it around Zion Suzuki to deposit into an empty net, but he was flagged offside.
Nesta Elphege’s acrobatic volley was charged down, but Gianluca Mancini had penalty appeals when he went to control a Dybala pass and got there before Lautaro Valenti, who kicked him in the back of the ankle, but VAR decided not to recommend an On-Field Review.
Roma did score moments later, as Manu Kone intercepted in midfield, Dybala’s one-touch pass laid it off perfectly for Malen to beat the on-rushing Suzuki.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Mario Hermoso flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal just beyond Malen, then Soulé should’ve made it 2-0 when his free header thumped the far post on a Dybala cross.
Mile Svilar was almost caught out by a poor Evan Ndicka back-pass, forced to make a desperate tackle on Gabriel Strefezza, while there was nobody ready to meet the Emanuele Valeri roll across and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia blasted off target.
Parma equalised within moments of the restart, as Nicolussi Caviglia intercepted a wayward Hermoso pass and set up Strefezza, who drilled a precise snooker-shot into the far bottom corner from just inside the area.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gabriel Strefezza of Parma Calcio 1913 scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Malen almost replied immediately, but Suzuki made the save at the near post, then Parma had the ball in the net again on 55 minutes. Mateo Pellegrino’s header from a corner had looped in, but the offside flag was up for Mariano Troilo, who was considered to be interfering with play near Svilar.
Christian Ordonez also volleyed just wide of an open goal after Svilar’s panicked punch, while El Aynaoui nodded a Wesley cross off target.
Dybala sparked a counter-attack, forcing Suzuki into a huge save on Malen, though Pisilli blasted the rebound over the bar.
Pisilli did get the shot on target from eight yards from a Malen pull-back, but was denied by an extraordinary Alessandro Circati defensive block.
Instead, Parma turned the game around completely when Mandela Keita combined with Ordonez, controlling the ball over the top with his chest and drilling through a sea of legs from 12 yards. It was a very rare goal for the midfielder, one celebrated wildly by his proud mother in the stands.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Mandela Keita of Parma Calcio 1913 celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Troilo made a crucial block after Suzuki fumbled a cross, preventing the Gianluca Mancini tap-in. Roma managed to draw level for 2-2 deep into stoppages, as a corner got trapped in a crowd of players, hitting Mancini’s arm as he was flat on the turf, eventually laid off for Devyne Rensch to fire in hard and low from just inside the area. Parma protested, but VAR checked and gave the all-clear.
Roma then had penalty appeals when the referee gave a free kick against Rensch for a wrestling match with Sascha Britschgi, but he changed his mind when seeing the VAR On-Field Review, awarding a spot-kick and second yellow card for Britschgi.
Dybala handed the ball to Malen, who converted into the near top corner after a short run-up to give all three precious points for the Giallorossi.
Milan in crisis miss Christian Pulisic, so Santiago Gimenez partners Rafael Leao upfront against Atalanta’s Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere.
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The Rossoneri are in trouble after a run of just seven points from as many rounds, and with Juventus winning last night away to Lecce, anything less than a victory here will see Milan drop to fourth place.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Rafael Leao during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It had been reported that Leao would be dropped, but as Pulisic pulled out this morning with a gluteal strain, the Portugal international partners Gimenez, who is making his first start since October 28.
Funnily enough, that was also against Atalanta, a 1-1 draw in Bergamo.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Koni De Winter of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Luka Modric is injured for the rest of the season, while Fikayo Tomori sits out a one-match ban, so Koni De Winter steps into the back three.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuele Ricci try to shore up the midfield with Adrien Rabiot.
Atalanta are struggling too and practically out of the race for European qualification after just two points in their last four Serie A games, plus Coppa Italia semi-final elimination to Lazio.
Lorenzo Bernasconi is out for the season, but Raspadori pushes his way into the starting XI with former Milan flop De Ketelaere, who has shown just what he can do in Bergamo.
The choice upfront is always between Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Torino FC at Gewiss Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Milan’s Curva Sud announced a fierce protest tonight with a scathing statement criticising everyone from Gerry Cardinale and Giorgio Furlani to the players.
Their game with Atalanta kicks off at San Siro this evening at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
There had already been reports that the Milan ultras would vent their frustration with a protest, especially after a petition calling for CEO Furlani to be fired gained thousands of signatures.
ITALY – APRIL 26: Fans of AC Milan are seen with a lit red flare inside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Exactly four years ago we were celebrating one of the most wonderful Scudetto wins in Milan’s history, a tournament won by admiring all those elements of a team that was not the favourite: courage, grit, unity, desire, team spirit and the incredible support of the fans.
“It was an unforgettable example of Milan spirit. Now, four years later, what is left?
“That was a winning team that needed only a few quality, international additions to aim higher, but was completely dismantled by a totally incapable and incompetent group of directors, led by Giorgio Furlani, who stands on the rubble of HIS sporting failure.
“It is clear for all to see, other than those who have interest in keeping him there, namely the owners whose vision of Milan is purely financial and based on revenue, trampling shamefully over the history of this club and the ambitions its fans always had.”
ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The statement goes on to blame Furlani for focusing on boosting revenue with player sales, a strategy seen both under previous owners Elliott Management and currently Cardinale’s RedBird.
Notably, they single out coach Max Allegri and director of sport Igli Tare as being “competent figures who are subjected to constant interference” from Furlani, preventing them from building a strong team.
“How can we stand for a Milan side that doesn’t challenge for the Scudetto and is content with battling for second, third, fourth place? How can you trample all over the history of Italy’s most prestigious club?”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on after the match during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
There is a list of people blamed, including those behind the commercial strategy and ticketing, accusing them of trying to entice tourists to San Siro rather than the repeat fans in the Curva Sud, therefore hiking up the prices.
It called for Furlani to “pack his bags and leave Milan, for he is the prime figure responsible for Milan’s fourth consecutive year of sporting failure.”
The players are also criticised in the final paragraphs of this lengthy statement, noting that captain Mike Maignan had called the squad back into the locker room after the defeat to Sassuolo rather than listen to their jeers.
“This doesn’t take away from the fact that it all starts from the owners, who transmit a sense of mediocrity and resignation contrary to the need for motivation, fire and enterprise.”
Lille have identified Thiago Motta as their priority coaching target as uncertainty grows over the future of current head coach Bruno Génésio, whose contract expires in June and whose renewal talks have yet to make any meaningful progress.
According to FootMercato, Lille president Olivier Létang is already working actively on potential successors and is focusing on a foreign coach.
Motta tops his list, with Létang understood to have maintained a strong relationship with the Italian-Brazilian coach dating back to their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. Motta’s staff also has strong French connections, with assistants Alexandre Hugeux, Simon Colinet and Alfred Dossou-Yovo all part of his setup.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 16: Head coach Thiago Motta of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 16, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Lille the latest suitor as Thiago Motta weighing up European options after Juventus departure
Génésio himself has done little to ease the speculation, confirming in his pre-match press conference that contract discussions with the club have not advanced despite a broadly successful season that has kept Lille in contention for Champions League qualification with two games remaining.
He also acknowledged interest from other clubs, though he stressed his focus remains on finishing the campaign strongly.
Thiago Motta has been without a club since leaving Juventus in March 2025. Ajax, Wolverhampton, Fiorentina and Atalanta have all made enquiries, with the latter previously reported as a destination that greatly appealed to him.
None of those approaches progressed to the point of a concrete agreement, however, with Motta holding out for a project that matches his footballing vision and European ambitions. Lille believe they can offer exactly that.
With Verona and Pisa already condemned to Serie B, the fight for the final relegation place in Serie A is coming down to the wire, with Lecce and Cremonese separated by just one point heading into the final two rounds of fixtures.
Lecce currently sit 17th on 32 points in the table, one ahead of Cremonese in 18th on 31, while Cagliari in 16th on 37 points look to have done enough to secure their survival barring a dramatic collapse.
PISA, ITALY – MAY 1: Lameck Banda of US Lecce celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and US Lecce at Arena Garibaldi on May 1, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Lecce and Cremonese Serie A fate could be decided by relegation play-off
Lecce’s remaining fixtures see them travel to Sassuolo before hosting Genoa on the final day, while Cremonese face an away trip to Udinese before a home clash with Como. Neither side has a straightforward run-in, and the permutations are numerous.
Critically, if the two sides finish level on points after 38 games, the matter will not be settled by goal difference or head-to-head record, a relegation play-off will decide which club drops down to Serie B. It is a scenario both clubs will be desperate to avoid.
Cremonese’s fate looked bleak before Marco Giampaolo’s arrival, but Sunday’s 3-0 win against already-relegated Pisa offered the Grigiorossi a chance to drag themselves level with Lecce and keep their destiny in their own hands.
Martin Odegaard has produced what can only be described as a moment of pure footballing genius to assist Leandro Trossard for a vital late goal at the London Stadium.
With 83 minutes played and frustration mounting for the league leaders, the Gunners captain took matters into his own hands to unlock a stubborn West Ham defense and keep Arsenal’s title charge firmly on track.
Trossard gives Arsenal the lead after brilliant Odegaard play
Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute goal could prove to be the defining moment of the 2025–26 Premier League season.
Before the breakthrough, it seemed Arsenal would leave East London in frustration, potentially handing the advantage back to Manchester City.
Instead, this hard-fought lead moves Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top of the table with only two games remaining.
The win will be a massive step for an Arsenal side that has shown incredible resilience in the face of pressure.
When it mattered most, Odegaard’s ingenuity provided the spark that the team had been lacking for much of the second half.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 10, 2026
West Ham defeat saves Leeds and Nottingham Forest from relegation
While the result is a dream for Arsenal, it is a nightmare for West Ham. The Hammers remain rooted in the 18th position on 36 points, one point behind Tottenham with only two games left to play.
Crucially, West Ham’s failure to secure points today has massive implications for the bottom half of the table.
The result officially guarantees Premier League safety for Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.
Both clubs, sitting on 43 points, are now mathematically beyond the reach of the Hammers.
While Leeds and Forest fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief, West Ham must now prepare for a do-or-die battle against Tottenham to avoid the drop to the Championship.
Danny Murphy has been left amazed by Mikel Arteta’s decision to substitute Riccardo Calafiori during Arsenal’s high-stakes clash against West Ham.
Despite the Italian being a standout performer in a tense first half, Arteta opted to withdraw the defender shortly after the hour mark, a move that sparked immediate debate among pundits.
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Murphy on Mikel Arteta’s second half substitution
Speaking on BBC MOTD, Murphy did not hide his confusion over the tactical tweak. Calafiori had been one of Arsenal’s primary attacking threats in the opening 45 minutes, twice coming close to breaking the deadlock, once denied by a brilliant Konstantinos Mavropanos block and again during a goalmouth scramble.
The substitution was more of a forced defensive reshuffle after Ben White suffered a knee injury early on in the game.
Arteta initially moved Declan Rice to right-back, but with that not working out, he introduced Cristhian Mosquera to take the right-back slot in the second half, which allowed Rice to move back to midfield and Lewis-Skelly to the left-back.
Arsenal win will take them one step closer to Premier League title
Having already secured a place in the Champions League final earlier this week, the Gunners are looking to complete a historic double.
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However, with the game still scoreless past the 60-minute mark and the defence missing the reliability of Ben White, Arteta’s willingness to disrupt his most effective attacking outlet has left experts like Murphy questioning if the gamble will pay off or cost them the crown.
A game that promised clarity instead produced unease. Liverpool’s 1–1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday encapsulated a season drifting between control and hesitation. Ryan Gravenberch’s early strike suggested a routine victory against a struggling opponent, but Enzo Fernández’s equalizer and a listless second half left more questions than answers. It was a result […]
Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in the last El Clásico of the 2025-26 LaLiga season. Far from being an easy game, this matchup will determine the league champion. For this reason, both teams will field their best starting lineups, despite the absences of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
In the midst of a rather inconsistent season, Barcelona and Real Madrid face each other in the final Clásico of the 2025–26 campaign. Although neither managed to shine in the UEFA Champions League, today’s match will decide theLaLigawinner, making it the most important game for both teams. With this in mind, both sides will field their strongest lineups, despite the significant absences of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
Under the influence of Hansi Flick, the Blaugranas have become one of the best teams in the world. With their dominant playing style and tactical versatility, they have been quite consistent in LaLiga, sitting as sole leaders. As Lamine Yamal will not be available due to injury, head coach may bet on Marcus Rashford as Raphinha is not with competitive rhythm. Moreover, Fermín López and Dani Olmo may hold a key role to bolster the creative side.
Despite Álvaro Arbeloa arriving as the supposed savior of los Blancos’ season, they have not managed to reverse their poor run of form. Not only have they failed to establish a defined playing style, but they have also struggled defensively. In addition, Kylian Mbappé’s absence could significantly impact their attacking output, leaving everything in the hands of Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, the team’s two cornerstones.
While Real Madrid are eleven points behind the top of LaLiga, they need a victory in today’s match. In the event of a draw or a defeat, the Blaugrana would be crowned league winners in El Clásico, which would be painful as they have now gone two consecutive seasons without winning a trophy. Because of this, Barcelona are expected to impose their strong control of the game, while Los Blancos will look to exploit their opponents’ serious defensive issues to find goals.
Pedri of FC Barcelona controls the ball whilst under pressure from Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid.
Barcelona lineup vs Real Madrid
Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona arrive into today’s game with just Lamine Yamal’s absence. While the 18-year-old’s absence is sensitive, head coach Hansi Flick hold players on plein form like Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo that may lead the offense. Moreover, Raphinha has already recovered from his injury, but his lack of competitive rhythm may lead him to be benched. Nonetheless, Marcus Rashford may also play a key role.
Considering this, the Blaugranas will lineup as follows: Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Marcus Rashford, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo; Ferran Torres.
Real Madrid lineup vs Barcelona
Real Madrid aren’t having their best season in recent years. Not only is their style of play lacking spark, but they’re also dealing with numerous absences. As a result, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be without Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo Goes, Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy. With this in mind, los Blancos will be forced to make radical changes to their lineup, relying on Vinicius Jr. as their main offensive hope.
With this in mind, los Blancos will play as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran García; Brahim Diaz, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Gonzalo Garcia.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.
Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli had a special dedication for President Rocco Commisso and noted his team made history. ‘Nobody had avoided relegation after failing to win the first 15 rounds.’
The Viola were in truly dire straits when Vanoli was called in to replace Stefano Pioli on November 7, as they were rock bottom of the Serie A table with just four points from 10 games.
It was almost a Mission Impossible for the coach, but today he got the 0-0 draw against Genoa that was needed to guarantee safety with two rounds to spare.
Vanoli steers Fiorentina to safety
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Daniele De Rossi, Manager of Genoa CFC, and Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina react during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“He and his family have done so much for Florence, between the Viola Park complex and the stadium work. Considering this is Fiorentina’s Centenary year, I always wanted to make sure the fans had something to celebrate.
“Now we need to look forward and I hope there will be a few more smiles.”
It has been a devastating year for Fiorentina, as President Commisso died in America on January 17, and health reasons meant he was unable to meet Vanoli in person.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Dario Nardella mayor of Florence (L) Joe Barone (C) and Joseph Commisso (R) during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 27, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Despite the sigh of relief of avoiding relegation, there was an ugly atmosphere inside the Stadio Franchi today with loud jeers at the final whistle of a dour 0-0 against Genoa.
“The players know they must do more and that they carry a lot of responsibility,” replied Vanoli.
“The fans deserve a completely different Fiorentina, but I think we did well to achieve this important target. The club asked me to secure safety with a team that was not built by me.
“Nobody in history had managed to avoid relegation after failing to win in the first 15 rounds. I always said this city deserves higher ambitions, but the first thing we had to do was resolve the current problem.
“Now I am sure that Fiorentina will build a team of a higher level.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Riccardo Braschi of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
That probably will not be with this coach, as while Vanoli was brought in to rescue a dire situation, he is not considered the man to aim higher.
“I am a very direct person. Since I came here, I’ve been shown trust by everyone. I already sat down with Paratici and Ferrari to see what our vision of organisation can be. Then it is up to them to decide what to do.
“There is an option in my contract to extend. Meanwhile, we achieved this target, which was important. Now I intend to enjoy the moment, because it was a hard slog.”
Fiorentina secured their Serie A status for another season but were met with jeers from their own supporters at the Franchi after a turgid goalless draw with Genoa, with a largely toothless display doing little to lift the mood around the club despite the mathematically confirmed survival.
According to AlfredoPedulla.com, the match was played at a sluggish tempo throughout, with Palladino fielding a number of younger players in what was a limp contest offering few moments of quality. Robin Gosens tested the goalkeeper from distance in one of the few first-half chances of note, but the game never truly came to life.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
De Gea heroics spare Fiorentina blushes as Franchi jeers survival party
The clearest chance of the afternoon fell to Genoa, when Ostigard met a delivery with a powerful header from close range only to be denied by a stunning reaction save from David De Gea, who had earlier been seen to receive treatment before continuing.
Ekuban then failed to convert the rebound, sparing Fiorentina’s blushes in what would have been a deeply damaging moment.
The hosts’ best opportunity came late on, when Parisi struck from the edge of the area and the ball was scrambled clear after a goalmouth scramble.
The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 result and with it Fiorentina’s survival on 38 points, with Genoa sitting on 41. The Franchi responded not with relief but with whistles, a damning verdict on a season that has fallen well short of expectations.
Cremonese coach Marco Giampaolo calls Jamie Vardy ‘the prototype of the ideal striker, he reminds me of Fabio Quagliarella’ after the England international kept safety hopes alive.
The Grigiorossi knew that Lecce had lost 1-0 to Juventus last night, so this was a huge opportunity to close up the gap and stave off relegation going into the final two rounds.
They were aided by already-relegated Pisa going down to nine men, as Rosen Bozhinov and then Loyola got themselves sent off, but Vardy, Federico Bonazzoli and David Okereke sealed the 3-0 result.
Vardy revitalised Giampaolo’s Cremonese
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 10: Coach Marco Giampaolo of US Cremonese rects during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Pisa SC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 10, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
“It was also crucial to show the right attitude, all it takes sometimes at the start is to see the posture of your players to know if they’re ready to win or not.
“I wanted the team to keep this small flame of hope alive, and that is what we have done.”
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 10: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Pisa SC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 10, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Vardy had not started a match in almost two months and had not found the net since January, but he made an immediate mark this afternoon by opening the scoring.
“Vardy isn’t a player. He is The Player,” said Giampaolo.
“He does something different to the normal players. I have been fortunate to work with a few of them with these characteristics, those who shoulder the responsibility, are always switched on.
“Of those I had in the past, I think the one he most reminds me of is Fabio Quagliarella. Vardy might be 38 years old, but the way he approaches the game, the way he hits the ball, it’s exceptional.
“He is like the prototype of the ideal striker. I only really had him for the first game since I took over, then he got injured, so his presence and therefore his absence are very important.”
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 10: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Pisa SC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 10, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Now Cremonese have closed the gap from Lecce to just one point, while Cagliari are not mathematically safe either, but they remain in the bottom three.
“We’ve got to hang in there and fight it out to the last minute. I didn’t say much to the players in the dressing room, because sometimes you don’t need many words. We’ve got to win, that’s all there is to it,” concluded the coach.
Gian Piero Gasperini explains why Paulo Dybala gets his first Roma start since January 25, admitting they must ‘win and hope’ Juventus or Milan slip up for a top four finish.
It kicks off at the Stadio Tardini at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
Paulo Dybala gets his first start since January 25, which is also the only previous time Roma played this trident with Matias Soulé and Donyell Malen together, during a 1-1 draw with Milan.
Neil El Aynaoui returns from suspension, leaving only Lorenzo Pellegrino, Bryan Zaragoza, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson on the absentee list.
Gasperini launches new Roma attack
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: AS Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This is the right moment for Dybala, he has recovered and already had a few substitute appearances, so he starts today,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
The Giallorossi got themselves back in the race for Champions League football after thrashing Fiorentina 4-0 last week, taking advantage of Milan, Juventus and Como all dropping points.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The pressure is on them today, though, as Juventus won 1-0 away to Lecce last night and Como did the same at Verona this afternoon.
“Parma undoubtedly are very good at defending deep, they are well-organised and earned some good results playing in this style, but can also be dangerous when they attack.
“This is a fundamental match for us, but we are in good shape going in.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gasperini was asked if Roma were chasing down Juventus or Milan in the final strait, seeing as the Rossoneri are stuttering badly.
“We need to focus on ourselves, because there is no margin for error, all we can do is win and hope. We need Juve to get one game wrong, or Milan two.”
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
The last few weeks have been largely about the situation off the field at Roma, with the departure of Claudio Ranieri, and reports director of sport Ricky Massara will follow suit.
The Giallorossi blew the fight for Champions League football wide open with last week’s 4-0 hammering of Fiorentina, taking advantage of Juventus, Milan and Como all dropping points.
Juve won 1-0 away to Lecce last night, so it is now up to Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to respond.
Paulo Dybala is surprisingly back in the starting XI, with Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Zaragoza, Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk out injured.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
It means La Joya completes the trio upfront with Soulé and top scorer Malen, his first start since January 25 against Milan, which was the only previous time these three started together.
Neil El Aynaoui is available again after a one-match ban, but Manu Koné and Wesley shook off knocks.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Wesley of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Parma have already guaranteed their Serie A safety and saw their four-match unbeaten run ended by Scudetto victors Inter.
Adrian Bernabé suffered a muscular injury in that game and is out along with Gaetano Oristanio and Matija Frigan.
Nesta Elphege is given a rare start after his supersub performances with Gabriel Strefezza, sending Mateo Pellegrino to the bench.
The hierarchy at Anfield has reportedly made contact with Real Madrid to inquire about Xabi Alonso as they contemplate a major leadership change.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Diario AS, the Reds are seeking “letters of recommendation” from the Spanish giants as they weigh up whether to entrust Alonso with their multi-million-pound project.
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Despite significant investment in the summer, Slot has really struggled this season, leading Liverpool officials to reach out to Valdebebas to clear up unknowns regarding Alonso’s recent tenure in Madrid.
Liverpool contact Real Madrid to ask about Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid in January 2026 has left him as one of the most sought-after free agent in world football.
While Chelsea has reportedly shown interest, Liverpool appears to be also keen on their former midfield maestro.
The report further notes that this outreach is akin to a corporate background check, with Liverpool seeking answers about what led to his exit from Real Madrid before committing to a long-term contract.
With the summer window approaching, the pressure is mounting on the board to ensure the next appointment is the right one to stabilise a project that has yet to yield a return on investment.
Liverpool could make U-turn on Slot after losing fan base
The move for Alonso comes amidst a deepening crisis for current manager Arne Slot.
Despite a staggering half a billion investment in the squad last summer, the team’s performances have been more than underwhelming, with the club crashing out from all competitions while competing with Aston Villa and Bournemouth to finish in top five.
Besides the on pitch struggles of the Dutchman, Slot’s awful man management has been exposed with the Salah situation.
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His latest unnecessary jab aimed at Salah before the Chelsea game has made fans dislike him even more.
The divide between Slot and the Anfield faithful continues to grow, with fans and club veterans alike calling for a change.
While reports as recent as last month suggested that Liverpool intend to stick with Slot for next season, the recent events may see a U-turn from the management.
With Chelsea also looking at Alonso, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can successfully lure him if they decide to sack Slot.
Aston Villa have maintained their interest in signing Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, according to the latest reports from Football Insider.
The Egyptian international, who made waves with a big-money move to the Etihad from Eintracht Frankfurt, is reportedly back on Unai Emery’s radar as the Villans look to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming summer window.
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While Villa were active in the winter market, their admiration for the versatile forward hasn’t waned.
As City navigate a crowded squad, Marmoush is said to be weighing his options in search of a fresh challenge where he can command a starting role.
Despite his undeniable talent and explosive pace, Marmoush has found it difficult to displace the established stars in Pep Guardiola’s lineup.
Since his high-profile arrival from the Bundesliga, the forward has seen his playing time limited to domestic cup rotations and late-game cameos.
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For a player who arrived in England with a reputation as one of Europe’s most clinical transitional threats, the lack of rhythm has been a frustration.
This season, he has started only seven games in the Premier League and two in the Champions League. In terms of output, in 33 appearances, he has scored seven goals and assisted another three.
Aston Villa, who are likely to book their spot in the Champions League for the second consecutive season, could offer Marmoush the platform he needs to replicate the form that originally made him a superstar in Germany.
With the summer window approaching, all eyes are on whether Villa Park will be his next destination.
Liverpool are interested in signing Estevao Willian from Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer of 2026, according to Fichajes. Last season’s Premier League winners are looking to sign a new winger, and the Brazilian is on their radar. The report has noted: ‘Liverpool would be willing to consider an offer ranging between 80 and […]
Barcelona have managed to outperform Real Madrid along the season, leading LaLiga and shining from an offensive standpoint. Therefore, they enter as favorites to secure the victory. Nevertheless, head coach Hansi Flick will not be able to count on Lamine Yamal, dealing a major blow.
Despite failing to win the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona have managed to remain one of the most consistent teams of the 2025–26 season. With this in mind, they face Real Madrid seeking a victory or draw that would help them become LaLiga champions against their biggest rival. Far from being a simple task, head coach Hansi Flick will not be able to count on Lamine Yamal, dealing a major blow to the attack.
Lamine Yamal has managed to produce the best statistical season of his career, becoming Barcelona’s top scorer. Nevertheless, he suffered a muscle tear, causing him to miss the remainder of the season and arrive at the 2026 World Cup with Spain far from fully fit. With this, the 18-year-old star has now accumulated his fourth injury of the season, worrying fans about his physical consistency.
In Yamal’s absence, head coach Hansi Flick could opt to deploy Marcus Rashford on the right wing. Being a fast player, the English star could be key to break Real Madrid defense—something already done this season. While Raphinha has already recovered from his injury, he may not be a starter due to his lack of competitive rhythm, but he may play a key role from bench.
Without Lamine Yamal, the Blaugrana lose their best dribbler, a key player for breaking Real Madrid’s pressing lines. Because of this, they could opt for numerical superiority in duels against their opponents, creating space through collective play. Therefore, Fermín and Olmo would become key figures in driving Barcelona’s performance, while Rashford would look to exploit the spaces alongside Ferran Torres, chasing the scoring prowess.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona reacts to an injury.
Barcelona’s depth on the bench could be key to beating Real Madrid
Unlike Real Madrid, the Blaugrana have not suffered severe injury problems in the current season. Because of this, Hansi Flick is dealing with only Lamine Yamal’s injury absence, while keeping the rest of his star-studded squad available. Far from being a minor factor, this could give Barcelona a major advantage over Los Blancos, allowing them to avoid overloading their key players and adjust the game as it progresses, with world-class talent at their disposal.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres have shown they are capable of transforming the attack, providing pace and significant scoring power from bench. In addition, Marc Bernal, Pablo Gavi, and even Alejandro Balde could reshape the tactical approach, adding different nuances to El Clásico. Faced with the wave of injuries, Real Madrid do not have many immediate-impact options to change the game from the bench.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on prior a game.
Barcelona receive Real Madrid in a Matchday 35 clash during the 2025/26 La Liga season. Here’s all the key information, including kickoff times and how to watch the match live on TV and streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid on US television and via legal streaming:
The stage is set for a potential title coronation at Camp Nou as Barcelonahosts its eternal rival, Real Madrid, in a high-stakes El Clásico. With an 11-point lead at the top of the La Liga table, Barcelona needs only to avoid defeat to clinch the championship. The Blaugrana have been flawless on home soil this season, boasting a perfect record of 17 wins from 17 matches, making this a monumental challenge for the visitors.
For Real Madrid, this match is about more than just points; it’s about pride. Arriving at Camp Nou amidst reports of a dressing room crisis and a string of poor results, Los Blancos are desperate to play spoiler and disrupt Barcelona‘s celebration. Facing a severe injury crisis, Real Madrid must summon extraordinary resilience to overcome a dominant Barcelona side and avoid further deepening their late-season turmoil.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Barcelona, under manager Hansi Flick, has demonstrated remarkable consistency and tactical discipline, culminating in a commanding lead. Their aggressive, attacking style has set the standard in Spain. In contrast, Real Madrid‘s campaign has been marred by inconsistency, with just two wins in their last five league matches, effectively costing them a shot at the title and leaving them on the verge of a second consecutive season without a major trophy.
The tactical battle will likely pit Barcelona‘s high-possession, high-press system against Real Madrid‘s counter-attacking threat. Under Flick, Barcelona has averaged 62% possession across their last six encounters with Real Madrid and generates an impressive 19.06 shots per game. However, their reliance on a high defensive line and an offside trap could leave them vulnerable. A depleted but still dangerous Real Madrid will look to exploit this space, with the pace of Vinicius Junior being their most potent weapon in transition.
Motivation for both sides is at its peak, but for entirely different reasons. Barcelona has the historic opportunity to seal the La Liga title in front of their home fans at the expense of their greatest rival—a fairy-tale scenario. For Real Madrid, the objective is to salvage pride, disrupt the festivities, and prove their mettle even when weakened. The pressure is immense on the visitors to avoid compounding a difficult season with a humbling defeat.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Recent history heavily favors the Catalan side. Since Hansi Flick took charge, Barcelona has dominated this fixture, winning five of the last six meetings against Real Madrid, including one victory after extra time. This trend underscores the tactical edge Barcelona has held over their rivals in the current era, making them clear favorites heading into this clash.
The last five encounters have been explosive, dramatic affairs. Barcelona secured a 3-2 Supercopa victory in January 2026, though Real Madrid won the reverse league fixture 2-1 earlier in the season. Prior to that, Barcelona claimed a 4-3 league win, a 3-2 Copa del Rey win after extra time, and a stunning 5-2 Supercopa victory, showcasing the high-scoring nature of modern El Clásico.
Key data points suggest another thrilling spectacle is on the horizon. Both teams have scored in each of the last five meetings, which have produced an incredible average of 5.2 goals per game. Furthermore, the intensity of the rivalry is evident in the disciplinary record, with three red cards shown across the last five matches. Spectators should expect goals, drama, and a fiery contest from start to finish.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
The two giants enter this clash in starkly different states of health, with Barcelona near full strength while Real Madrid contends with a crippling injury list that severely limits their options.
Barcelona will be without the services of young star Lamine Yamal, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. His absence is a blow, but the team has ample attacking depth with Marcus Rashford, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez ready to step in alongside Robert Lewandowski. Defender Andreas Christensen has returned to training but is unlikely to be rushed back into the starting eleven.
Real Madrid‘s situation is far more dire. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa will be without a host of key players, including Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Arda Güler, and Ferland Mendy. To make matters worse, reports of a training ground bust-up have fueled speculation of dressing room unrest. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is questionable, and if he is unavailable, Andriy Lunin will continue in goal.
Barcelona Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Garcia, Pedri; Fermin, Gavi, Rashford; Lewandowski. This lineup is designed to control the midfield and implement Flick’s signature high-press. With Pedri and Gavi pulling the strings, Barcelona will aim to dominate possession, pin Real Madrid back, and create opportunities for Robert Lewandowski.
Real Madrid Projected XI (4-4-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Garcia; Valverde, Bellingham, Tchouameni, Pitarch; Diaz, Vinicius Junior. Forced into a more defensive shape due to injuries, this formation allows Real Madrid to remain compact and absorb pressure. The game plan will revolve around defensive solidity and unleashing Vinicius Junior on the counter-attack, who carries the bulk of the offensive responsibility.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Barcelona vs Real Madrid live stream on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including web browsers, smartphones (iOS and Android), tablets, and smart TVs such as Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV.
In addition to La Liga, Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. Subscribers can enjoy coverage of Premier League, Serie A, and major tournaments through its partnership with networks like UEFA Champions League.
A subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99 per month, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans who want to follow multiple leagues and competitions in one place.
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AC Milan square off against Atalanta in Matchday 36 of the 2025/2026 Serie A season. Fans in the USA can catch every moment with complete kickoff details and broadcast information for both TV and streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch AC Milan vs Atalanta on US television and via legal streaming:
AC Milan‘s season is on a knife’s edge. After looking like title contenders through mid-March, a dramatic collapse has seen them win just once in their last five Serie A matches. Now, their once-secure Champions League spot is in serious jeopardy, with fifth-placed Roma just three points behind. The urgency is palpable at the San Siro, as anything less than a victory could prove disastrous for their European ambitions.
Atalanta arrives in Milan with less to play for but every intention of causing an upset. Currently sitting seventh, their chances for European qualification are slim, but they are coming off a frustrating draw and will be eager to make a statement. For the Rossoneri, this is a must-win game to halt their slide, while Atalanta has a prime opportunity to spoil the party and capitalize on their opponent’s poor form.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Milan‘s campaign has been a tale of two halves, starting with strong title aspirations that have since crumbled into a desperate fight for a top-four finish. Their recent offensive struggles are alarming, with key strikers failing to find the net. In contrast, Atalanta‘s season has been defined by an inefficient attack that has consistently underperformed its expected goals (xG), leading to a high number of draws and a mid-table position.
Tactically, this match presents a clash of styles. Under Massimiliano Allegri, Milan employs a more passive defensive system, focusing on maintaining a solid structure rather than aggressively pressing to win the ball back. This approach has shown cracks recently, and Atalanta will aim to exploit that newfound vulnerability. The key battle will be whether Atalanta’s forwards, who have struggled for sharpness all season, can finally convert their chances against a Milan defense that is suddenly showing signs of weakness.
For Milan, the motivation is simple and immense: secure Champions League‘s spot. With only a three-point cushion and a brutal run of form, every single point is critical. Atalanta‘s drive is more nuanced; they are playing for pride, a potential seventh-place finish that could grant them European entry depending on other results, and the chance to extend their dominant head-to-head record against a historic rival.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
History heavily favors the visitors in this fixture. Atalanta is currently on an impressive six-game unbeaten streak against AC Milan, a run that includes four victories and two draws. The Rossoneri have not defeated Atalanta since 2023, giving La Dea a significant psychological edge heading into the San Siro.
Looking at the last five encounters, the pattern is clear. Atalanta has won three and drawn two, including the reverse fixture earlier this season which ended in a 1-1 stalemate. This consistent dominance highlights Milan‘s struggles in breaking down Raffaele Palladino‘s side, regardless of venue or form.
While goals are a frequent feature, these matches are rarely blowouts. Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings, yet the average number of goals per game in that span is a modest 2.2. This trend suggests another tight, hard-fought contest where a single goal could be the difference.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both teams are grappling with key absences that will force tactical adjustments from their managers for this crucial Serie A showdown.
Milan is dealt a significant blow with the suspension of defender Fikayo Tomori, forcing De Winter to step into the back three. The midfield is also impacted by an injury to Modric, leaving Allegri to choose between Jashari and Ricci for the vital playmaker role. The attack is under immense pressure, with American star Christian Pulisic pushing for a recall to the starting lineup alongside Rafael Leao to end the team’s scoring drought.
Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino is expected to shake up his starting eleven following a goalless draw. Forward Giacomo Raspadori is in contention for a starting spot, which could lead to a formation shift. Defensively, Ahanor is likely to retain his place over Kolasinac, while Hien is challenging Djimsiti for a spot in the backline.
Milan Projected XI (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Jashari, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Leao, Pulisic. This 3-5-2 formation is designed to provide defensive cover with De Winter filling in for the suspended Tomori. The primary focus, however, will be on the attacking duo of Leao and Pulisic, who are tasked with rediscovering their form to reignite Milan‘s struggling offense.
Atalanta Projected XI (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Ahanor; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski; De Ketelaere; Scamacca, Raspadori. This lineup features a creative and dynamic attack, with De Ketelaere operating behind the front two of Scamacca and Raspadori. The system uses wing-backs to provide width and relies on a solid three-man defense to contain Milan‘s forwards.
More details on how to watch
You can watch Milan vs Atalanta exclusively on Paramount+. The service is available on your computer, smart TV, and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, ensuring you can catch the action from anywhere.
In addition to Serie A, a subscription to Paramount+ gives you access to other top European competitions, including Liga MX, English Championship, and extensive coverage of world soccer.
A subscription to Paramount+ costs just $8.99/mo, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans at an exceptional value.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in El Clásico, a crucial match that will determine the 2025-26 LaLiga champion. After a disappointing season, los Blancos are looking for a key victory to quell the criticism. However, Kylian Mbappé will not be playing, leaving a significant gap in the offense.
Barcelona have managed to become as one of the best teams in the world, shining throughout the 2025–26 LaLiga season. With this in mind, they face Real Madrid in the highly anticipated El Clásico, in a clash that will determine the league champion. Nevertheless, Los Blancos will not make things easy, as are going through a disappointing season. Despite this, Kylian Mbappé will not be available, leaving serious doubts from a scoring standpoint.
Kylian Mbappé has been left out of Real Madrid’s squad list. Even though he had supposedly passed the medical tests a few days ago, he has not managed to fully recover from his torn muscle fiber, causing him to miss El Clásico. In addition to this, the French forward left the team’s latest training session in the final five minutes after feeling discomfort, leaving everyone surprised, reveals Diario Marca.
Given the Frenchman’s absence, Real Madrid‘s Álvaro Arbeloa could stick with the same approach he used against Espanyol, betting on Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham in the attack. Complementing the offense, Vinicius Jr. would occupy the left side of midfield, controlling the entire flank and looking to create space in Barcelona’s defense. While this approach has already worked in previous matches, the absence of Kylian Mbappé’s scoring power could prove quite decisive.
Without Mbappé’s presence, Vinicius Jr. could once again have complete freedom of movement, recalling his best periods with Los Blancos before the Frenchman arrived at the club. In addition, he has proven to be key to the team’s collective play, meaning he could not only make an impact from a scoring standpoint again, but also elevate Brahim, Bellingham, or even Gonzalo García if he comes on as a substitute during the LaLiga match.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid face seven additional absentees vs Barcelona
Real Madrid have not had their best season, being eliminated from the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League and sitting in second place, 11 points behind Barcelona. Along with the limited impact of head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, Los Blancos have suffered a significant wave of injuries that has prevented them from performing at their best. Far from improving toward the end of the season, they still maintain eight major absences for El Clásico.
Arbeloa will not be able to count on Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo Goes, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy. Because of this, they will be forced to make major changes to their squad, losing most of their key figures across every area of the pitch. Nevertheless, Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham’s presence could prove decisive to chase a victory today, as they have already shown to be crucial from an offensive standpoint.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks dejected after the team's defeat.
Fiorentina and Genoa both got the point they needed to put themselves beyond reach of the relegation zone with two rounds to spare.
The Grifone were practically safe already, but the Viola still needed one more result to be sure and were coming off a heavy 4-0 defeat to Roma. Moise Kean and Tariq Lamptey were still out, though Roberto Piccoli returned to the bench, so teenager Riccardo Braschi got his first start. Genoa missed Junior Messias, Tommaso Baldanzi, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Maxwel Cornet and Sebastian Otoa.
For Mother’s Day, both teams wore jerseys featuring their maternal names on the back.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Daniele De Rossi, Manager of Genoa CFC, and Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina react during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Vitinha fired straight at David De Gea following a Dodo error, while Fabiano Parisi had penalty appeals rejected when he seemed to be clumsily caught by Amorim.
Leo Ostigard had a couple of headers from set plays before getting one on target, forcing a tricky save from De Gea on a free kick.
Fiorentina also came close from a corner, Luca Ranieri’s looping header just wide of the far post, while at the other end Caleb Ekuban’s strike was deflected over by Ranieri’s arm from point-blank range.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Riccardo Braschi of ACF Fiorentina in action against Leo Ostigard of Genoa CFC during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
On the resulting corner, De Gea was visibly struggling with a muscular issue and the free kick was given for a foul against him as Vitinha’s header was cleared off the line.
Genoa had another huge chance when a free kick was flicked on to the back post, where Caleb Ekuban’s volley tested De Gea, and Robin Gosens threw himself in the path of Ostigard’s follow-up from a couple of yards.
Ekuban also failed to make the most of Marco Brescianini’s error playing out from the back, but Fiorentina had a chaotic opportunity too. Piccoli and Gosens tried desperately to turn in after a Brescianini knock-down, but in the mad scramble, Fabiano Parisi’s effort was accidentally deflected wide off teammate Gosens.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Dodo earned jeers in stoppages when sent forward on the counter only to roll a weak and predictable pass across from the right.
Both teams are now safe, but the mood was less one of celebration at the final whistle, more frustration and a sigh of relief with very loud jeers.
Jamie Vardy’s first goal since January paved the way for a potentially crucial Cremonese victory that keeps safety hopes alive, but Pisa went down to nine men.
The hosts were given a lifeline with Lecce’s defeat to Juventus last night, so a victory here would put them within a point of their major rivals for safety. The season was over for Federico Baschirotto with a thigh strain in the heart-breaking 2-1 loss to Lazio, joining Faris Moumbagna on the treatment table, but Jamie Vardy was back in the starting XI for the first time since March 8. Already-relegated Pisa missed Matteo Tramoni, Marius Marin and Daniel Denoon.
Rosen Bozhinov had a nightmare start to the match, because he received two yellow cards in the opening 24 minutes, leaving Pisa down to 10 men for over an hour.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 10: Referee Giovanni Ayroldi shows a red card to Rosen Bozhinov of Pisa SC during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Pisa SC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 10, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Cremonese could not waste this gift, so began to pour forward, Alberto Grassi’s scorcher parried by Adrian Semper with difficulty.
They broke through when Giuseppe Pezzella controlled a long ball and laid it off to the edge of the area, where Vardy was ready to sweep into the far bottom corner first-time with his weaker left foot. It was his first goal since early January.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 10: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Pisa SC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 10, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
There should’ve been another on the counter, but Federico Bonazzoli over-hit the pass for Jari Vandeputte, so Arturo Calabresi was introduced to shore up Pisa’s defence.
Youssef Maleh drilled across the face of goal, while Alberto Grassi’s volley from a corner bounced to flash inches wide from the edge of the box.
Cremonese had two more huge opportunities on the stroke of half-time, as Semper got away with a couple of howlers. He slipped during a clearance, so Simone Canestrelli made a goal-line clearance on Bonazzoli’s lob, then flapped hopelessly at the following corner, only for Matteo Bianchetti to nod over.
They did make a counter-attack stick after the restart, as Vardy sent Vandeputte running, he rolled across for Bonazzoli to take a touch and sweep in from 10 yards.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 10: Federico Bonazzoli of US Cremonese scores the 2-0 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Pisa SC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 10, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Pisa were reduced to nine men as Loyola lunged two-footed into a clumsy tackle on Pezzella, prompting a straight red card.
Alessio Zerbin’s cross-shot tested Semper and Vardy was given a standing ovation from the home fans, while Federico Barbieri forced a save with his long-range strike.
David Okereke added a third late on when he dribbled past the weak Hojholt and surprised Semper from the tightest of angles with the inside of the right boot.
Riccardo Calafiori retains his place in Arsenal’s starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League clash at West Ham, as Mikel Arteta names an unchanged side for the third consecutive game with the Gunners three wins away from a first top-flight title in 22 years.
According to the confirmed lineups, Calafiori starts at left back as Arsenal look to maintain their title charge against a West Ham side who begin the day in the relegation zone.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
West Ham vs Arsenal – Confirmed Lineups
West Ham XI: Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Disasi, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf; Fernandes, Soucek; Bowen, Summerville; Castellanos.
The stakes could hardly be higher at both ends of the table.
Arsenal arrive knowing that victory would put them one step closer to the title, while West Ham are scrapping for Premier League survival and will be desperate to cause an upset in front of their home supporters.
Calafiori started both the league win against Fulham and the midweek Champions League semi-final win against Atletico.
Fiorentina have handed a full senior debut to talented 19-year-old striker Riccardo Braschi for Sunday’s Serie A match against Genoa. Here is everything you need to know about the young Italy hopeful.
Who is 19-year-old Fiorentina striker Braschi?
Brashi is a 6’3 centre-forward, born and raised in the city of Florence, playing for the Fiorentina underage-group teams throughout his youth career. Born in August 2006, Braschi is part of the young generation of players that has not yet seen Italy win a knock-out match at the World Cup.
Braschi has often trained with the Viola first-team group this season, but has still been a regular with the U19 squad with 17 goals and five assists to his name from 27 outings in the Primavera league this season.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Riccardo Braschi of ACF Fiorentina in action during warm-up prior to during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Stefano Pioli was the first coach to call the teenager up to the first team squad. He appeared in the Fiorentina matchday squad for the first time against Polissya in the Conference League play-offs back in August, and then for the opening game of the Serie A season away against Cagliari.
Paolo Vanoli was the one who gave Braschi his senior debut, though. His first senior outing came off the bench for the final eight minutes of Fiorentina’s 2-1 win over Rakow Czestochowa back in March.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Riccardo Braschi of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Braschi’s Serie A debut came on Monday night in the absence of injured Italy international Moise Kean. He was introduced as a half-time substitute, replacing Albert Gudmundsson at centre-forward.
With Kean still unavailable this weekend, Vanoli decided to hand the 19-year-old Braschi his first start against Genoa on Sunday.
Cesc Fabregas says he is ‘very happy and proud’ after guiding Como to their first ever European qualification, and says that his side hope to ‘fly even higher’ before the end of the 2025-26 season: ‘We’re not Milan, Inter, Juventus or Napoli’.
Fabregas reacts after sealing Como’s first ever European qualification
Como picked up a 1-0 victory away against Hellas Verona in Serie A thanks to a lone goal from Tasos Douvikas on Sunday afternoon, which means that the team can no longer finish any lower than sixth place in the table this season.
They are guaranteed a spot in the Conference League, but are still in the fight for the Europa League and Champions League heading into the final two league fixtures of the 2025-26 season.
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Anastasios Douvikas of Como (4th from left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
It is two years to the day since Como achieved promotion from Serie B. Fabregas guided the team to a top-half finish in their first season back in the top flight in 2024-25 and has now secured European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
“I’m very happy and proud today,” the Spaniard told DAZN after full-time in Verona.
“Two years ago today we were promoted to Serie A and today we’re qualifying for Europe. The team, the club, the fans have all grown: It’s inexplicable. We will remember this day twenty years from now.
“These days, with social media, everything goes so fast, there’s so much pressure. You have to enjoy it. I don’t remember how many trophies I won, but there is much more to come. Now we have two games left to go and we will see if we can fly even higher.”
Como were among the top five highest spenders during the summer transfer window, and spent more than anybody in Italy in the winter of 2025, but Fabregas has still earned specific praise for the style of football that he has been able to implement.
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“There are lots of games during the season, we can’t always play in the same way,” the coach insisted. “Many fans today have sent me messages talking about when we were in Serie D. We’re not Milan, Inter, Juventus or Napoli, we’re a humble team and we want to enjoy this moment.”
Fabregas had been due to fly over to Spain to catch El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid later this evening, but the celebrations in Como may end up changing his mind: “I have a plane at 17.30, I don’t know if I’ll go and watch the Classico, I’ll decide in half an hour.”
Real Madrid will be without talisman Kylian Mbappe for Sunday’s crucial LaLiga clash with Barcelona. Madrid head to Camp Nou knowing that anything but a victory will hand their rivals the title. Barca are 11 points clear of Los Blancos with four games remaining. And Madrid’s cause has not been helped by Mbappe’s absence. The […]
Liverpool are interested in signing Estevao Willian from Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer of 2026, according to Fichajes. Last season’s Premier League winners are looking to sign a new winger, and the Brazilian is on their radar. The report has noted: ‘Liverpool would be willing to consider an offer ranging between 80 and […]
Como have mathematically guaranteed a spot in Europe for 2026-27 after their 1-0 victory away against Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday afternoon thanks to a loan goal from centre-forward Tasos Douvikas.
Both coaches made one change each to their starting XIs ahead of Sunday’s early kick-off: Paolo Sammarco decided to reintroduce Nicolas Valentini after suspension in place of Domagoj Bradaric, while Cesc Fabregas brought Jesus Rodriguez in to replace Martin Baturina on Como’s left wing.
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It was the hosts who threatened first early doors. Kieron Bowie did excellently to hold the ball up and play a low ball into the six yard box off the left flank, but Jean Butez pulled out a top-class reaction save to deny Tomas Suslov’s shot from the edge of the six-yard box.
Verona managed to hit the crossbar in the second phase of the resulting corner, but it wouldn’t have counted anyway as the offside flag was raised shortly afterwards.
Verona sent another warning shot when Rafik Belghali made it to the right byline 20 minutes in, but Bowie wasn’t quite able to get his shot away properly after receiving the cut-back. Martin Frese should have done better when running in on Butez’s goal unopposed less than a minute later.
Como got their first attempt on target midway through the first half: Rodriguez trying his luck from distance, but it was straight at Lorenzo Montipo in the Verona net.
Fabregas’s side would eventually break the deadlock midway through the second half. Marc-Oliver Kempf pumped a hopeful long ball down the left, Andrias Edmundsson made a mess of his attempted headed clearance and Douvikas was on hand to punish him with an excellently taken touch and finish that he slammed into the bottom corner of the net.
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Anastasios Douvikas of Como (4th from left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Verona thought they had equalised through Bowie in the following attack. The Scot had the ball in the back of the net in a congested penalty area, but Nicolas Valentini, who got the penultimate touch, was in an offside position. Despite being fairly clear on the replays, it still required a VAR check that lasted several minutes to confirm the on-pitch decision.
Today’s result lifts Como into fifth place, where they sit two points behind Milan and one point above Roma ahead of their matches later on Sunday. Como can no longer finish any lower than sixth place in Serie A in 2025-26, which means that they are guaranteed a spot in the Conference League at a minimum.
Verona 0-1 Como
Douvikas 71 (C)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Lucas Da Cunha of Como 1907 celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Verdict: Tottenham win Best Odds: 10/11 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Looking to make it three consecutive Premier League victories on Monday night, Tottenham will welcome Leeds to north London. Tottenham Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might still remain at the heart of a relegation scrap, Spurs have certainly enjoyed an essential boost over the past fortnight. […]
Liverpool started very well against Chelsea on Saturday, with this superb strike by Ryan Gravenberch breaking the deadlock in less than six minutes. A lovely finish from Ryan 🎯 pic.twitter.com/9Gn6cYm8l6 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 9, 2026 However, the Reds’ performance dropped off significantly after the opening quarter, and Chelsea took a point away from […]
With Arsenal set to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ended his own press conference by showing passionate support for the Hammers. As things stand going into the game, both City and Arsenal have played 35 matches and the Gunners hold a two-point advantage in the Premier […]
West Ham and Arsenal clash in a Matchday 36 game during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Here’s everything you need to know, including start time and viewing options on TV or live streaming.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch West Ham vs Arsenal on US television and via legal streaming:
With the Premier League title within their grasp, Arsenaltravels to the London Stadium for a high-stakes clash against a desperate West Ham side fighting for survival. After Manchester City dropped points, the Gunners now hold a five-point lead at the top of the table. The mission is clear: win their remaining three games, and a 22-year wait for the league crown will be over. The urgency is palpable as Mikel Arteta‘s squad looks to take another massive step toward a historic championship.
For West Ham, the stakes are just as high but at the opposite end of the table. The Hammers are mired in a brutal relegation battle, sitting just one point shy of safety. A morale-crushing defeat last weekend has amplified the pressure, making this home fixture a must-not-lose scenario. Facing the league leaders is a monumental task, but with their Premier League status on the line, expect West Ham to fight with everything they have to secure a season-defining result.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The two clubs enter this fixture on wildly different trajectories. Arsenal is on the verge of its most successful season in decades, chasing a potential Premier League and Champions League double. After a slight wobble in April, the Gunners have roared back to form with dominant victories. In stark contrast, West Ham is in a perilous position, with their recent 3-0 loss to Brentford highlighting their struggle for consistency and leaving fans fearing the worst.
The tactical battle will likely pit Arsenal‘s defensive juggernaut against West Ham‘s counter-attacking threat. The Gunners boast the best defensive record in the league, built on a foundation of physicality and organization that has conceded just 0.61 goals per game. Their proficiency from set-pieces, with a league-high 21 goals, provides a crucial weapon. West Ham will look to stay compact and exploit any lapses in concentration on the break, relying on the individual brilliance of Jarrod Bowen to create opportunities.
Motivation could not be simpler for either side. For Arsenal, every match is a final as they look to close out the title race and avoid any late drama. For West Ham, every point is precious in their bid to escape the drop zone. The desperation of Nuno Espírito Santo‘s team, combined with their strong home form—unbeaten in their last six league games at the London Stadium—makes them a dangerous opponent for a title-chasing side that cannot afford a slip-up.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, Arsenal has had the upper hand in this fixture, but West Ham has proven capable of pulling off upsets. The Gunners have won three of the last five encounters, while the Hammers have claimed two surprising victories, both of which came on the road at the Emirates Stadium.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 victory, completely neutralizing West Ham‘s attack and limiting them to zero shots on target. Recent meetings have also included some explosive scorelines, with Arsenal winning 5-2 and 6-0 in two of their last three trips to the London Stadium, demonstrating their ability to dominate this matchup away from home.
Despite the potential for goals, the last two head-to-head games have produced just three goals in total, suggesting a trend towards tighter affairs. Arsenal‘s defense has been formidable, keeping two clean sheets in the last five meetings. However, with an average of 3.6 goals per game across those same five matches, the potential for an open, high-scoring contest remains, especially given the immense pressure on both teams.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Arsenal is managing a few key injuries heading into this crucial match, while West Ham benefits from a fully available squad for their fight for survival.
The hosts have a clean bill of health, a significant boost for Nuno Espírito Santo as he prepares for the title chasers. Having all key players available gives West Ham the best possible chance to field a competitive side, though their healthy squad has not recently translated into positive results on the road.
Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, will be without Jurriën Timber and Mikel Merino due to injury. A new concern is midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, who picked up a knock in the midweek Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid. His potential absence could see Martin Zubimendi step into the starting lineup alongside Declan Rice.
West Ham Projected XI (4-4-1-1): Hermansen; Diouf, Disasi, Mavropanos, Walker-Peters; Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville, Bowen; Felipe; Castellanos.
This formation allows West Ham to remain defensively solid while relying on the pace and creativity of Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville on the flanks. Felipe will operate in the space behind the main striker, tasked with linking midfield and attack to create chances against Arsenal‘s disciplined backline.
Arsenal Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Hincapie, Saliba, Gabriel, Mosquera; Zubimendi, Rice; Eze, Odegaard, Saka; Gyokeres.
Arsenal‘s setup is built around their rock-solid defense and the creative engine of Martin Odegaard in midfield. With Zubimendi likely filling in, the Gunners maintain their physical presence in the middle of the park. The attacking trio of Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, and Viktor Gyokeres provides the firepower needed to break down a deep-lying West Ham defense.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the West Ham vs Arsenal live stream on DirecTV Stream. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including web browsers, smartphones (iOS and Android), tablets, and smart TVs such as Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
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If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Pre-match reports indicate that Christian Pulisic will not be involved in Milan’s upcoming Serie A clash with Atalanta on Sunday evening, which likely means a last chance for Rafael Leao to impress.
Pulisic out, Leao in for Milan vs. Atalanta
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to make several personnel changes to his Milan side for Sunday’s game against Atalanta following a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Sassuolo last weekend. Sunday’s newspapers claimed that the coach would change both of his starting centre-forwards, replacing Leao and Christopher Nkunku with Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez.
However, according to updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Pulisic reported an issue with his gluteal muscles in the final session before the Atalanta game, and it is now expected that he will be left out of the matchday squad on Sunday.
The extent of the damage remains to be seen. Further updates are expected in due course.
It has been a disappointing calendar year for Pulisic, who had come up with eight league goals during the first half of the 2025-26 season, but has not hit the back of the net at all for club or country since the turn of the new year.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It hasn’t been a brilliant period for Leao, either, who is on nine Serie A goals for the season, but has gone goalless across his last seven league outings.
It was expected that he would be dropped from the Milan line-up for the Atalanta match, amid claims that he could be sold in the summer, but Gianluca Di Marzio reports that he will be given another opportunity to impress in place of Pulisic on Sunday.
Roberto Baggio has sat down for a rare in-depth interview, discussing his playing career, the 1994 World Cup final, his relationships with Diego Maradona, Alessandro Del Piero, his family and his religion, and has had his say on the issues facing the Italy national team: ‘Kids aren’t playing in the street anymore’.
Baggio spoke in detail with Corriere della Sera as part of the promotion of his newly-written autobiography, Luce nell’oscurita.
Baggio on 1994 World Cup, best teammates and current Italy national team problems
Among the topics of conversation was Baggio’s infamous penalty miss during the shootout at the end of the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil.
“I felt the guilt for every Italian. I wanted to disappear. I felt infinite shame, one of those things that stays with you even as the years go by,” Baggio recalled. “Over time, you learn to live with it, but it’s a wound that never closes completely.”
Baggio admits that the 1994 shoot-out still comes back to haunt him: “Continuously,” he said. “Sometimes, I think about it while I’m awake in bed, when I can’t fall asleep. I picture myself scoring, and then I fall asleep.”
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Brazilian players run to join their teammates as Italian midfielder Roberto Baggio bows his head after he missed his penalty kick giving Brazil a 3-2 victory in the shoot-out session (0-0 after extra time) at the end of the World Cup final, 17 July 1994 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Brazil won its fourth World Cup title after 1958, 1962 and 1970. AFP PHOTO/OMAR TORRES (Photo credit should read OMAR TORRES/AFP via Getty Images)
Baggio maintains that two things helped him through the pain of the 1994 World Cup: His faith and his family.
“I believe in the strength that each of us carries inside, even when we don’t see it, even when we think we have no more. I don’t think so much of an external God, who decides everything for us, but of an inner strength that must be sought and respected.”
Baggio also spoke briefly on his Buddhist beliefs: “It’s certainly been my refuge. It’s formed me as a person by leading me to work on certain aspects of my character, which I hadn’t paid attention to before. It gave me strength when I needed it the most and the courage to never give up.”
Baggio also spoke about the importance of his relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Andreina: “One July evening, on the eve of my first training camp with Vicenza, we stopped to talk and I asked her for a ring as a pledge, which I would give back to her when I returned.
“I came back from Recoaro, we met up, I gave her the ring back and we got engaged that same evening. Andreina followed me wherever I played and always helped me to feel at home. We are convinced that we already knew each other in a previous life.”
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 14: (L-R) Andreina Fabbi and Roberto Baggio attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Al Ahly FC and Internacional CF Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alekandra London/Getty Images)
In 1990, Baggio moved from Fiorentina to Juventus in what was a world-record deal at the time. The transfer left a bitter taste in the mouth of the Viola supporters, and there were riots on the streets of Florence in the days that followed.
“Florence rebelled,” Baggio recalled. “I cried like a baby. You could hear the ambulances going past on the way to the Fiorentina headquarters, where the clashes lasted for three days. I never wanted the sale, I felt guilty.”
Baggio also spoke about a number of his esteemed former colleagues, including Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, with whom he shared a particularly special relationship: “We spoke in Venetian dialect in the dressing room, and that brought us closer together. It still happens today when we meet.”
There were sympathies for Ronaldo, too: “I really suffered for him when his knee went. He was an immense talent, something truly rare. And maybe for this reason his pain struck me even more.”
Diego Maradona was at the height of his powers when Baggio was breaking through: “He was special, humble. Once on a flight to Argentina, we kicked the ball around together. 10,000 metres above the ground, almost touching the sky.”
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 01: Roberto Baggio and Diego Maradona celebrate the goal during the Interreligious Match for Peace at Olimpico Stadium on September 1, 2014 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Baggio also gave his thoughts on the current state of Italian football and the issues that face the national team in the wake of their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
“There are so many things to fix. Kids aren’t playing in the street anymore. And in Serie A, there are not many Italians. If you have to go and get a player from somewhere else and naturalise them, it means that you haven’t been able to find an Italian ready at the same level.
“We need to create a formula that really encourages the use of Italian youngsters. The talent is still there, but we have to seek it, protect it and recognise the value. And you need to have the courage to trust them.”
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are keen on acquiring the services of Barcelona utility man Ferran Torres.
While the Spanish international remains an integral part of Barcelona’s first team setup, his future has become an interesting talking point. With him set to enter the final year of his deal, the Catalan club could look to cash in on him, amidst interest from Aston Villa.
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Aston Villa are plotting a raid on Barcelona for Ferran Torres
According to a report from Fichajes, Unai Emery’s team are looking to add more firepower to their ranks and consider Barcelona’s Ferran Torres just the perfect fit for their setup. They are gearing up to make a €65 million offer for the Spanish international.
Torres, who has been with the Catalan club since the start of 2022, is an important member of Hansi Flick’s squad, but he is not a regular starter, and a move away could help him play a more prominent role.
While he has only racked up 2,504 minutes of first-team action in his 46 appearances, the 26-year-old has 20 goals and two assists. He prefers playing down the middle, but is capable enough to take up any role in the final third.
Torres has played in England with Manchester City, and he won the Premier League title with them in 2020/21.
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Given his importance in their setup, Barcelona are in no rush to make a decision regarding his future. They will sanction his departure only if the move actually improves their squad by raising enough funds and making room for potential signings.
Apart from Aston Villa, there is also interest from AC Milan, and the Italian club are proposing a loan with a buy obligation and a significant percentage of future sales. Their offer seems more appealing to both the Spanish club and the player, even though Villa are ready to break the bank for him.
Manchester United have intensified efforts to sign West Ham United midfield sensation Mateus Fernandes.
The Portuguese international’s future has become a massive talking point as West Ham United are on the verge of getting relegated to the Championship. If they do fail to survive the drop, the Hammers will find it impossible to keep hold of the 21-year-old.
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Mateus Fernandes looks set to leave West Ham this summer
Manchester United are keen on signing Mateus Fernandes, and according to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, the Red Devils have stepped up their efforts to bring the West Ham sensation to Old Trafford this summer.
While speaking about his future on Transfer Insider Podcast, O’Rourke said, “Man United and a number of clubs will be hoping to take advantage of any potential West Ham relegation with Mateus Fernandes.
“He’s on that long list of midfield targets that United are looking at.
“If West Ham go down, it’ll be almost impossible to keep hold of the Portuguese midfielder because I’m sure he won’t want to be playing in the Championship.
“There’ll be a number of clubs, not just Manchester United who will be keeping tabs on Fernandes and West Ham’s survival fight as well.
“And I think it’ll be real tough battle for West Ham to keep hold of him, especially if they go down.”
While the Hammers have struggled throughout the ongoing campaign, the 21-year-old has stood out with his consistent performances. He has had quite an impact in his debut campaign at the London club.
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Manchester United have their eyes set on Fernandes
He has featured in 35 matches and has contributed towards seven goals. While he prefers to play as a central midfielder, the youngster has featured in a variety of midfield roles. His impressive performances have placed him on Manchester United’s radar.
With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte likely to be sold, the Red Devils are looking to revamp their midfield, and Fernandes is quite high on their wishlist. They could look to make the most out of the Hammers’ potential relegation.
While West Ham would be reluctant to lose the 21-year-old, they will find it impossible to hold onto him if they fail to survive in the top flight. Fernandes won’t want to feature in the Championship when he already has a host of top clubs that are keen on signing him.
Como will have their opportunity to respond to Juventus in the Champions League race when they take on Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi in Serie A in Sunday’s early kick-off.
Cesc Fabregas’s side find themselves in sixth place ahead of kick-off, requiring a victory to keep up the pace with Juventus, who moved into third as a result of their 1-0 win against Lecce on Saturday. Como are left needing favours heading into the final three matches of the season, sitting five points shy of the top four ahead of kick-off on Sunday.
Hosts Verona have already been relegated from Serie A, but have gone unbeaten over their last two league fixtures, holding both Lecce and Juventus to draws over the last fortnight.
After last weekend’s draw with Juventus, Paolo Sammarco has decided to keep an almost unchanged XI: Nicolas Valentini is back and available after serving a yellow-card suspension and goes straight back into the starting line-up in place of Domagoj Bradaric.
Fabregas has also made just the one change to his Como XI, with Jesus Rodriguez coming in to replace Martin Baturina on the left flank. This is the Spaniard’s first start in Serie A since the 2-1 victory away against Cagliari back in March.
MARCH 22: Assane Diao of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mate Jesus Rodriguez after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Kick-off is due at 11.30 BST.
Verona vs. Como: Confirmed line-ups
MAY 02: Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between against SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has given his verdict on Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who has been linked with a summer move to join the Catalan giants this coming transfer window: ‘Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy’.
Puyol comments on Barcelona links to Bastoni
For several months of the 2025-26 season, Barcelona have been linked with a move to sign Bastoni from Inter during the next summer transfer window.
Recent updates claim that Barca are beginning to cool off in their pursuit of the Italy international, and that the signing of a new centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski may be more of a priority than the purchase of a new luxury centre-back, but nothing has yet been ruled out either way.
The potential transfer of Bastoni continues to be a hot topic of conversation regardless, and former Barcelona defender Puyol was recently asked about the prospect of signing the recently-crowned Scudetto winner.
“You should ask Deco,” Puyol told DAZN when asked if he thinks Bastoni is the ‘right’ choice for Barcelona this summer.
LIMA, PERU – NOVEMBER 29: Carles Puyol waves to fans prior to the 2025 Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores Final match between Palmeiras and Flamengo at Estadio Monumental on November 29, 2025 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
“I think he’s a very good defender. I also think that Barcelona have very good defenders, youngsters who know Barcelona’s style well.
“Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy with such a high line. Sometimes it’s difficult to adapt, but if the club thinks they have to go and get Bastoni, then I think they’ll be buying a strong player and they will have analysed him perfectly to understand if he’s the right choice and whether his purchase is feasible, because in the end, you can want a player but there aren’t always the right conditions to buy him.”
Reports in Italy claim that Atalanta could turn to two former Juventus leaders in Cristiano Giuntoli and Raffaele Palladino to replace their current sporting director Tony D’Amico and head coach Raffaele Palladino.
Could Atalanta appoint ex-Juventus pair Giuntoli and Motta?
It has been a disappointing end to the 2025-26 season for Atalanta, who are no longer able to qualify for the Champions League and could mathematically be out of the race for Europa League football by the end of the weekend as well.
With two draws and two defeats across their last four Serie A fixtures and a Coppa Italia semi-final defeat against Lazio, the Corriere dello Sport claims that it has been an April that has ‘cancelled out’ the work done in the previous months of the 2025-26 season.
Now, La Dea could be heading for a ‘mini revolution’ this summer.
Reports on Saturday confirmed that Atalanta are on the verge of appointing former Napoli and Juventus executive Giuntoli as their new sporting director to replace the outgoing Tony D’Amico, who has been linked with moves to join Milan and Roma.
epa11889266 Juventus coach Thiago Motta looks on during the UEFA Champions League play-offs first leg soccer match between Juventus FC and PSV Eindhoven, in Turin, Italy, 11 February 2025. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO
Corriere dello Sport claims that Giuntoli could be tempted to make a change of head coaches at the beginning of his Atalanta tenure, and that Motta, whom he appointed at Juventus, is the leading candidate.
Atalanta had also looked at the possibility of appointing Motta before settling on Palladino at the beginning of the 2025-26 season. The 43-year-old has been out of work since leaving the Old Lady towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Massimiliano Allegri is expected to make several changes to his Milan side as the Rossoneri take on Atalanta in a huge match in the race for Champions League football in Serie A on Sunday evening.
Milan have not yet secured their position in the top four, and begin the day in fourth place as a result of Juventus’s 1-0 victory over Lecce on Saturday night.
It has been a troubling run of form for the Rossoneri over the last few weeks, with three defeats and just four points on their record from their last five outings. They are looking to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat against Sassuolo last weekend.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan reacts after Fabio Maresca, referee of the match shows to hi a red card during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Fikayo Tomori was sent off last weekend, which means that Koni De Winter is in line to return to the back three to replace him.
Ardon Jashari failed to impress standing in for the injured Luka Modric last weekend, and pre-match reports indicate that it will be over to Samuele Ricci to have a go this time. Davide Bartesaghi is also likely to return at left wing-back.
Rafael Leao has also been struggling for form and is likely to be dropped this weekend. Sky Sport Italia predicts that there will be a changed front two of Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic in San Siro on Sunday.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta are no longer able to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and Europa League qualification could also be mathematically impossible by the end of the day. Raffaele Palladino’s seventh-placed Dea are now likely looking at a Conference League spot at best.
They were held to a 0-0 draw by Genoa last weekend, but only a handful of personnel changes are expected this time. Sead Kolasinac could return to the back three, Raoul Bellanova could also be re-introduced, as could Giacomo Raspadori in attack.
Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.
Milan vs. Atalanta: Probable line-ups
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri,Head Coach of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Gimenez, Pulisic.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Krstovic.
Where to watch Milan vs. Atalanta
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Raffaele Palladino of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and through DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Champions League fight: Goal in 12 seconds, Juve third
Scores immediately and the Bianconeri win in Lecce. The Serbian: ‘Farewell in two games? We’ll see’
Allegri turns Milan around
Six changes, Gimenez-Pulisic up top. Roma and Como still believe
Lautaro lion
Lazio warned
Inter, from the Pope to scoring three, Wednesday the game that counts
Corriere dello Sport
Dusan the difference
Vlahovic flash, Milan overtaken
Juve are third | Spalletti wins 1-0 in Lecce: +1 above Allegri and +4 above Gasp, goal from the Serbian after 11 seconds
Second goal in a row from the no.9: ‘The Champions League depends only on us, I thank the coach, he’s stuck close by me. Is my future still here? We’ll see’.
Inter don’t give discounts
Lazio beaten 3-0: They also want the Coppa Italia on Wednesday
Lautaro, Sucic and Mkhitaryan take centre stage and reserve the double against Sarri. Super numbers: 27 victories and 85 goals in 36 games. Romagnoli sent off: He will miss the derby
Leao and Fofana finish on the bench
Atalanta at 19.45
Milan need six points from three games to secure Champions League qualification. Gimenez in tandem with Pulisic. Ricci is there
La Dea have an idea: Thiago Motta
The Percassis’ move
Giuntoli progressing as the new sporting director, the Italian-Brazilian could replace Palladino
Gasp, a day in the name of Liedholm
Parma at 17.00
635 games on the bench in Serie A today, like Nils: ‘Roma deserve fourth place’. Como in Verona
Tuttosport
Vlahovic impact
Flash-goal from DV9: Juve win in Lecce and rise up to third place
The Serbian scores the Bianconero goal after 12 seconds, his fastest ever in Serie A, then they disallow one for offside and (amidst doubts) judge his position to be irregular before Kalulu’s double: It ends nervously, but Milan are overtaken and Roma are back to -4. Dusan: ‘Staying at Juve? I don’t know, we’ll see’
Squad and fans back D’Aversa
‘Toro, the coach deserves to stay’
Results and a newly-united dressing room. Ebosse: ‘We want a big finish for him, too’. But Cairo continues to not make a decision and meets with Gattuso and Juric
Chivu doesn’t stop, 3 warnings to Lazio
3-0 in the Coppa Italia appetiser
Lautaro-Sucic-Mkhitaryan. The Scudetto hasn’t satisfied Inter. The final on Wednesday
Max: Still Milan, Palladino: Goodbye Dea
Tonight’s battle and the future
Allegri: ‘I’ll be here for a long time’. Revolution is in the air at Atalanta: Sporting director D’Amico is also leaving
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are leading the race to sign Sporting CP attacking sensation Luis Suarez this summer.
The Colombian international is enjoying a sensational debut campaign at Sporting CP, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed. A number of top clubs want to prise him away from the Portuguese club, and Newcastle United are one of them.
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Newcastle are pushing to sign Luis Suarez
According to Correio da Manha via SportWitness, the Magpies are frontrunners to sign Luis Suarez, who has 44 goal contributions in his debut campaign in Portugal. The Tyneside club have already enquired about the availability of the 28-year-old.
Suarez made the move to Sporting last summer from UD Almeria in a deal worth €22.95 million. They brought him in to replace Viktor Gyokeres, who had left the club to join Arsenal. He has certainly filled the void left by the Swedish striker, with 35 goals and nine assists in 50 outings.
His performances have caught the attention of Newcastle United, who are in the market for a new striker. They haven’t been able to successfully replace Alexander Isak, who forced an exit last summer. As a result, Howe remains keen on more firepower ahead of next season.
They are massive admirers of the Colombian, who impressed with his performances in the Champions League. While he prefers playing up top, he can also feature on the left flank.
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The Tyneside club are leading the race for his signature, but securing his services still won’t be easy because of Sporting’s stance on his future. With his contract running until 2030, they are in complete control of the situation and will only let him leave if his €80 million release clause is triggered.
The asking price is certainly on the high side for someone valued at only €28 million. It will be interesting to see whether the Magpies are willing to meet Sporting’s demands. It seems unlikely given their financial limitations. However, it could be possible if Nick Woltemade, who has been linked with a move away, does leave.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have their eyes set on RB Leipzig midfield sensation Assan Ouedraogo ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The FC Schalke 04 graduate has only gone from strength to strength since joining RB Leipzig. His impressive performances have helped him break into the German national team, and this has also attracted a lot of interest across Europe.
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Liverpool are keen on signing Assan Ouedraogo
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are keen on acquiring the services of Assan Ouedraogo, as Arne Slot looks to reinforce his squad after a disastrous 2025/26 campaign. They consider the German international a perfect fit for the Dutch manager’s system and their project.
Despite having forked out a fortune on player transfers last summer, things didn’t go according to plan for the Reds. As a result, they are once again looking to go big ahead of next season. Ouedraogo, who has been a consistent performer for RB Leipzig, is their top midfield target.
While a knee injury has kept him on the sidelines for the majority of the ongoing campaign, the 20-year-old still has seven goal contributions in just over 800 minutes. He prefers playing as a central midfielder, but is capable enough to take up the number ten role as well as feature out wide on the left flank.
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The Reds will have to break the bank for Ouedraogo
The Reds were gearing up to make a €40 million offer for the youngster, but Leipzig have made it clear that it won’t be enough to get a deal over the line. With Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo all linked with a move away, the Merseyside club have shortlisted Ouedraogo as a top target.
While he can certainly add a lot to their squad, securing his services won’t be easy, as Leipzig have full control over his future with his contract running until 2029. They reportedly want around €80-100 million to sell their midfield sensation.
The only thing that works in Liverpool’s favour is that they have a great relationship with Leipzig, having signed Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai in the past.
Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Crysencio Summerville from London and Premier League rivals West Ham United in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “Yeah, I think there’d be more than just Tottenham who would be looking at Crysencio Summerville. “West Ham don’t want to […]
Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Crysencio Summerville from London and Premier League rivals West Ham United in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “Yeah, I think there’d be more than just Tottenham who would be looking at Crysencio Summerville. “West Ham don’t want to […]
Roma will have their opportunity to respond to Juventus when they take on Parma away from home on Sunday evening, as Serie A’s Champions League race heads towards its conclusion.
Hosts Parma have won two of their last fixtures in Serie A, but fell to a 2-0 defeat against Inter last weekend in the game that won the Nerazzurri the Scudetto for 2025-26.
They find themselves in 13th place ahead of kick-off and have already confirmed their top-flight status for next season.
Roma have responded well since their 5-2 defeat against Inter back in April. They have gone four matches unbeaten since then, winning three, with their most recent ending in a 4-0 scoreline against Fiorentina.
They start the day in fifth place, three points behind Milan in fourth and four points behind Juventus in third heading into the final three games of the season.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammate Matias Soule during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Carlos Cuesta is expected to stick with the same front two of Lorenzo Pellegrino and Gabriel Strefezza, but could make some alterations to the midfield three in his 3-5-2. Sky Sport Italia claims that several combinations have been tested ahead of the visit from Roma.
Gian Piero Gasperini, meanwhile, is likely to stick with a similar line-up to the one that put four past Fiorentina last time out. It could be an unchanged Giallorossi XI, led by Donyell Malen, Matias Soule and Niccolo Pisilli in attack.
Kick-off is due at 17.00 BST.
Parma vs. Roma: Probable line-ups
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Carlos Cuesta, Head Coach of Parma Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Today’s game will be available to watch live in the UK exclusively on DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Chelsea are preparing a €38 million offer to sign Bologna attacking sensation Jonathan Rowe after scouting him last month.
The Norwich graduate is enjoying an impressive debut campaign in Italy, and it has caught the attention of quite a few top clubs. Chelsea are one of the clubs that are interested in his services after having scouted him in April.
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Chelsea are keen on Jonathan Rowe
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness, the Blues are plotting a raid on Bologna. They are preparing a €38 million offer to prise him away from the Italian outfit, with growing concern at Bologna over the Premier League giants’ increasing interest.
Rowe, who joined Bologna from Marseille last summer, has had quite an impact at the Italian club. He has been involved in 40 matches for his new club and has contributed towards 11 goals. While he prefers playing on the left flank, the 23-year-old is equally effective on both sides.
His impressive performances and massive potential have resulted in a lot of interest. Chelsea had their scouts keeping a close eye on him last month, and they are now ready to raid Bologna for the English winger.
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The Italian club do not want to lose him just yet, but the threat is real. The Blues are preparing a €38 million offer, which could tempt the Serie A outfit. The only thing coming in their way is that they might not have Champions League football next season.
If Rowe decides to move on, he could look to join a club that can offer Champions League football. The Blues are not in the best financial position, and with Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, and Pedro Neto already capable of featuring on the left flank, they may need to offload one of them before pushing ahead with the move.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are looking to raid rivals Newcastle United for their defensive sensation Tino Livramento.
Liverpool will look to address the right-back issue in the upcoming transfer window, and they seem ready to knock on the doors of Newcastle United. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Merseyside club have their eyes set on Tino Livramento, who could be on the move this summer.
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Liverpool’s right-back issues were completely exposed in their 1-1 draw against Chelsea as Curtis Jones was asked to fill in. While the Reds do have Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, the duo have struggled to stay fit, and Slot doesn’t really trust the latter defensively.
The 23-year-old could actually be on the move this summer, as contract renewal talks with Newcastle have stalled and the English international is now open to discussing a potential move away.
Prior to the game against Chelsea, Ben Jacobs said to Born ‘N RedYouTube channel via TEAMtalk, “Liverpool have always had appreciation for Tino Livramento, who is capable of playing right-back and left-back.
“He’s a player I expect Newcastle United to put available on the market.”
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With renewal talks not going as planned, the Magpies could look to cash in on him. The funds raised could then be used to revamp the squad as a whole. The Tyneside club want around £70 million to sanction his departure.
While the price tag certainly seems to be on the higher side, it could be worth the risk given the massive potential the 23-year-old. Manchester City and Arsenal have been constantly linked with Livramento, but it looks like Liverpool could soon make a move of their own.
Robert De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur can sign Levante attacking sensation Karl Etta Eyong for €30 million.
Tottenham have finally managed to escape the drop zone with only a handful of games to go, and have already started making moves to bolster their squad to ensure they don’t find themselves in a similar situation next season.
The North London club have their eyes on Levante’s Karl Etta Eyong, as they look to reinforce their attack.
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Tottenham know what they must do to sign Karl Etta Eyong
According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are very keen to sign the Cameroonian international and are ready to meet Levante’s demands to make the deal happen.
The North London club are willing to trigger his €30 million release clause once their sporting director green-lights the move, and Roberto De Zerbi believes the 22-year-old can fit into his system straightaway.
Tottenham are looking for someone who can quickly adapt to the Premier League’s pace and deliver immediate results. They consider the Cameroonian international just the perfect fit, and have already made initial contact to enquire about the player’s situation.
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The North London club are willing to bet on Etta Eyong
In his debut campaign with Levante, he has seven goals and four assists in just over 1,600 minutes in 31 league appearances. He has showcased a lot of promise, and Tottenham seem willing to make a bet on him.
Etta Eyong is a complete forward who, apart from being clinical in the final third, can help stretch the opposition defence, link up with others around him, and press high up the pitch. He has everything Spurs want in a young forward, and they are more than willing to invest €30 million to add him to their squad.
If they do manage to survive the drop, the North London club could move very quickly to beat the competition to the signature of the 22-year-old.
Liverpool are interested in signing Netherlands international central defender Micky van de Ven from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “A bit similar to Fernandes and West Ham, if Spurs were to go down it will be almost inevitable that Van […]
Phil Foden will sign a new contract with Manchester City and commit his long-term future to the Premier League club, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “If there was any indication that Phil Foden was not planning to sign a new contract at Man City, there would have […]
Newcastle United are interested in signing Goncalo Ramos in the summer transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain willing to sell the striker, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “Yeah, he could be a potential target for Newcastle. It does look like PSG would be open to letting Ramos leave […]
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Aurelien Tchouameni wants to stay at Real Madrid, despite his bust-up in training with teammate Federico Valverde. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist, though, has said that Manchester United would love to sign the France international defensive midfielder. Romano said about Tchouameni on his YouTube channel on Friday: “For sure, […]
Liverpool are interested in signing Netherlands international central defender Micky van de Ven from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “A bit similar to Fernandes and West Ham, if Spurs were to go down it will be almost inevitable that Van […]
Phil Foden will sign a new contract with Manchester City and commit his long-term future to the Premier League club, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “If there was any indication that Phil Foden was not planning to sign a new contract at Man City, there would have […]
Newcastle United are interested in signing Goncalo Ramos in the summer transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain willing to sell the striker, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “Yeah, he could be a potential target for Newcastle. It does look like PSG would be open to letting Ramos leave […]
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Aurelien Tchouameni wants to stay at Real Madrid, despite his bust-up in training with teammate Federico Valverde. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist, though, has said that Manchester United would love to sign the France international defensive midfielder. Romano said about Tchouameni on his YouTube channel on Friday: “For sure, […]
Jose Mourinho is ready to take charge of Real Madrid despite the bust-up in training between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has reported that Mourinho, who is in charge of Benfica at the moment, is ready to return to Estadio Bernabeu this summer. Romano said […]
Barcelona are not in talks to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window because the winger is too expensive for the Spanish giants, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected journalist has said on his YouTube channel: “I am not aware of Barcelona actively working on a deal for Anthony Gordon, […]
Liverpool are interested in signing France international striker Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “I’m sure they would love the chance to try and Kylian Mbappe, undoubtedly one of the world’s best players. “Obviously, there’s been a bit […]
Celtic receive Rangers in Matchday 3 of the 2025/2026 Scottish Premiership championship group. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the game on TV or stream it live for free in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Celtic vs Rangers on US television and via legal streaming:
Heart of Midlothian may have cracked the door wide open in the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership title race after settling for a draw against Motherwell, leaving Hearts on 77 points and just four clear of defending champions Celtic.
Now, all eyes shift to the latest edition of the Old Firm rivalry, where Celtic has a golden opportunity to tighten the race with a massive result in this game. Rangers, meanwhile,remain long shots in the championship picture, the stakes are still enormous at Ibrox, with pride, bragging rights, and the chance to derail Celtic’s title push fueling one of soccer’s fiercest rivalries.
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With Fubo, you can watch Celtic vs Rangers and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
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Manchester United are interested in acquiring the services of Leicester City attacking sensation Jeremy Monga.
The English youth international, who made his Premier League debut at the age of 15 years and 271 days, could be on the move this summer, as Leicester City have now been relegated to League One. A number of top clubs see this as a great opportunity to sign the teenage attacking sensation.
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Jeremy Monga could leave Leicester City this summer
According to a report from Spain, Manchester United are one of the clubs that are interested in Jeremy Monga’s services. The Red Devils have been keeping tabs on him for some time and consider him a rare profile.
The 16-year-old has racked up over 1,000 minutes of first-team action in the ongoing campaign, and he has even contributed towards three goals. While he has massive potential and a bright future ahead of him, the Leicester graduate might not continue at the club, as they were relegated to the third division of English football.
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Manchester United plot a raid on Leicester for Monga
The Red Devils see this as a great opportunity to snap up a top talent with massive potential. They want to build for the long run, and the teenager could be just the perfect fit for their project. He can feature on either flank and has the knack of taking on defenders.
Monga could be available for around €6 million, a fee that will hardly trouble a Premier League giant. However, securing his services won’t be straightforward, as other top clubs are also after him. In the end, the English youth international might make his decision depending on what’s best for his development as a player.
Tottenham will have to fork out €70 million to sign Real Madrid attacking sensation Franco Mastantuono this summer.
The Argentine international had an impressive start to life at Real Madrid, but wasn’t able to maintain the desired levels and eventually ended up going down the pecking order. The Spanish giants are now ready to negotiate his departure amidst interest from Tottenham, but want to maintain significant control over his future.
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Tottenham want to sign Franco Mastantuono
According to reports from Spain, the North London club are interested in acquiring Franco Mastantuono’s services. They have already tabled an offer of €45 million, which the Spanish giants turned down without much deliberation.
With the 18-year-old racking up just over 1,300 minutes of first-team action in his debut campaign, Real Madrid are ready to sanction his departure. But they prefer a formula that gives them enough control over his future.
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Los Blancos would be open to a loan move with a €70 million buy option, which will be triggered if they qualify for Europe next season. It will help the Spanish club protect their investment in the youngster.
If Spurs fail to secure European football, Mastantuono will return to Madrid with valuable Premier League experience. The North London club do seek more quality in the final third, and the Argentine international could prove to be a very valuable addition to their squad.
His pace, ability to take on defenders, and clinical finishing could prove invaluable. While the €70 million fee represents a significant financial risk, it also comes with immense potential.
João Gomes has become one of the standout names of the 2026 summer transfer window following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relegation from the Premier League.
The financial strain of dropping into the Championship has made the sale of their most valuable asset almost inevitable. Gomes, a Brazilian midfielder renowned for his “all-action” style, has continued to impress despite Wolves’ poor season, drawing the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.
At 25, Gomes is determined to secure his place in Brazil’s national team ahead of the World Cup and has no intention of playing in the second tier. His departure is now seen as a certainty.
Joao Gomes is a player in demand
Sources have informed Caughtoffside that Atletico Madrid have already initiated contact, while Liverpool, Manchester United, and surprisingly Crystal Palace are monitoring developments closely.
Initially, Wolves valued Gomes at around £60 million, but relegation has forced them to lower expectations. Current market dynamics suggest a fee in the region of €45–50 million is more realistic. While this represents a financial loss compared to their original valuation, it would provide a crucial injection of funds for a Championship-level budget.
Atletico Madrid see him as a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s combative midfield philosophy, while Crystal Palace are attempting to lure him with the promise of guaranteed playing time and the chance to remain in the Premier League.
Gomes is under contract with Wolves until 2030, but relegation has weakened the club’s negotiating position. He currently earns £105,000 per week and is expected to seek a salary increase, along with assurances of regular football at his next destination. No formal bids have yet been submitted, but once the transfer window opens, Wolves are expected to face a flurry of offers.
The most likely scenario is that Gomes remains in the Premier League, with United or Liverpool leading the chase at around £40 million. Atletico Madrid remains a strong alternative, while a loan deal with an option to buy is considered unlikely.
In summary, João Gomes is set to be one of the most profitable “opportunity transfers” of the summer. Wolves’ relegation has opened the door for Europe’s giants to secure a reliable midfield enforcer at a reduced price, making him one of the most sought-after names in the market.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Aurelien Tchouameni wants to stay at Real Madrid, despite his bust-up in training with teammate Federico Valverde. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist, though, has said that Manchester United would love to sign the France international defensive midfielder. Romano said about Tchouameni on his YouTube channel on Friday: “For sure, […]
Jose Mourinho is ready to take charge of Real Madrid despite the bust-up in training between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has reported that Mourinho, who is in charge of Benfica at the moment, is ready to return to Estadio Bernabeu this summer. Romano said […]
Barcelona are not in talks to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window because the winger is too expensive for the Spanish giants, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected journalist has said on his YouTube channel: “I am not aware of Barcelona actively working on a deal for Anthony Gordon, […]
Liverpool are interested in signing France international striker Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “I’m sure they would love the chance to try and Kylian Mbappe, undoubtedly one of the world’s best players. “Obviously, there’s been a bit […]
Barcelona are not in talks to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window because the winger is too expensive for the Spanish giants, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected journalist has said on his YouTube channel: “I am not aware of Barcelona actively working on a deal for Anthony Gordon, […]
Liverpool are interested in signing France international striker Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “I’m sure they would love the chance to try and Kylian Mbappe, undoubtedly one of the world’s best players. “Obviously, there’s been a bit […]
Arbeloa said: “For a player to leave the training ground laughing is taking things out of context and putting them out of place. We all know the effort he made to come to Real Madrid and what he gave up. We all saw him wearing the shirt as a kid.”
The issue came up after a video posted by El Chiringuito last Thursday, the same day Valverde went to the hospital for stitches after the scandal. While it may not be a major mistake, it is not helpful for a player like Mbappé, who is already under scrutiny, to do something like that, especially after the kind of year the club had last season.
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) May 7, 2026
Arbeloa’s authority under scrutiny
The main takeaway from the incident was not only whether the dressing room is united after a bad year. The clash between the midfielders was not the only issue, since they had already argued the day before.
If a manager wants to be at a club this big, he has to be able to deal with players who have major egos because of their status, which is something Arbeloa could not do after a repeated incident, and also when Mbappé took a short trip while injured.
Arbeloa said about Mbappé’s arrival in Spain when his teammates were about to play against Espanyol: “I feel with the complete authority of a Real Madrid manager. In the end, they are respecting their current manager and as a player that is the most important thing.”
Arbeloa dismisses players having too much power
Dressing room conflicts are the players’ responsibility, but the manager has to be a leader so they do not affect the team. Real Madrid have not played since the incident, but it brought back the topic of how much power players may have, which was also a talking point after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal.
Arbeloa said: “I don’t know what that means. When a Real Madrid player does not play, it is because of a sporting decision. I choose the one I think deserves it most. Fans can be calm with this dressing room and these players. These are difficult situations, but there is nobody more ready to improve this than the president of our club.”
Arbeloa defended Mbappé before the Barcelona match
Cruz Azul will host Atlas in the second leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Here’s all the key information ahead of the matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming coverage for viewers in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Cruz Azul vs Atlas on US television and via legal streaming:
With a place in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 semifinals on the line, Cruz Azul return home carrying momentum after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atlas in the first leg of this quarterfinal showdown. Los Cementeros not only protected their advantage on the road.
But now, they head into the decisive matchup backed by their fans and holding the upper hand on aggregate. Atlas, however, remain firmly in the fight, knowing a single-goal margin leaves everything to play for in what promises to be another high-intensity clash between two rivals unwilling to back down.
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Arturo Gonzalez of Atlas fights for the ball with Carlos Rodriguez of Cruz Azul
Wayne Rooney shared his thoughts on the possibility of Trent Alexander-Arnold being left out of England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In less than a month, every national team must submit its final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In England’s case, all signs currently point to Trent Alexander-Arnold not being part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans, something Wayne Rooney addressed.
During a conversation on his own podcast, the Manchester United icon questioned Alexander-Arnold’s absence, considering the defender has not been included in Tuchel’s recent call-ups. “No disrespect to Ben White – I think he’s a fantastic player – but for him to be in the squad and playing ahead of Trent is mind-boggling,”Rooney said.
In fact, the last time the Real Madrid right-back was selected at international level was in June 2025. Since then, the Three Lions have played eight matches, with Tuchel using six different players in that position: Ben White, Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, and Reece James. The latter is the only one who has been in the starting lineup more than once.
Rooney also did not appear fully convinced by the Chelsea defender. “Reece James isn’t the most defensive,” Wayne said. “In terms of the lads who are there, you wouldn’t say they’re the best defensively anyway, any of them.”
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England.
What has Tuchel said about Alexander-Arnold?
Considering his past with Liverpool and the fact that he is currently a Real Madrid player, Alexander-Arnold remains a high-profile figure in England. That is why his absence has been the subject of repeated questions for Thomas Tuchel in recent months.
“We created a slightly different game model when he was not in camp in September, October, November. It was a game model built on intensity, built on positivity, built even in the profile of the right full back on overlaps on underlaps, very intense,” the coach explained in an interview with ITV in March.
“So it was a slightly different profile of players who were with us in camp and who performed so well. He should have maybe deserved a second chance,” Tuchel admitted. “He’s on the long list and everyone is still in the mix, but at the moment, some other guys are just ahead of him.”
Alexander-Arnold still has a chance
As Thomas Tuchel himself explained, Trent Alexander-Arnold will be included in the preliminary list of 35 to 55 players that England are set to submit in the coming days. That keeps him in contention for one of the spots on the final 26-man roster for the World Cup, which must be finalized no later than June 1.
However, his chances appear slimmer compared to players such as Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Ben White, who have been more involved with England over the past year and offer a different profile from the Real Madrid star.
England legend Wayne Rooney shared his thoughts on Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Flick said: “The most important thing, and I thank this club for it, is that we all move in the same direction. These are not normal things, but they can happen. You have to manage them and talk, communicate, that’s how we do it here. If anything happens, I’ll think about it. These things happen around the world, not just at Real Madrid. It surprised me a bit, but it’s not my team.”
Sunday could be a historic day for the club, with Barcelona trying to clinch La Liga against Real Madrid for the first time ever. With an 11-point lead, even a draw is enough for them.
Flick avoids discussing the Real Madrid crisis
There is no doubt that Real Madrid are in crisis. Their entire season has been poor, with a few exceptions like the Champions League tie against Manchester City. However, a club of this size going a full year without a trophy is something fans do not see often.
Valverde got injured in the incident (Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
The fight between teammates is only the latest issue for a side that had already been producing levels well below expectations, even if Flick is trying to avoid focusing on the situation at their biggest rival.
Flick said: “Our goal is to win at home. We have a fantastic team; the fans support us. But for them, for Real Madrid, it’s also a classic match, and everyone must give 100 percent. They want to win. El Clásico is very important for everyone.”
Flick on the dressing room
The manager did not want to say too much about Real Madrid because he is focused only on his own team. In contrast to what has been happening with their biggest rivals, Flick praised the atmosphere in the Barcelona dressing room for most of the season.
Flick said: “The relationship between all the players is fantastic. The club has to keep following that philosophy of developing young talent. I am not going to say we do not make mistakes, we all do and we are human, but you have to know how to react. I am happy with my team. The communication has been great.”
Inter Milan forward Yoan Ange Bonny has decided to represent Ivory Coast instead of France, meaning he could face Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ivory Coast will be part of Group E at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Germany, Ecuador, and Curacao. For that challenge, they will be able to count on Inter Milan forward Yoan Ange Bonny, who turned down the chance to represent France.
“Inter striker Yoan Ange Bonny will represent Ivory Coast and not France with immediate effect, decision made,” Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday through a post on his official X account.
Born on October 25, 2003, in Aubervilliers, France, but of Ivorian descent, Bonny had the opportunity to choose either national team at the international level. In fact, he represented France at youth level through the U-21 category.
However, upon reaching senior level, the 22-year-old forward had to make a definitive decision, considering FIFA allow players to switch national teams during their youth careers but are far more restrictive with senior players. In that context, Bonny chose to embrace his family roots.
🚨🇨🇮 Inter striker Yoan Ange Bonny will represent Ivory Coast and not France with immediate effect, decision made.
It’s all confirmed as Ivory Coast can dream with Amad Diallo and Yan Diomandé. ✨ pic.twitter.com/29KuIRp3FV
Yoan Ange Bonny’s first opportunity to join the Ivory Coast national team came earlier this year, when head coach Emerse Fae included him in the preliminary squad for friendlies against South Korea and Scotland during the March FIFA international break.
From that point on, the striker began the administrative process with FIFA to become eligible to represent the African nation ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His addition could prove significant for Fae’s squad, which will face the challenge of advancing from a group featuring Germany as the clear favourites, with Ecuador and Ivory Coast battling just below them.
Now, Bonny will need to earn a place in the final 26-man roster, which is expected to include several high-level stars who have been part of the national team in recent years. Among them are Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, Nicolas Pepe, Franck Kessie, Simon Adingra, and Seko Fofana.
Bonny’s performances
Bonny’s hopes of being part of Ivory Coast’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are backed by his recent performances at club level. After standing out with Parma over four seasons, the forward joined Inter Milan in the summer of 2025, where he has recorded seven goals and eight assists in 41 appearances across Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, and the UEFA Champions League.
Inter Milan forward Yoan Ange Bonny and Germany star Joshua Kimmich.
Luciano Spalletti vented his frustration with Juventus after beating Lecce, warning they ‘don’t have someone else with Dusan Vlahovic’s characteristics’ and yet ‘we can’t change 18 players.’
It had seemed like this was going to be a rout when Juve opened the scoring within 12 seconds at the Stadio Via del Mare, as Vlahovic found the net immediately into his first start since November 29.
However, that proved to ultimately be the only goal, as two others were disallowed for offside, chalked off for Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu.
Spalletti frustrated with Juventus mistakes
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Head coach of Juventus FC Luciano Spalletti smiles during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“We’ve been saying for a while that we keep doing this, we score early and then don’t finish the games off, it’s like a cut and paste of previous mistakes,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“We dominate whole areas of games, it seems like we are in total control, and then there are moments of superficiality where we lose our way, misplace passes that are just incredible for the level of football we are playing at.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We cannot seem to maintain that concentration, determination and grit for the whole game. Once we make those mistakes, the tension and fear sets in, the match goes back into the balance.
“Then we get annoyed with ourselves, go and grab the game by the scruff of the neck and put it back on track. A game like this one cannot end 1-0, we barely allowed them to get into our half, there were so many situations where we had two attacking options and always went for the third worst one. That’s just what we are like.”
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlaovic of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Spalletti was visibly fuming on the touchline after certain situations, shouting angrily at his players for not moving the ball around the way he wanted.
Considering they keep making the same mistakes, will Juventus have to change quite a few of these players, or does he believe they can learn?
“I had already talked about this in the press conference, really,” replied the coach.
“The media act as if we are going to change 18 of the 25 players in the locker room, but you can’t do that. This is a serious project, so that means many of these players have to be involved, because it’s tough right now to change that many.
“Juventus also spent a fair amount over the last two seasons, so it’s not like they can keep digging into their pockets. There are some situations in football where you need to keep up with the times, but first and foremost these players must grow within themselves,” ranted Spalletti.
“They need to realise that many of them will stay here. We missed Vlahovic terribly because we don’t have someone else with his characteristics. A winning team needs a physical, strong centre-forward. Even if he’s not that tall, he still needs to be able to hold off defenders, deal with the physical duel.
“Jonathan David can score goals, but when it comes to the duel, the physical impact, that is where he struggles.”
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Head coach of Juventus FC Luciano Spalletti during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
So can these players remove the dips in concentration?
“That is not easy. Staying on their toes for long periods is to do with the determination and character of these players. Those players who are creative and can take men on are unfortunately also the same ones who need to take a breather and charge themselves up before sparkling. They just are,” shrugged Spalletti.
“We still have to work on it and train that. This evening, the team played well in so many ways, but if Di Gregorio didn’t make those two big saves, it would be a different result. We have got to build out better from the back, absolutely, that is something we simply must improve.
“Of course, it’s different when you’ve got Vlahovic, because he has different characteristics to the other strikers in the squad. Last time there was talk of the quality midfielder, but the one who translates the pass from the back into an attacking situation, we are missing that figure a little.
“I said the other day we need a bus with two levels, because for all the players that people say we’re going to buy, there won’t be enough room on one bus,” concluded Spalletti.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The 1-0 victory still provides a huge boost for Juve’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, as they temporarily surpass Milan in third ahead of their match with Atalanta on Sunday, and break away from Roma.
Eusebio Di Francesco reveals he had warned Lecce about Juventus kick-off routines this morning, but they were still caught out. ‘Both teams wanted to win at all costs.’
They ran some more risks with two goals disallowed for offside for Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu, while Michele Di Gregorio was tested by Santiago Pierotti and Walid Cheddira.
Di Francesco had warned Lecce
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“I showed the team Juve’s kick-off routine three times this morning, I told them we had to be ready to defend with determination from the very start, and then they scored after 11 seconds,” sighed Di Francesco on Sky Sport Italia.
“This is a Juventus side with a lot of quality, we managed to stay in the game and create some scoring opportunities of our own, and kept it quite a tight match.”
Lecce were ultimately applauded by the home fans at the final whistle, as they had pushed to the end and caused a lot of problems for Juventus, a side battling for the top four.
“They had two goals disallowed, but it’s because they were offside and therefore invalid. This team has a certain DNA, it believes it can compete with everyone when playing in a certain way. We could’ve been sharper with the final ball and the cross, that could’ve allowed us to create more chances.
“We played with a trequartista at times, but tonight it was more of a 4-3-3 trying to prevent them making those passes between the lines with players like Kelly and Cambiaso. We had to deal with those situations, I changed a few things too, because if we tried to close them up, they would get around us on the flanks,” continued Di Francesco.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Fans of US Lecce during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“In the second half, I put Banda closer to the centre-forward to stop their defenders starting the play out from the back. I think it did allow us to do better, even if we were unable to equalise.
“Both teams wanted to win at all costs, obviously Juventus have more quality, but with the goal advantage they were more comfortable. We had that big chance to equalise straight away after the Vlahovic goal, it was a stunning Di Gregorio save.
“If we had equalised later, it would’ve been good too, as it can even create the momentum to go on and win in the final 15 minutes.”
Now Lecce risk seeing the lead from Cremonese and the relegation zone cut to just one point, if Jamie Vardy’s side manage to get a victory tomorrow against already-relegated Pisa.
Their final two games are away to Sassuolo and at home to Genoa, so both rather tough fixtures.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“Whoever we’re up against, we need points. Sassuolo is an important club for me, obviously, that will be potentially a decisive match,” confessed the coach.
Dusan Vlahovic and Lloyd Kelly warn Juventus have their fate ‘in our hands’ after the 1-0 win away to Lecce. ‘We showed resilience today, especially in the last minutes.’
The striker was making his first start since that serious adductor tear on November 29, and he took all of 12 seconds to make it count, controlling the Andrea Cambiaso cross to turn in from seven yards.
He had also scored another that was disallowed for offside, then his offside was interfering with play in the build-up to Pierre Kalulu’s finish, so the scoreline at the Stadio Via del Mare remained 1-0.
It was a special night for Vlahovic, who last week scored his first goal of 2026 in a 1-1 draw with Verona, coming off the bench after another injury setback.
Vlahovic and Kelly focus on Juventus
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“It happens, I hadn’t started for a long time and didn’t have the routine or match fitness,” Vlahovic told Sky Sport Italia.
“The most important thing was the result, we got the three points, we absolutely must win the remaining two games.”
This result puts extra pressure on Milan ahead of tomorrow’s game with Atalanta, along with Roma as they take on Parma.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“It was all in our hands, if we win the remaining games, then there’s nothing anyone else can do about it. We know what is at stake, so we must go out there and win,” added Vlahovic.
The last two matches for Juve are against Fiorentina and Torino, two very bitter rivals.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Lloyd Kelly of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The result puts Juventus temporarily in third place ahead of Milan, who play Atalanta tomorrow, and lets them break away from Roma in the race for a Champions League spot.
“We know we had to change some things from the last game,” Kelly told Sky Sport Italia.
“I think today we showed some resilience, especially in the last minutes, we need to see these games out and fight for each other, I think we did that today.
“We know the other teams have to play, but we can’t concentrate on them, we have to concentrate on us. We’re happy with the victory, now we can relax and then focus on the next two games.”
Chivas and Tigres UANL clash in the second leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Here’s all the key information ahead of the matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming coverage for viewers in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Chivas vs Tigres UANL on US television and via legal streaming:
Chivasreturn home with their season on the line after a 3-1 loss in the first leg in Monterrey, but the series remains within reach with a strong performance in front of their fans. Tigres UANL carry a two-goal advantage into the decisive matchup after a dominant first-leg showing.
However, they’ll still need to withstand an expected early push from a desperate Chivas side. With a trip to the next round at stake and intensity guaranteed from the opening whistle, this is a game fans won’t want to miss.
More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream
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Francisco Reyes of Tigres chases Richard Ledezma of Chivas
Former Barcelona player Patrick Kluivert defender Real Madrid players after a year with no titles.
There has not been a season to remember for either Spanish club in terms of trophies. The only one that could still change that is Barcelona, who are about to win La Liga. Real Madrid did not win a single title, but former player Patrick Kluivert defended them in an interview with Erem News.
Kluivert said: “I don’t know what is going on at Real Madrid. When a manager leaves and another one arrives, a certain instability is created. It’s normal. They still have great players and can achieve good things, but this season some things were missing. They are human beings and football players, not robots.”
The Dutch former player was referring more to the managerial changes than to the internal scandal. However, it was still somewhat surprising given the expectations at a club like Real Madrid. For the former Barcelona player, the dismissal of Xabi Alonso in the middle of the season could be the reason they are not celebrating titles.
Kluivert uncertain about Barcelona’s potential forwards
One of the big summer questions for the club is how they will strengthen their attack because there is still plenty of doubt about who will play as the number 9. Robert Lewandowski could leave, so transfer rumors are starting to pick up.
Lewandowski may leave in the summer (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Many players can be offered to the club, although Barcelona look like they are trying everything they can to get Julián Álvarez. Those are both strong options, with Kluivert not putting one above the other.
Kluivert said: “I don’t know what Lewandowski is going to do. He’s fantastic. He has a great impact in the dressing room; he’s one of my favorites. There are also talks about Álvarez, who is special and is playing well for Atletico Madrid. We’ll see what happens in that position.”
Kluivert supports Hansi Flick
The speculation that Hansi Flick could stay long term may soon become reality. Under the German manager, Barcelona have become a force in Europe again even though they were not able to win the Champions League. Flick also has Kluivert’s support to stay.
Kluivert said: “It would be something really good if Flick continues. He’s doing a fantastic job, getting excellent results and showing a great connection with the team. The manager has also given opportunities to the young players, which is very important to the club.”
Despite Real Madrid’s recent negative numbers with Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised the French forward.
Real Madrid are heading into Sunday’s El Clasico amid a crisis fueled not only by poor results, but also by internal conflicts. In that context, even Kylian Mbappe’s role has come under scrutiny, something Barcelona coach Hansi Flick dismissed.
“He’s one of the best players in the world, come on,”Flick responded during Saturday’s press conference when asked by a reporter whether Real Madrid currently play better without Mbappe. “On the pitch, he has unbelievable quality.”
The Barcelona coach then highlighted the French forward’s strengths: “In every situation, he’s very dangerous. In the box, he’s unbelievable. In front of the goal, he’s for me, for his quality, at the moment the best one.”
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring against Bayern Munich.
In the last six matches in which Real Madrid had Mbappe in the starting lineup, they managed to win only once, while with him absent or coming off the bench, Los Blancos won seven of their last eight matches.
Will Mbappe start in El Clasico against Barcelona?
Kylian Mbappe missed Real Madrid’s last La Liga match — a 2-0 victory against Espanyol last Sunday — due to a muscle injury. That naturally cast doubt over his availability for El Clasico against Barcelona, with only seven days to recover his best physical condition.
However, the forward’s progress throughout the week was positive. Little by little, he rejoined training alongside the rest of his teammates, and on Saturday he took part in the session normally. That gives him a strong chance of being in the starting lineup at Camp Nou.
Mbappe’s record in El Clasico
Since arriving at Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, Kylian Mbappe has faced Barcelona six times, with an overwhelmingly negative record: five defeats and one victory. That statistic becomes even more striking considering that three of those five losses came in finals.
On an individual level, however, Mbappe has lived up to expectations. In those six matches against Barcelona, the French forward scored six goals, including a hat trick in the 4-3 defeat during the 2024-25 La Liga season.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe.
Casillas was asked about Mourinho’s possible return to the club and said: “I would hire Alonso again. He’s a manager who succeeded with Bayer Leverkusen, he’s young and he is ready for Real Madrid. He would be the perfect manager with continuity and confidence. But in soccer you never know. Zinedine Zidane came in for Rafael Benítez and things went right.”
It is still unclear whether Mourinho could become the next manager, as he is still under contract with Benfica. His release clause reportedly expires in the last days of this month, so the club would have to decide quickly if they want him. With recent events, it also seems unlikely that Álvaro Arbeloa can keep his job.
Casillas on the Valverde-Tchouameni incident
The last few days in football have been dominated by Real Madrid, but not for good reasons. In a difficult season in which they will not win any trophies, ending it with an internal clash between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni makes things even worse for loyal fans of the club.
Tchouameni and Valverde had a discussion (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The situation, in which the midfielders reportedly had a disagreement on Wednesday before another one on Thursday, drew a lot of attention. It also had consequences for the team, as Valverde was injured in the incident even though he denied any confrontation. The former goalkeeper does not think it cannot be resolved.
Casillas said: “Everything has a solution, it can be fixed. It happened in our time too, but the difference is that it was before El Clasico. It’s something that must be solved from within, but it can happen at a club like Real Madrid. What makes you angry is that a team like this has not won a title.”
Casillas asks for sporting spirit
With all the tension these clubs always carry against each other, it would be normal to expect a heated match in what could be the decisive game in La Liga if it ends in a draw. Real Madrid’s icon does not want that to be the case on Sunday.
Casillas said: “Real Madrid players will shake hands with them if Barcelona win and congratulate them. The guard of honor cannot be part of it now, maybe in the future. If I were a player, If I were a player, I would step onto the field with the goal of preventing them from becoming champions on this day.”
Dusan Vlahovic’s goal within 12 seconds proved enough for Juventus to take three precious points away from Lecce, although they had two more goals disallowed.
This was a huge fixture for both teams, as the hosts needed to stay clear of the drop zone after opening up a four-point gap from Cremonese, while the Bianconeri needed to fight for fourth following a surprising 1-1 draw with Verona.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Fans of US Lecce during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Dusan Vlahovic got his first start since November 2025, with Kenan Yildiz also shaking off a knock, Juan Cabal and Arek Milik out of action. Lecce were unbeaten in three, despite missing Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar and Sadik Fofana. For Mother’s Day, the hosts wore special shirts with the names of their mothers on the back.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
It was a truly remarkable start, because within 12 seconds Vlahovic had controlled the Andrea Cambiaso cross from the left, turned between three defenders and fired into the roof of the net from seven yards.
Dušan Vlahović gives Juventus the lead inside 15 seconds
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 9, 2026
Lecce responded immediately too, Walid Cheddira’s first-time strike from a Lameck Banda roll across forcing a desperate Michele Di Gregorio reaction save, then at the other end Francisco Conceicao smashed a finish onto the inside of the far post from a tricky angle.
Vlahovic also saw his angled drive denied by Wladimiro Falcone’s legs at the near post, all in the opening six minutes.
It should’ve been 2-0 later in the half when Vlahovic burst into the box and didn’t pass when he had the chance, instead sweeping the finish off target.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlaovic of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Juve did have the ball in the net straight after the restart when Falcone parried a Cambiaso effort and the first Vlahovic rebound, beaten eventually at the third time of asking, but VAR confirmed an offside position.
Cheddira got the finish all wrong after Santiago Pierotti shrugged off Lloyd Kelly to pull back from the by-line.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Another Juventus goal was disallowed due to a Vlahovic offside, this time he was interfering with play during the Jamal Siebert clearance, before Pierre Kalulu flicked in the Cambiaso low cross from six yards on the hour mark.
Danilo Veiga went off injured and Kenan Yildiz drilled wide, while Vlahovic’s first-time effort was charged down, another of the Serbian’s attempts fired over from a McKennie lay-off.
Konan N’Dri came on and robbed Kelly playing out from defence, his finish skimming the near upright, then Di Gregorio struggled to parry a swerving Pierotti screamer from distance.
Falcone made a double save in stoppages, first on Jeremie Boga’s attempted lob, then the Edon Zhegrova follow-up.
Juventus had two goals disallowed in this evening’s trip to Lecce, both for Dusan Vlahovic offside positions, but only one required a VAR On-Field Review.
The Bianconeri had taken an early lead when Vlahovic scored under 15 seconds into the match, meeting the Andrea Cambiaso cross.
Although they had the ball in the net on another two occasions, neither of them went on the scoresheet.
Juventus caught out by VAR
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: The referee Andrea Colombo during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
In the first situation at the dawn of the second half, Vlahovic had wandered offside when turning in the rebound from a parried Cambiaso effort.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
However, the second goal was more complicated, because Vlahovic did not touch the ball when Jamal Siebert’s panicked clearance allowed Cambiaso to put in another cross, flicked into the net by Pierre Kalulu.
Because Vlahovic never made contact with the ball, it was not clear whether he was interfering with play or not.
This is a subjective decision, not an objective one like the first goal, so it can only be made by the referee himself.
VAR therefore called Andrea Colombo over to the touchline to view it himself on the monitor.
The referee confirmed that Vlahovic “was interfering with play” when almost colliding with Siebert to force that error, so the Juventus goal had to be disallowed.
Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena has strongly denied allegations of racist abuse made against him by Udinese striker Keinan Davis, after a heated incident in the closing stages of Cagliari’s clash with Udinese escalated into a major controversy that has embroiled both clubs.
According to Sky Sport, Davis signalled to the referee during the match that he had been racially abused by an opponent, with the situation briefly resulting in a yellow card for the Udinese forward before it was subsequently rescinded.
Udinese responded swiftly after the final whistle, releasing a statement condemning what they described as “disgraceful racist insults” and pledging to support Davis through all available legal and sporting channels.
Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena replies to the accusation he racially abused Udinese striker Keinan Davis
Dossena denies Davis allegations as Cagliari back their player
Davis did not hold back on social media, posting an image of Dossena on his Instagram story. “This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game,” he wrote. “I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”
Dossena issued his own Instagram response shortly afterwards, firmly rejecting the allegation. “Being accused of racism saddens and hurts me,” he said.
“It is a very serious accusation, it would never pass through my mind to call another person, a colleague, an insult of that kind. This is the first time I have been involved in a situation like this where I have to defend myself from a slanderous accusation. Behaviour like this is entirely outside of my culture and beliefs.”
Cagliari manager Fabio Pisacane also defended his player after the match. “I know his values, it does not even cross my mind that he could have said such things,” Pisacane said. “I spoke with Alberto and I believe him, because I know him well.”
The club itself followed up with a formal statement, expressing surprise at Udinese’s communication and insisting the alleged incident had found no objective confirmation at the end of the match. The matter is now expected to be referred to the relevant sporting justice authorities.
Maurizio Sarri delivered a candid and self-critical assessment after Lazio’s 3-0 home defeat to Inter Milan, placing the blame squarely on his own side’s attitude while acknowledging that Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final will demand a completely different approach from his players.
According to comments in his post-match press conference at the Stadio Olimpico, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Sarri was in no mood to deflect responsibility, conceding that Lazio’s passive defensive displays for both first-half goals were unacceptable regardless of the opposition’s quality.
Sarri vows Lazio will show different face in Coppa Italia rematch against Inter
“The goal by Lautaro is a result of our approach,” Sarri said.
“We conceded from a throw-in with two opponents in the area, usually you have five or six attackers in there and today it was too easy. The second goal is the same thing: they made five passes in the area without anyone intervening. We start from the assumption that Inter have enormous quality, but with this attitude we concede two goals in the first half-hour against any team in Serie A.”
On Romagnoli’s red card, Sarri was measured. “In real time it is a yellow card foul,” he said. “But if you look at the still image it is a red, and this is the classic VAR dismissal.”
ROME, ITALY – MAY 09: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio leaves the pitch after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
He was more troubled, however, by what followed. “We need to understand why we had five clear chances in numerical inferiority, Isaksen alone could have scored three goals. We need to analyse this match without fear and understand that with this approach, there are no merits for Inter. It is our fault.”
Sarri also offered a frank explanation for the performance, making clear the players had not treated the fixture with sufficient respect.
“The approach today is the result of the fact that this match counts for nothing and Wednesday’s is fundamental,” he said. “It is a serious mistake to think that a match like today’s doesn’t matter, because a performance like this can create problems. Having a little fear of your opponents does you good, but being afraid can block you.”
Asked about Cristian Chivu‘s Inter, Sarri was generous in his assessment and identified shared footballing principles.
“They have phases of play at an excellent level, these are resonances,” he said. “They have a different formation, and it is right to play with two forwards given the characteristics of their attackers. They are a different team, but they have affinities with my idea of football.”
The fitness update ahead of the final was cautiously optimistic. Cancellieri is expected to have suffered only minor fatigue, Zaccagni underwent a scan on a painful foot contusion sustained in training and is hoped to be fit within four to five days, while Patric left the pitch with calf tightness that appears manageable.
Cataldi, who has been away receiving treatment, returns to training on Sunday. Rovella, who came on as a substitute, was not singled out for criticism despite the difficult circumstances he entered into.
Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance for Inter Miami against Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami needed a strong performance to move past the tough loss against Orlando City, and they got exactly that on Saturday in Canada during Matchday 12 of the Major League Soccer season. Lionel Messi scored one goal and provided two assists.
During the first half, the Herons struggled to show their best form, wasting several chances while goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made a number of key saves to keep the opposition off the scoreboard. In that context, a goal from Rodrigo De Paul allowed them to head into halftime with the lead.
From that point on, it was the Messi show. In the second half, he first assisted Luis Suarez after taking advantage of an opposing player being down on the field, and minutes later he also set up Sergio Reguilon — who had just come on moments earlier — for the 3-0 lead.
In the 75th minute, the Argentine forward finally got his chance to score when Rodrigo De Paul delivered a drilled cross from the right and found Leo inside the box. Messi had no trouble finishing clinically with his left foot to extend the lead to four goals.
Last week, Inter Miami held a 3-0 lead over Orlando City in the first half, but they took their foot off the gas and allowed their rivals to complete a comeback and earn a historic victory at Nu Stadium. And on Saturday, something similar happened in Canada.
After building a four-goal lead in the 75th minute, the Herons appeared to lower their intensity and allowed Toronto FC to get back into the match. Emilio Aristizabal first took advantage of a mistake by David Ayala to score, and minutes later he found the net again with a header.
In the final minutes of the match, the hosts pushed to get even closer on the scoreboard and even created a few chances to do so. However, the goal difference and the little time remaining proved impossible to overcome, preventing them from repeating Orlando City’s feat.
Messi reaches 100 MLS goal contributions
In addition to playing a key role in Inter Miami’s victory, the goal and two assists allowed Lionel Messi to reach another milestone by becoming the fastest player to record 100 goal contributions in Major League Soccer history.
The Argentine forward needed only 64 matches to register 59 goals and 41 assists in MLS regular-season play. That places him well ahead of the player who previously held the top spot on the list: Sebastian Giovinco needed 95 matches to reach those numbers with Toronto FC.
Cristiano Ronaldo enters the decisive Riyadh derby with enormous pressure already surrounding Al-Nassr’s title ambitions, while Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez has now become one of the most closely watched names in the buildup to the showdown.
The Saudi Pro League title race has suddenly taken another dramatic turn ahead of what many are calling the biggest club match in Saudi soccer history. Cristiano Ronaldo enters the decisive Riyadh derby with enormous pressure already surrounding Al-Nassr’s title ambitions, while Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez has now become one of the most closely watched names in the buildup to the showdown.
With only a handful of matches remaining, the entire championship picture could be reshaped in a single night at Al Awwal Park. The clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal carries massive weight for the league, for the stars involved, and for the growing global reputation of Saudi soccer.
The stakes could hardly be higher heading into Tuesday’s meeting between the top two sides in the table. Al-Nassr currently leads the Saudi Pro League with 82 points, while Al-Hilal sits five points behind with a game in hand, turning the derby into a virtual title decider.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s side regained momentum after defeating Al-Shabab 4-2, a match that saw the Portuguese superstar continue his extraordinary scoring run. The 41-year-old superstar also reached 100 Saudi Pro League goals during the victory, another landmark moment since his move away from Europe.
Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal clash on May 12
The importance of the match stretches beyond the title race itself. A league triumph for Al-Nassr would finally deliver Ronaldo his first major domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia and strengthen the legacy of his decision to join the league at a time when many questioned the project.
Theo Hernandez’s injury scare raises concern ahead of Al-Nassr clash
The buildup to the derby became even more intense after Theo Hernandez suffered an injury scare during Al-Hilal’s King’s Cup final victory over Al-Kholood this Friday. The French defender played a major role in the comeback win, scoring the decisive goal and producing one of his strongest displays since arriving from Milan.
Al-Hilal eventually secured a dramatic 2-1 victory after falling behind early in the match. Nasser Al-Dawsari equalized before Hernandez struck shortly before halftime, helping Simone Inzaghi secure his first trophy since taking charge of the club.
According to Sofascore’s post-match statistics, Hernandez completed 54 of 60 passes, registered a 90 percent passing accuracy, won five duels, and constantly threatened down the left flank. His influence once again highlighted why he has quickly become one of Al-Hilal’s key figures.
However, the celebrations quickly turned tense when the defender appeared to suffer a calf problem in the second half. The Frenchman was eventually substituted, immediately raising fears that he could miss the defining match of the Saudi season.
— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) May 8, 2026
The key update Al-Hilal fans wanted to hear
The anxiety surrounding Hernandez’s condition has now eased significantly following fresh reports from Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, the injury is currently considered minor, although the player will still undergo further medical examinations for reassurance.
That update could prove enormous for Al-Hilal heading into Tuesday’s derby. Theo Hernandez is now expected to be available for the direct title clash against Al-Nassr, a development that could dramatically influence Simone Inzaghi’s tactical plans.
Theo Hernandez of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring
Saudi physical therapy specialist Thamer Al-Shahrani had previously explained the situation in cautious terms. “Best case scenario: just a strain and he could be available for the match against Al-Nassr,” he said. He also warned about the alternative possibility. “Worst case scenario: a muscle tear, even if minor, which would rule him out of the Al-Nassr match.”
For now, the outlook appears positive for Simone Inzaghi’s side. The 28-year-old reportedly walked off without assistance after the injury, which immediately gave supporters hope that the issue was less severe than first feared.
Theo Hernandez (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (center), and Karim Benzema (right)
With the Spanish promotion race reaching its dramatic conclusion, the two longtime teammates now find themselves connected to rival projects chasing the same dream.
The bond between Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba defined an era of soccer brilliance, from unforgettable nights in Barcelona to silverware in Miami. Yet, with the Spanish promotion race reaching its dramatic conclusion, the two longtime teammates now find themselves connected to rival projects chasing the same dream.
For nearly two decades, Messi and Alba shared the same side of the pitch rather than opposite ambitions. Their chemistry became legendary during their years together at Camp Nou, where Alba’s overlapping runs and Messi’s vision terrorized defenses across Europe.
That partnership later continued at Inter Miami, where the duo helped guide the club to major success in MLS. Reports surrounding the pair highlighted how their understanding remained almost untouched by time, with Alba continuing to provide key assists for Messi well into his final season in 2025.
Now, however, soccer has delivered an unexpected twist. Instead of combining for trophies together like they once did, the two icons are indirectly competing in the tense race for promotion from Spain’s fifth tier.
Lionel Messi #10 and Jordi Alba #18 of Inter Miami CF warm up.
Messi’s new chapter as club owner
Messi’s involvement in Spanish soccer became clearer in April 2026 when it emerged that the Argentine had officially acquired Cornella. The Catalan side, known for developing local talent, suddenly became one of the most talked-about clubs outside Spain’s top divisions.
“UE Cornella announces that Argentinian footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi has formalized the acquisition of the club, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat institution,” the club announced in an official statement. The statement continued: “Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth.”
Leo Messi interacts with UE Cornella players and staff after taking over the club early this month 💚 pic.twitter.com/0kPHWYwBmG
Messi quickly embraced the project publicly, sending a message directly to the players and coaching staff. “I wanted to say hello and tell you that we are here, to grow and to help in whatever way is needed. We are very excited about this new project,” he said.
The Argentine legend has reportedly followed the team closely during the promotion push, even posting messages of support before crucial matches. His arrival immediately transformed the visibility of the Catalan side and intensified expectations around its future.
Jordi Alba’s emotional return home
While Messi began building a new soccer project through ownership, Alba returned to his roots with L’Hospitalet. The now-retired Spanish defender became a key investor and strategic advisor at the club from his hometown, alongside former teammate Thiago Alcantara.
Alba’s emotional connection to the project has been clear from the beginning. During the club’s presentation event, he reportedly spoke about his desire to help the local side grow and fight its way back toward higher divisions in Spanish soccer.
The project quickly gained attention because of the ambition behind it. Former players, local businessmen, and soccer figures united around the idea of restoring L’Hospitalet’s reputation within Catalonia’s soccer scene. That ambition has become very real during the current campaign.
The promotion race reaches boiling point
With four matches remaining in the season, the standings show just how dramatic the battle has become. Manresa currently leads the table with 63 points, while Cornella sits third on 59 points and L’Hospitalet occupies fourth place with 54 points.
The image of the standings highlights how tight the race remains, especially with playoff positions still vulnerable. Cornella has already secured a playoff place and remains mathematically capable of finishing second, while L’Hospitalet continues fighting to protect its postseason spot. The pressure intensified after L’Hospitalet suffered a damaging 3-2 defeat against Badalona.
UE Cornella and CE L’Hospitalet’s rivalry
That result left Alba’s club only one point above Vilanova in the standings. What makes the situation even more surreal is the geography involved. The two clubs are separated by barely a kilometer and a half, turning the promotion battle into a local rivalry carrying enormous significance.
Neither project is close to La Liga yet, but promotion represents the crucial first step toward a larger dream. In Spain’s soccer structure, climbing from the lower divisions requires patience, stability, and long-term planning.
Lionel Messi #10 and Jordi Alba #18 of Inter Miami CF.
Amid a turbulent week marked by the altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa shared his thoughts on the matter.
“I have to say two things,” the Real Madrid coach began during Saturday’s press conference. “First, I am very proud of the firmness, speed, and transparency with which the club acted. And second, the players have already expressed their regret. They acknowledged their mistake. They accepted the consequences of what they did and apologized to the fans, the club, the locker room… and to me. That is enough for me.”
After defending the personal and professional qualities of Valverde and Tchouameni, insisting that they “represent very well what Real Madrid are about,” Arbeloa added: “I’m not going to burn my players at the stake publicly, because they do not deserve that.”
The coach then took an unexpected turn in his remarks and pointed to what he considers the real issue. “The fact that things happening inside the locker room are being leaked seems like treason against Real Madrid to me,” he said firmly. “An absolute act of disloyalty toward this badge. And it makes me very sad.”
Tchouameni and Valverde.
Arbeloa recalls similar fights between teammates
During the same press conference, a reporter asked Alvaro Arbeloa whether he truly believed the conflict had not been that serious and had instead been exaggerated by the media. “Look… I had a teammate once who picked up a golf club and hit another teammate with it,” the coach responded.
“These are situations that should not happen between teammates, but they have always happened. Everywhere. And I’m not justifying it, not at all. But of course I’ve experienced even worse situations,” added Arbeloa, who played for Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna, Liverpool, and West Ham between 2002 and 2017.
Real Madrid prepare for El Clasico
Amid this backdrop of internal conflict and chaos, Real Madrid now face the final major challenge of the 2025-26 season. On Sunday, they will visit Barcelona at Camp Nou in a match they must win to prevent their rivals from clinching the La Liga title.
“Let’s not forget that tomorrow is Barcelona vs. Real Madrid,” Arbeloa said amid the nonstop questions regarding the conflict between Valverde and Tchouameni. “It is the match that draws the most attention in the world… I hope it will be a great match against a great opponent.”
Cagliari show ‘surprise and deep disappointment’ that their player was accused of racist abuse against Udinese’s Keinan Davis. ‘The alleged incident found no objective evidence or substantiation.’
This incident happened in the final minutes of Udinese’s 2-0 victory at the Unipol Domus, just minutes after Davis had tried to alert the referee to racist insults from the stands.
Cagliari statement on Udinese accusation
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“Cagliari Calcio has taken note, with surprise and deep disappointment, of the statement issued by Udinese Calcio following today’s match,” read the note.
“The Club reiterates in the strongest possible terms that its values, history and sporting culture leave no room for any form of discrimination, racism or violence, whether verbal or physical.
“Any conduct that is contrary to respect for the individual and to the principles of sport must always be condemned in the clearest possible manner.
“The matter concerning the events on the pitch was addressed and clarified after the match, with full regard for the facts, as the alleged incident found no objective evidence or substantiation.”
If found guilty of racist abuse towards an opposition player, then Dossena would risk a 10-match Serie A ban.
However, it remains to be seen if there is any video evidence, or corroborating witnesses who could confirm the allegation.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams with furious Keinan Davis at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“This racist coward called me a monkey today during the game. I hope the Serie A association will do something about this but we will see.”
Udinese player Keinan Davis accuses Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena of racist abuse
It is not the first time that Cagliari have been involved in a row over racism, as their fans had aimed unacceptable abuse at then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
Dusan Vlahovic has given Juventus a stunning early lead at Lecce, scoring after just 12 seconds to register the fastest goal in Juventus’s Serie A history since records began in 2004/05.
From the kick-off, the Bianconeri surged forward immediately, working the ball out to Andrea Cambiaso on the right. The full-back delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Vlahovic took a touch to wrong-foot Tiago Gabriel before firing a ferocious effort beneath the crossbar and past Falcone.
According to OptaPaolo on X, only Rafael Leão and Hirving Lozano have scored more quickly in Serie A over the past two decades, finding the net after six and nine seconds respectively.
Vlahovic’s effort also betters Arturo Vidal’s previous club record, set against Inter in November 2012. It was Cambiaso’s fifth assist of the season.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Dusan Vlahovic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Watch: Vlahovic gives Juventus early lead
Dušan Vlahović gives Juventus the lead inside 15 seconds
Cristian Chivu hailed Inter’s “fantastic group” after a commanding 3-0 win at Lazio and delivered a pointed response to questions about José Mourinho’s recent comments, insisting that comparisons between this Inter side and the treble-winning 2010 generation are impossible to make.
According to post-match interviews with DAZN, via FCInterNews, and in his press conference at the Stadio Olimpico, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Chivu was in bullish mood as his side continued their preparations for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Lazio in the best possible fashion.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 09: FC Internazionale head coach Cristian Chivu looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Chivu deflects Mourinho questions after Inter walk to victory over Lazio
On the performance, Chivu reserved special praise for the collective rather than individuals.
“It is the merit of everyone, not just Lautaro,” he said. “He puts in soul, professionalism and seriousness and gives everything he has. But it is also the merit of his teammates who follow him, especially in doing certain things. It is a fantastic group and team living something special. I am happy for them because they deserve it.”
When pressed repeatedly on Mourinho’s recent remarks, Chivu was measured but firm. “Ask him,” he said.
“I was fortunate enough to play in the other team. I am sure comparisons between two generations cannot be made, many things have changed in 16 years. But this Inter, like the 2010 side, brings joy to its fans, and that is the most important thing. Let’s talk about the Scudetto won this year and the Coppa Italia final, rather than numbers and polls.”
After a fourth question on the subject, he added: “What we write to each other stays between us.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates after during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu also spoke warmly about Petar Sucic’s display in a deeper midfield role.
“We knew Sucic could play in that position because of his personality, quality and composure on the ball,” he said.
“He has quality, in the national team he often plays in a two. Today he played a great game full of personality. We have a talented young player and we must appreciate him.”
On Josep Martinez, Chivu was equally effusive. “He was already ready before,” he said. “The goalkeepers are the soul of the group. We have never doubted his qualities or Sommer’s.”
Chivu also paid tribute to the late Evaristo Beccalossi after being asked about the absence of a minute’s silence for the Inter legend. “Losing someone dear to us who made the history of Inter fills us with regret,” he said. “We send our condolences to his family and to the entire Inter world. He was always close to us.”
On Hakan Calhanoglu’s fitness ahead of the final, Chivu offered only brief reassurance: “We will see in the coming days.”
Udinese striker Keinan Davis accused Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena of being a ‘racist coward who called me a monkey today’ during their Serie A game.
There was already tension in the final stages of the 2-0 Udinese victory at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia, with Davis reacting angrily and alerting the referee to something said from the stands.
Things got even more heated after the final whistle when Davis and Dossena had to be separated by teammates.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“I was far from the incident, but I asked my player, who told me he absolutely did not say any racist words. I believe the man, I believe Alberto, because I’ve known him for many years, and he could never do something like this.”
It remains to be seen if there was any video evidence or witnesses who can corroborate what Dossena said to Davis.
If he was found guilty of racist abuse, a player could face up to a 10-match Serie A ban.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams with furious Keinan Davis at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Racist insults from the Cagliari fans at the Unipol Domus is unfortunately nothing new, as there were already ugly incidents with abuse aimed at then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus cannot repeat the same mistakes against Lecce after a ‘superficial attitude’ saw them drop points. ‘We must learn to use pressure.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
This is a surprisingly big fixture, because while Lecce need points to stay clear of the relegation zone, the Bianconeri are in the thick of the race for a Champions League spot.
They had the opportunity last week to catch Milan in third, but instead were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by already-relegated Verona.
Spalletti wants right Juventus attitude
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“It’s true, we have some dominant performances, but then are too superficial in our attitude to finishing,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“There are windows in games, they last just a few moments, and being able to anticipate them and be ready is what takes you to the next level. Unfortunately, football is a low-scoring sport, so if you don’t watch the whole game, you often don’t get a full picture of the performance, if you only look at the score.
“At Juventus, we don’t learn to deal with pressure, we learn to use it, to be ready and funnel it.”
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Dusan Vlahovic returns to the starting XI for the first time since November 29, when he suffered that serious adductor tear, having come off the bench last week to score against Hellas.
Kenan Yildiz was expected to only be on the bench, but he starts too in what would seem to be a 4-2-3-1 formation, Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie also in support.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti, Juventus manager, reacts during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“We are a strong team who lack certain characteristics that can complete the work we’re doing in the build-up. I am very happy with the way we play, including the last game, where we did everything right until the finish, where we had to be more determined,” added Spalletti.
“At the same time, there was a lack of focus and a goal we should not have conceded. Tonight is a difficult game, as Lecce are a good team, so they are going to be prepared for us. We’ve got to get certain results too, as Juventus chose us, John Elkann is at Taormina with his colleagues and will be watching us on television.
“This is a team building foundations for the future, so we’ve got to have the right attitude now and get ourselves on the right track. You win matches when the gaps are small, when the stadium around you is vibrating with tension the way it is today, we can’t just win when we have everything laid out for us.”
The last time these sides met in Turin on January 3, the result was 1-1, so a victory is not to be taken for granted.
As it is Mother’s Day this weekend, the Lecce players are wearing special shirts with the names of their mothers on the back.
Champions of Italy Inter continue celebrating with a 3-0 victory away to Lazio, as Lautaro Martinez, Petar Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored, with Alessio Romagnoli sent off.
By a strange quirk of the fixture list, these teams will meet here again on Wednesday May 13 in the Coppa Italia Final. The Nerazzurri were fresh off their Scudetto triumph and could rotate the squad with Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Pio Esposito injured, but Lautaro Martinez returned from the start to get match fitness after a muscular issue. The hosts welcomed Matteo Cancellieri back from suspension, missing Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel and Samuel Gigot, but Nicolò Rovella had his first start since fracturing his clavicle on February 21.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 09: FC Internazionale head coach Cristian Chivu looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
It took just six minutes to break the deadlock, as after the Andy Diouf effort was charged down, Marcus Thuram flicked on a long throw-in for Lautaro Martinez to volley in with the right foot from seven yards.
Penalty appeals were rejected after a chaotic pinball off Lautaro Martinez, Thuram and Mario Gila’s arm, then Nicolò Barella’s free kick sailed over the crossbar.
Petar Sucic bent a lovely left-foot first-time finish from the D into the top corner after Lautaro Martinez combined repeatedly with Diouf, the captain laying it off for his teammate.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 09: Petar Sucic of FC Internazionale celebrates a second goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Edoardo Motta was alert off his line to deny Yann Bisseck after Lazio gave it away cheaply, while Pedro’s volley was smothered by Josep Martinez.
Alessio Romagnoli was booked for a very high studs-up tackle on Ange-Yoann Bonny, changed to a straight red card following the VAR review, as the connection was on the inside of the leg. It means the Lazio defender will be suspended for the Derby della Capitale, but the Coppa Italia is a different tournament.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 09: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio leaves the pitch after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Despite that, the hosts nearly scored moments later when Gustav Isaksen sprung the offside trap on a Luca Pellegrini cross and beat the on-rushing Martinez, denied by a desperate Carlos Augusto clearance. On the resulting corner, Isaksen fired wide from a very promising position.
Lazio did better when down to 10 men, as Isaksen forced a tricky save out of Josep Martinez, and Francesco Acerbi prevented a Boulaye Dia tap-in on the resulting corner.
Tijjani Noslin combined with Dia to break into the box, his finish deflected off Luis Henrique, but it was Inter who found the net for a third time instead.
Bonny held his ground and laid it off for Mkhitaryan, who sent Adam Marusic to ground with a dummy and smashed into the roof of the net.
Teenage youth academy product Mattia Mosconi was given his senior debut off the Nerazzurri bench and almost scored, firing just over the bar after surging into the box down the left.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Vlahovic came off the bench in that game to score his first goal since November 2025, and this evening makes another milestone with his first start since that serious adductor injury.
Kenan Yildiz also starts, with Khephren Thuram only fit for the bench, plus Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik long-term absentees.
Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie are therefore in support, with Teun Koopmeiners stepping into the midfield.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: Kenan Yildiz (L) of Juventus celebrates with Francisco Conceicao (R) after scoring the his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Lecce took a significant few steps out of the drop zone thanks to a three-match unbeaten run, drawing with Fiorentina and Verona before the 2-1 victory away to Pisa.
They have a four-point cushion from Cremonese and relegation with three rounds left to play, so every point could be precious.
Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar and Sadik Fofana are out of action, but Walid Cheddira is confirmed as the centre-forward with Lameck Banda in support.
It is the same starting XI that beat Pisa last week, including Tiago Gabriel in defence.
Aston Villa will not exercise their option to purchase Douglas Luiz this summer, leaving Juventus with a significant transfer headache over a player who has now been rejected by two clubs in the same season and has barely featured since March.
According to CalcioMercato, Villa signed the Brazilian on a loan deal with a purchase option only, meaning they are under no obligation to make the move permanent.
Unai Emery’s side used Douglas Luiz almost exclusively as emergency cover during periods of injury or suspension, and his last start came on March 19 in the Europa League against Lille, nearly two months ago.
With Villa having reached yet another European final, the Brazilian finds himself surplus to requirements at every club he has visited.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Douglas Luiz of Villa in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on February 21, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Douglas Luiz becomes costly Juventus transfer headache
The situation bears uncomfortable similarities to the Arthur Melo saga that plagued Juventus for years, a highly-paid midfielder, contracted until 2029, who has proven impossible to move on permanently and continues to drain resources without contributing on the pitch.
Juventus signed Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 for €50 million plus €1.5 million in additional costs. What followed was a near-total failure. He managed just six starts in his only season in Turin, accumulating 877 minutes without a single goal or assist.
Shipped to Nottingham Forest last summer on a conditional loan, where 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes would have triggered an obligation to buy, he fell short of even that threshold, making just 14 appearances. The move to Villa in January was a last roll of the dice, and it has not worked either.
Still with years remaining on his contract, and no suitors willing to commit to a permanent deal, Juventus face the prospect of either absorbing him back into the squad or accepting a significant financial loss to move him on in the summer.
Udinese have released a statement condemning ‘shameful racist insults’ towards Keinan Davis ‘from a player’ in the Serie A game against Cagliari, while Nicolò Zaniolo also lashed out.
There was tension in the final stages of this afternoon’s match at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia.
The formal statement from the club seems to clarify some of the confusion around what happened over the two incidents.
Udinese accuse Cagliari player of racist abuse
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“Udinese Calcio expresses utmost solidarity and full support for Keinan Davis, who was subjected to shameful racist insults by a player of the opposition team in today’s match,” read the club note.
“The Club reaffirms its strong condemnation for similar deplorable acts that gravely damage the image and values of the sport that we love.
“Udinese Calcio will defend Keinan in every way and hope for a rapid definition of what happened from the sporting justice system, in which we have full faith.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Although they do not name the player, all indications point towards Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena.
“The colleague (if you can call him that) who today dared to insult my children and insult my teammate purely for the colour of his skin, ought to be ashamed of himself and never again set foot on a football pitch,” he wrote on Instagram Stories.
Manchester City got very lucky in today’s 3-0 Premier League win over Brentford as it looked like the visitors were denied a clear penalty when the score was still 1-0.
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Take a look at the video clip below as somehow nothing was given as Matheus Nunes brought Kevin Schade down without really getting anywhere near the ball…
Needless to say, this one moment could have completely changed the game, and the destination of this season’s Premier League title.
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If Brentford had drawn level and it stayed that way, then Man City’s title hopes would be all but over, but they’re now just two points behind Arsenal.
The Gunners can extend their lead at the top again tomorrow if they beat West Ham, and they arguably still have easier-looking fixtures than City remaining.
Title race between Arsenal and Man City going down to the wire
It looks like this title race is going down to the wire, with just two points separating these sides, meaning we may have to wait until the final day to learn who’s going to finish as champions.
Arsenal have West Ham away, Burnley at home, and Crystal Palace away to come, with tomorrow’s trip to the London Stadium looking like the trickiest of their final few fixtures.
City, meanwhile, have Palace at home, Bournemouth away, and Aston Villa at home.
Pep Guardiola’s side had been six points behind at one point, but recently closed the gap by beating Arsenal 2-1 when the two sides met a few weeks ago.
However, they lost momentum again with a 3-3 draw away to Everton before getting back on track today.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will surely head to West Ham tomorrow full of confidence after beating Atletico Madrid in midweek to make it into the Champions League final.
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant says he’s had enough and Arne Slot should not be the Reds’ manager next season.
Posting on X, the pundit, who made 81 appearances for Liverpool between 2006 and 2009, made it clear he’s lost faith in Slot to turn this around.
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See below as Pennant slammed the situation at Liverpool, insisting that injuries can no longer be used as an excuse after today’s poor showing in a 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea…
Enough of the excuses now, yes injuries don’t help but every team has injuries, but this is enough now, Slot can not be the manager next season, cos this style of football is not Liverpool. Don’t tell me he won the league last season, he’s got to go end of. #LIVCHE
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“Enough of the excuses now, yes injuries don’t help but every team has injuries, but this is enough now, Slot can not be the manager next season, cos this style of football is not Liverpool,” Pennant posted.
“Don’t tell me he won the league last season, he’s got to go end of.”
Can Arne Slot bounce back or is it time for Liverpool to change manager?
It’s pretty remarkable to see such hostility towards Slot just a year after he guided Liverpool to the Premier League title, but the team has suffered a major dip in form this term.
The Merseyside giants are now down in fourth place, having barely challenged for the title, with a dire record of 11 league defeats and 48 goals conceded.
The mood inside Anfield today was pretty dire, with the home fans booing the result and seemingly singling out Slot as well when he made the surprise choice to sub off Rio Ngumoha.
Liverpool are reportedly really keen on a potential transfer move for RB Leipzig midfield wonderkid Assan Ouedraogo this summer.
The 19-year-old looks like a top talent and is already an imposing figure in midfield due to his 6ft 3in frame, possessing the physical and technical qualities to be a perfect signing for a bigger club.
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They report that Ouedraogo could move for around €40m, while this also comes as Liverpool have long been eyeing his Leipzig teammate Yan Diomande, as per Christian Falk and others.
Liverpool to sign Assan Ouedraogo and make changes in midfield?
LFC fans will not be at all happy with how this season has gone, and one imagines everyone inside Anfield will be aware of the need to make some changes in this summer’s transfer window.
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One imagines Liverpool won’t want to be letting a key player like Gravenberch go, but Fichajes have claimed that Real Madrid are prepared to pay €120m for the Netherlands international.
Neymar’s inclusion has revived hopes that one of the nation’s greatest players could appear at another World Cup, although questions still remain about whether the Santos attacker will survive the final selection process.
The road back to the biggest stage in soccer suddenly feels real again for Neymar. After months of uncertainty surrounding injuries, fitness concerns, and debate across Brazil, the forward has now been included in Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar’s inclusion has revived hopes that one of the nation’s greatest players could appear at another World Cup, although questions still remain about whether the Santos attacker will survive the final selection process.
Only a few months ago, Neymar’s World Cup future looked uncertain. The Brazilian star had spent a long period recovering from the serious ACL injury suffered against Uruguay in October 2023, and many believed his international career might quietly fade away before the tournament.
Now, the atmosphere around the Selecao has shifted dramatically. According to Globo Esporte, Carlo Ancelotti has included Neymar in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man list, keeping alive the possibility of a fourth World Cup appearance for the country’s all-time leading scorer.
Since returning to Santos, Neymar has shown flashes of the player the national team has desperately missed. In 12 appearances this season, he has scored five goals and added three assists while steadily rebuilding his fitness. The forward was previously left out of Brazil’s selections due to fitness concerns, with Ancelotti insisting only fully fit players would be considered.
Neymar Jr. of Brazil.
The Brazil manager has been consistent in his stance, previously stating, “I’ve said this several times — I’ll call up the players who are physically ready.” The preliminary list, therefore, acts more as an open door than a final guarantee, especially for players still proving match sharpness.
Return to Santos and signs of revival
Since returning to Santos, Neymar has shown encouraging signs of recovery after a serious knee injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. In his recent run of games, he has contributed five goals and three assists in 12 appearances, gradually rebuilding his rhythm and confidence.
The Piexe has benefited directly from his influence, with improved performances across domestic and continental competitions. Coach Cuca noted, “Neymar is improving with every game. His movement on the ball is much better.” Despite this, questions remain about whether Brazilian domestic action provides enough intensity to match World Cup demands.
Neymar isn’t the same he used to be after many injuries
Some names that may be on the preliminary list (55 players) that the Brazilian national team will send to FIFA on Monday, May 11:
Goalkeepers:
Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras)
Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
John (Nottingham Forest)
Dedenders:
Kaiki Bruno (Cruzeiro)
Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro)
Beraldo (PSG)
Vitinho (Botafogo)
Midfielders:
Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
Forwards:
Neymar (Santos)
Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
Richarlison (Tottenham)
Pedro (Flamengo)
Neymar Jr. of Brazil celebrates scoring his side’s first goal with his teammate Lucas Paqueta .
When will the final 26-man squad be announced?
This is where the situation becomes decisive. The preliminary 55-man squad will soon be trimmed down, and the final 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup will be announced on May 18, 2026, according to reports surrounding Brazil’s planning timeline.
That final selection will determine whether Neymar travels to what could be his last World Cup. The preliminary list only ensures he remains under consideration, not that he is guaranteed a place. Every player included still faces evaluation based on fitness, form, and tactical suitability.
Neymar Jr while playing with Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti.
While Gianni Infantino remains focused on presenting the competition as a global celebration, Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) has officially confirmed that the national team will participate in the tournament only under a series of specific conditions.
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to accelerate, but a fresh layer of tension has now emerged around one of the tournament’s qualified nations. While Gianni Infantino remains focused on presenting the competition as a global celebration, Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) has officially confirmed that the national team will participate in the tournament only under a series of specific conditions.
After weeks of speculation surrounding the country’s status, Iran‘s national soccer team has now made its position clear. The federation announced that the team will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
The statement from the Iranian federation carried a firm tone while emphasizing that soccer remains the priority. “We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account,” the federation declared.
Iran also insisted that its participation would happen while maintaining its identity throughout the tournament. “We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions,” the statement added.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh of Iran celebrates during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers
FIFA wants the spotlight on soccer
The situation has arrived at an important moment for FIFA. The 2026 edition is expected to become the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 national teams for the first time and spreading matches across three countries.
Infantino has repeatedly spoken about the World Cup as a competition designed to unite fans around the globe. During FIFA meetings in recent weeks, the FIFA president reaffirmed that Iran would play its matches in the United States as originally planned.
The tournament itself remains one of the most anticipated sporting events in recent memory. Stadium preparations are already underway, ticket demand continues to rise, and several national teams have begun finalizing training camps and travel plans.
The seven conditions behind Iran’s participation
While Iran confirmed its attendance, the federation also revealed that it had submitted a series of demands tied to the team’s experience during the tournament. The conditions focus heavily on visas, security, media handling, and respect for national symbols throughout the competition.
Iranian soccer chief Mehdi Taj explained that players and staff must receive visas without complications. The federation also requested guarantees regarding treatment at airports, hotels, and stadiums. Another major point involved the protection of the national anthem and official flag during matches.
Saman Ghoddos of Iran.
Iran additionally asked that press conference questions remain focused strictly on soccer matters during the tournament. “All players and technical staff… should be granted visas without any problems,” Taj said during an interview with state television. The federation also requested stronger security arrangements for both players and supporters while traveling between venues.
On the field, Iran’s World Cup journey already promises to attract major interest. The national team has been placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The Princes of Persia are scheduled to open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The team is also expected to base itself in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament.
Gianni Infantino (left) and Alireza Jahanbakhsh (right)
Cremonese manager Marco Giampaolo has confirmed that Jamie Vardy will start Saturday’s home clash with Pisa, a match he described as a last chance to keep the club’s Serie A survival hopes alive with three games remaining.
According to his pre-match press conference, via CalcioMercato, Giampaolo was unflinching about what is at stake. “There is no other way, we have to win,” he said. “These matches are worth more than three points in the table. That something extra is character, self-respect, resilience, ferocity, the ability to fight back against the table. I told the squad they are aware there is only one option.”
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Coach Marco Giampaolo of US Cremonese reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Torino FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 19, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Giampaolo calls for character as Cremonese face relegation crunch
The Cremonese head coach was equally direct when addressing the squad’s mentality after defeat to Lazio, calling on his players to dig deep regardless of the opposition’s circumstances. Pisa arrive at the Stadio Giovanni Zini already relegated, but Giampaolo was quick to dismiss any suggestion that would make things easier.
“Nobody gives anything to anyone,” he said. “Pisa will play their match as is right. We need to look for something deeper, the feelings we have, even within the team relationship. I have nothing to reproach from the defeat against Lazio. I am not criticising the squad, I am calling them for this appointment.”
On the broader question of motivation, a topic raised by supporters who have expressed frustration, Giampaolo pushed back firmly.
“An unmotivated player is one who gives nothing emotionally, to whom winning or losing does not matter,” he said. “I do not think we have players like that here. Tomorrow there is a roll call and we are called to respond in our attitudes and our ability to be resilient. The discussion goes beyond three points.”
Giampaolo also acknowledged the weight of the occasion while remaining measured.
He confirmed that Collocolo and Thorsby are among the squad and will be available, and played down questions about tactical shape, noting that his side have shown considerable fluidity in recent weeks, defending with a back three while attacking in different structures.
“The formation is the small part of a match that contains billions of other things,” he said. “With a 5-3-2 you can win and you can lose. The module itself is worth nothing.”
Milan ultras are planning a big protest ahead of tomorrow’s match against Atalanta, with reports Giorgio Furlani could push out both Max Allegri and Igli Tare.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The Rossoneri are battling to secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification, which had seemed to be within their grasp until a recent slump in form.
ITALY – MARCH 08: The AC Milan fans show their support during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
That has prompted frustration among the ultras, who are ready to make their voices heard tomorrow with a protest in the stands.
It comes after thousands of signatures were put on a petition urging the club to sack CEO Furlani, but his tendency to crank out profits from player sales is instead likely to see him backed by owner Gerry Cardinale.
Furlani consolidating Milan power
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 14: Giorgio Furlani CEO of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 14, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The accusations towards Furlani go from his extreme interference on the transfer market, decisions that clashed with Tare’s strategy, a lack of strong communication, focus on financial sustainability effectively wiping out sporting ambition, through to dismantling the organised fanbase.”
The ultras are protesting an increase in ticket prices and complicated red tape over new security protocols.
If the Milan fans are hoping Cardinale will turn on Furlani, then the media report the CEO will instead consolidate his grip on the club’s decision-making process.
Jesper Karlstrom claims Keinan Davis ‘heard a racist insult’ during Udinese’s win at Cagliari, but coach Fabio Pisacane assures ‘Alberto Dossena told me he didn’t say anything racist and I believe him.’
There were a few different incidents that prompted a fiery finale to the match this afternoon, which was won 2-0 by Udinese at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia.
Towards the end of the game, Davis was furious at something he heard from the stands, trying to get his point across to referee Federico Dionisi by grabbing his arm.
Initially, the referee didn’t understand what had happened and booked Davis for grabbing him, but revoked it after Oumar Solet and others managed to translate to explain the situation.
Ugly scenes in Cagliari 0-2 Udinese
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: reactions on the pitch between the two teams at the end of the match during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
The tension escalated again after the final whistle when Davis and Cagliari defender Dossena almost came to blows, having to be separated by teammates.
It is not entirely clear whether he meant that the insults were from the crowd, from Dossena, or both.
Cagliari coach Pisacane also spoke with DAZN Italia and was adamant his player was not involved.
“I was far from the incident, but I asked my player, who told me he absolutely did not say any racist words. I believe the man, I believe Alberto, because I’ve known him for many years, and he could never do something like this.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: Adam Buksa of Udinese celebrates his goal 0-1 with the team-mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Racist abuse from the Cagliari fans is, however, far from a new situation, as there were already extremely ugly incidents where then-Juventus striker Moise Kean and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori received racist abuse from the stands.
According to Fichajes, Gravenberch is now emerging as a top target for Real Madrid as they look to make changes in midfield this summer.
The Spanish outlet claim that Los Blancos could try paying as much as €120m for Gravenberch, and this follows another Fichajes report about managerial target Jose Mourinho looking for signings in that position.
Can Liverpool afford to lose Ryan Gravenberch?
Gravenberch is surely too important for LFC to sell for even huge money like €120m, with Arne Slot having previously described him as a “special talent” that he’s liked for a long time.
“I saw him playing at Ajax when he came up into the first team and everybody saw back then what a special talent he was,” Slot told Liverpool’s official site last season.
“And probably for that reason he went to two amazing clubs, Bayern Munich and Liverpool – and you can only go to these clubs if they see you have a lot of quality.
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“Then it is up to us to make sure we get the best out of him and that is not only down to what as a training staff we do – also he is the most important for that.”
Gravenberch makes sense as a Madrid target given all the issues at the moment with Aurelien Tchouameni.
The former Bayern Munich man could be an ideal replacement for the unsettled Frenchman, who has apologised on Instagram for fighting with teammate Federico Valverde.
This whole incident has led to doubts over Tchouameni and Valverde’s futures this summer, according to AS.
There have been a range of claims on Iraola’s future since our previous exclusive that the Bournemouth manager is the top target for both Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.
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One source in Spain notably said Iraola is already set to join Palace, while another said the 43-year-old is tempted to accept their offer, even if he hasn’t done so just yet.
For what it’s worth, and this may have already been reported elsewhere, but below is a summary of what I’m hearing…
Andoni Iraola is indeed a top target for Crystal Palace, but sources close to the Spanish tactician insist that he’s not close to a decision, which is more likely to come after the end of the season.
However, there are well-connected figures telling me that Iraola was favouring the Manchester United job, which is now expected to go to Michael Carrick on a permanent basis.
Iraola was open to speaking with Chelsea, but he had concerns about the project, as have numerous other managers approached by the Blues, including Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea sources insist they haven’t identified a favoured candidate yet, and have sounded out multiple options, with talks ongoing and no hurry to come to a final decision yet.
Could Andoni Iraola now take the Crystal Palace job?
Iraola certainly could be heading towards taking the Palace job, but for now I’m not convinced it’s as advanced as some have suggested. I could be wrong, of course, and there’s certainly the sense that the Man Utd and Chelsea jobs look increasingly unlikely for him as things stand.
However, a lot can change very quickly, and if, for instance, United get cold feet about hiring Carrick permanently, I sense that Iraola would be high up on their list and also willing to speak with the Red Devils.
Ryan Gravenberch has hit back at Liverpool fans for booing the team today, saying he felt the players didn’t deserve it.
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The Netherlands international was clearly not too pleased when he spoke after the game, saying that Liverpool’s players will generally perform better with the crowd behind them.
Watch below as Gravenberch gave his thoughts on the negative atmosphere inside Anfield today in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea…
"He's fantastic, I hope he can keep going like this"
Ryan Gravenberch reflects on his goal, Liverpool's draw with Chelsea and the talent of Rio Ngumoha ?
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 9, 2026
Ryan Gravenberch says Liverpool don’t “deserve” boos
“To be honest, we need them behind us … okay, we don’t win, but I think we don’t really deserve this, you know.
“I think fans have to be behind us like 90 minutes, because I think when it was the second half when they went behind us, we pressed them really, so we need that.
“Hopefully in the next few games they won’t do this anymore.”
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Liverpool only have two Premier League games remaining now, in what has been a hugely disappointing season for the club.
It remains to be seen what the Reds can come up with in their final fixtures to improve the mood of the fans, who are clearly not enjoying Arne Slot’s brand of football right now.
Can Arne Slot win back Liverpool fans?
Slot majorly over-achieved in his first season in charge of LFC, winning the Premier League title as both Manchester City and Arsenal suffered slightly disappointing campaigns.
In many ways, what we’re seeing now is the kind of struggle that many would have expected from Slot after taking on the difficult job of replacing the legendary Jurgen Klopp.
The Rodri injury reportedly seems worse than Manchester City initially expected, in what could be a decisive swing towards Arsenal in this season’s Premier League title race.
The Spain international is a crucial player for Man City, but is unavailable again today as Pep Guardiola’s side take on Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.
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City’s record without Rodri is poor, so this could mean it’s going to be hard for Guardiola’s side to keep up with the current league leaders, especially as they have the slightly harder fixtures remaining in the title run-in.
See below as Sam Lee says the Rodri injury is more serious than it seemed at first, and it’s not entirely clear when the 29-year-old will be back…
The initial scans on Rodri after the Arsenal game didn’t pick up too much of concern but the groin injury proved to be a bit more serious than it seemed. He’s back in training so should be playing again this season but it was hoped he would be back already
Rodri was injured for large chunks of last season and it really hurt City as they ended up finishing third in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
Needless to say, Guardiola needs the midfielder back as soon as possible if his side are to stand a chance of winning all their remaining games, which is likely what they’ll need to do now if they are to have any chance of beating Arsenal to the title.
Rodri played only eight games in all competitions last season, and his return this term has been a big boost for MCFC, with the former Atletico Madrid man managing 31 appearances in total.
City should still be favourites to beat Brentford this evening, but it’s not the easiest game and we saw how vulnerable this team can be in the recent 3-3 draw with Everton.
A viral online movement has suddenly dominated the conversation in Spain, raising fresh questions about the future of the French superstar amid a difficult campaign filled with frustration, dressing-room drama, and growing supporter unrest.
The atmosphere around Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid has become increasingly tense ahead of one of the club’s biggest matches of the season. A viral online movement has suddenly dominated the conversation in Spain, raising fresh questions about the future of the French superstar amid a difficult campaign filled with frustration, dressing-room drama, and growing supporter unrest.
Despite Mbappe continuing to deliver extraordinary numbers in front of goal, the mood around the club has shifted dramatically in recent weeks. Real Madrid’s struggles in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa del Rey have pushed many supporters toward anger, and the noise surrounding the team has only intensified before El Clasico against Barcelona.
The controversy began after an online petition titled “Mbappe Out” spread rapidly across social media platforms. According to multiple reports, the petition gathered more than 50 million signatures within days, far surpassing its original target of 200,000 signatures. The message attached to the campaign read: “Madridistas, make your voice heard. If you believe change is needed, don’t stay silent — sign this petition and stand for what you think is best for the club’s future.”
Photos circulating online showed the Frenchman spending time in Italy while recovering from a hamstring injury. Although reports stated that the trip had been approved internally by Real Madrid’s medical staff, many fans questioned the timing, especially with El Clasico approaching and the club’s season hanging by a thread.
𝟱𝟬 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 people have now signed a petition for Real Madrid to sell Kylian Mbappé 🤯 ✍️
Madrid have been winning almost every game without him…but with him in the team recently, they’ve managed just one win in six 📉
The situation quickly transformed into a social media storm. Supporters flooded comment sections, reposted images connected to the petition, and openly debated whether the 27-year-old star had become a symbol of the club’s recent decline despite his remarkable individual statistics.
Mbappe’s numbers tell a very different story
The backlash has surprised many observers because Mbappe remains Real Madrid’s most productive attacking player. As per statistical dataconfirmed by Transfermarkt and Sofascore, the France captain has scored 85 goals in 100 appearances since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain.
This season alone, the forward has reportedly produced 41 goals in 41 appearances, numbers that would normally place him beyond criticism. Even with the controversy surrounding him, Mbappe continues to lead conversations about the world’s elite players because of his consistency in front of goal.
Alvaro Arbeloa attempted to calm the growing storm during a recent press conference. The Real Madrid coach defended his player and insisted that the club remained in control of the recovery process. “All planning with injured players is supervised by the medical staff,” the manager explained, before adding, “In his free time, Mbappe can do whatever he considers appropriate, like any other player.”
Can the petition actually change Real Madrid’s stance?
As the petition gained attention worldwide, many supporters began asking whether such a movement could genuinely influence Real Madrid’s decision-makers. The short answer appears to be no. According toFabrizio Romano, Real Madrid has no plans to sell Mbappe, and the player remains under contract until 2029.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the warm up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Multiple reports described the petition as largely symbolic rather than something capable of forcing institutional change at the Santiago Bernabeu. The issue becomes even more complicated because the petition itself has faced serious questions regarding authenticity. Several cybersecurity experts and online investigators claimed that the signature count may have been artificially inflated through bots and automated systems.
A community note onX (formerly Twitter) reveals that users were able to vote repeatedly without email verification or identity confirmation. Cybersecurity specialist Clement Domingo reportedly tested the platform himself and concluded that manipulation was extremely easy. “I can vote 100 times in less than a second,” Domingo claimed while discussing the flaws in the petition’s system.
🚨FACT: The petition to get Kylian Mbappe OUT of Real Madrid has been signed more than any human right's petition in recorded history.
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) May 7, 2026
Other analysts suggested that the constantly increasing signature counter appeared suspicious, leading many observers to question whether the reported totals reflected genuine supporter opinion or simply online chaos amplified by social media algorithms.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16.
After a dismal campaign, Jose Mourinho and Didier Deschamps have emerged as significant possibilities to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid manager, putting Kylian Mbappe in the middle of yet another big shift.
After a dismal campaign, Jose Mourinho and Didier Deschamps have emerged as significant possibilities to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid manager, putting Kylian Mbappein the middle of yet another big shift. The uncertainty surrounding Arbeloa’s future has intensified in recent days, and inside the club, discussions about leadership, dressing-room control, and restoring authority are becoming impossible to ignore.
The situation has spiraled quickly for Real Madrid after a season marked by poor results, internal tension, and public controversies. Various reports from Spain suggest that the club no longer believes Arbeloa can recover control of the squad, especially after multiple dressing-room disputes and the recent altercation involving Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Thus, Arbeloa is now expected to leave at the end of the season after failing to guide the club back to major silverware. It is said that several players have stopped communicating with the coach, while senior figures inside the club are already preparing for a managerial transition this summer.
Mourinho emerges as Florentino Perez’s preferred choice
Jose Mourinho has rapidly become the leading candidate to return to the Santiago Bernabeu more than a decade after his first spell with the club. The Portuguese coach, currently in charge of Benfica, reportedly remains highly admired by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. According to reports from Diario AS and Matteo Moretto, “significant progress” has already been made in talks regarding Mourinho’s return.
José Mourinho, head coach of Benfica.
The club reportedly views him as the strongest personality capable of restoring order inside a fractured dressing room. Mourinho is said to be open to the move, while Benfica is already preparing contingency plans in case he departs. His current contract reportedly contains a release clause worth around $3.5 million, a fee Los Blancos would have little difficulty paying.
The growing chaos behind the scenes has only strengthened Mourinho’s case. Reports from Spain describe the atmosphere inside the dressing room as deeply divided, with players split into rival groups and tensions continuing to rise after several public disagreements.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid speaks to Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica.
The reason behind Didier Deschamps’ rise
While Mourinho remains the clear favorite, another name has quietly climbed the shortlist: Didier Deschamps. Initially viewed as an outsider, the France manager is now considered one of the club’s most respected alternatives.
Real Madrid highly values Deschamps for his experience managing a dressing room full of superstar personalities with the France national team. Club officials reportedly believe that skill could become essential with so many strong characters currently inside the squad, including Mbappe himself.
France coach Didier Deschamps and Kylian Mbappe.
Reports from El Mundo’s Abraham Romero state that Deschamps is viewed internally as “Plan B” behind Mourinho. The French coach’s ability to maintain balance inside the France setup has reportedly impressed decision-makers at the Bernabeu.
That detail could represent a huge boost for Mbappe. The forward has spent years working under Deschamps with the France national team, winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup together and reaching another final in 2022. Inside Real Madrid, there appears to be a growing belief that familiarity and trust could help stabilize the situation around Mbappe during a turbulent period for the club.
Jose Mourinho (left) and Kylian Mbappe, Didier Deschamps (right)
Inter Miami are visiting Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi.
The 4-3 loss to Orlando City last week was a major blow for Inter Miami. They now need to recover both mentally and on the field, which gives Saturday’s Major League Soccer clash against Toronto FC enormous importance. In that context, Lionel Messi will start and lead his team in search of a victory.
The Herons are currently a bit behind in the Eastern Conference standings. Although they sit in third place with 19 points, four behind leaders Nashville SC, they have played one more match than each of their closest rivals in the table, meaning their position could potentially worsen in the near future.
That is why Saturday’s match in Canada is so important. Inter Miami will face a lower-quality opponent, which represents a good opportunity to bounce back and get back on track with a victory. However, Toronto FC will not make things easy for Messi and his teammates: they will try to end their five-match winless streak and pull off an upset against the reigning MLS champions.
Confirmed Inter Miami lineup
Head coach Guillermo Hoyos will welcome back several players for the match in Canada. Sergio Reguilon is available after spending several weeks sidelined with physical issues, and the same goes for David Ayala. On the other hand, Ian Fray will not be available, meaning Facundo Mura will be the right-back.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos.
Inter Miami’s projected lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi; Luis Suarez, German Berterame.
Confirmed Toronto FC lineup
The Reds did not have a bad start to the MLS season, but their level has declined as the campaign has progressed, to the point that their last victory came more than a month ago. Now, coach Robin Fraser faces the challenge of ending that negative streak against Messi and company.
Toronto FC’s confirmed lineup is: Luka Gavran; Kobe Franklin, Zane Monlouis, Walker Zimmerman, Raheem Edwards; Alonso Coello, Jonathan Osorio, Malik Henry, Markus Cimermancic, Daniel Salloi, Deandre Kerr.
Inter had a very strange build-up to their game against Lazio, first the entire team visited Pope Leo XIV and presented a special jersey, then their ultras joined Lazio counterparts in protest.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
Curiously, these two teams will face off again in the same venue on Wednesday May 13 for the Coppa Italia Final, so this is a sort of warm-up for that massive fixture.
As they will be in the Eternal City for a few days, Inter took the opportunity to visit Pope Leo in the Vatican, a tradition now for the clubs who have won the Serie A title.
Coach Cristian Chivu, President Beppe Marotta and the entire squad were present this morning, with Pope Leo given a special edition Inter jersey that had his name on the back.
Pope Leo’s message to Inter
Inter meet with Pope Leo XIV (@inter)
“This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for you all, and I am delighted to share in it,” was Pope Leo’s message.
“It is a goal achieved through hard work, teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which you have managed to maintain both in the exhilarating moments – such as the last match, which you have already celebrated! – and also the difficult ones, without becoming discouraged or giving up.
“For this reason, whilst I congratulate you, I invite you to reflect on the experience you have had, so that, in this moment of success, you may become bearers of a message that is particularly useful for the growth of young people. Many of them, at this time, look to you as their ‘heroes,’ as role models to emulate, and this entrusts you with a responsibility that goes beyond performance and calls upon you, as sportsmen, to be witnesses to values.
“I would like to emphasize this, because young people today truly need role models, and what you do has an impact, which can be positive or negative, on the life of the young. And so, I would really like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear.
“Some 35 years ago, Saint John Paul II spoke of this during a meeting held precisely with some representatives of your club. After recalling its significant role in the history of Italian football, he added, addressing the players and managers: ‘Ensure that many may recognize in you and in your conduct authenticity and integrity that stand the test of time’.
“These are words that I too would like to repeat to you, whilst reiterating my congratulations. I cordially bless you and your families, and wish you all the best.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: The FC Internazionale fans show their support during the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lazio fans have been boycotting the home games for several months in protest at President Claudio Lotito and the way he runs the club.
Seeing as the two sets of ultras have been twinned for many years, they decided to unite together in boycotting today’s match.
Niente stadio Olimpico per i tifosi di Lazio e Inter
Le immagini dell’incontro tra le due curve: cori dei biancocelesti per i nerazzurri, cori dei nerazzurri per i biancocelesti. Ma anche cori congiunti contro il Milan e Lotito
Maurizio Sarri explains his Lazio decisions against Inter today, trying to ‘pretend the next two games don’t exist’ even if they are the Coppa Italia Final and Rome Derby.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 14: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the SS Lazio training session at the Formello sport Centre on January 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
These teams will meet again in the same venue on Wednesday May 13 for the Coppa Italia Final, which could either send the Aquile into the Europa League, or seal the Double for the Nerazzurri after their Scudetto success.
With the two sets of ultras twinned, Inter fans have joined their Lazio counterparts in boycotting this game in the on-going protest against President Claudio Lotito, but will all be present on Wednesday.
Sarri outlines Lazio decisions
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Lazio, reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
It isn’t just the Coppa Italia Final coming up for Lazio, but also the Derby della Capitale against bitter rivals Roma.
“I tried to pretend the next two games don’t exist, because if you don’t attack the game from the start, you’ll be on the back foot, and then put in a bad performance,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
“We’ve got to give it our all today with the right attitude, then from tonight we can start thinking about the next.”
While Inter can afford to rotate their squad after securing the Serie A title, Lazio continue to struggle with injuries to Mattia Zaccagni, Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel and Samuel Gigot.
At least Nicolò Rovella returns for his first start since fracturing his clavicle on February 21, while Pedro is chosen in attack.
“Rovella is improving, he needs minutes on the field. Zaccagni had a bruise to his foot yesterday in training and Pedro is in good shape, so it was the best decision. We have positive impressions on Zaccagni, it’s a bruise but nothing more, so he should be ready for Wednesday,” explained Sarri.
Cristian Chivu explains why Inter must focus on today’s game with Lazio before the Coppa Italia Final, noting Lautaro Martinez ‘needs’ Marcus Thuram by his side.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
The Nerazzurri clinched the Scudetto last week with three rounds to spare and are now gearing up for the potential Double, as they will face Lazio again in this stadium on Wednesday night for the Coppa Italia Final.
It could be the club’s first Double since Jose Mourinho won it as part of a Treble in 2010.
Chivu keeps Inter focused
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This is a Serie A match, the Coppa Italia is a different tournament, so we need to honour this competition, continue sticking to our principles throughout the season and keep focus, because this is a real match,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.
“Even if we are already the Champions of Italy, we still need to honour the competition all the way.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates with Hakan Calhanoglu after during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
With the Coppa Italia Final coming up, Inter can afford to rotate their squad, bringing in the likes of Davide Frattesi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for rare starts.
Lautaro Martinez returns to the starting XI to get minutes in his legs after a recent muscular setback.
“Lautaro showed last week off the bench against Parma that he is doing well, we hope to get him an hour or so today to rediscover match fitness. Marcus starts because Lautaro needs his teammate right now and they work well together.”
The squad, coach Chivu and directors all met with Pope Leo in the Vatican this morning, so he could congratulate them on their Serie A title success.
Inter are wearing black armbands following the death of club legend Evaristo Beccalossi.
“We send our condolences to his family and the whole Inter family, his daughter Gaia has been working with us for many years. He represented Interismo, what it means to be part of this club, and we are sad to have lost someone so special,” said Chivu.
Cagliari still aren’t mathematically safe, as goals from Adam Buksa and Idrissa Gueye allowed Udinese to secure a 2-0 win in Sardinia on Saturday.
Udinese beat Cagliari 2-0 at the Unipol Domus on Saturday, moving five points below seventh-placed Atalanta, who visit Milan tomorrow.
Cagliari 0-2 Udinese – match report
Cagliari had the best chances in the first half when Maduka Okoye produced two brilliant saves with his feet: first from a Marco Palestra counter-attack and then on a Gianluca Gaetano attempt from point-blank range.
The home side received a penalty kick for a Jesper Karlström handball inside the box, but the penalty was revoked after a VAR check, as the Udinese midfielder touched the ball in a “natural position” while trying to do all he could to avoid contact.
Udinese bounced back in the second half, and Nicolò Zaniolo immediately hit the outside of the woodwork with a shot from the edge of the box.
The Bianconeri took the lead shortly afterwards with Buksa’s fourth goal this season: Hassane Kamara burst down the left wing and delivered an accurate pass to the Polish striker, who found himself one-on-one with Elia Caprile and calmly slotted the ball into an open net.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: Adam Buksa of Udinese celebrates his goal 0-1 with the team-mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Cagliari defender Alberto Dossena came close to levelling the score from a corner kick routine, but Karlström made a superb headed clearance off the goal line.
Nicolò Bertola was just as good a few minutes later when he blocked a Paul Mendy shot from outside the box.
Cagliari continued pushing for the leveller, but inevitably left space for Udinese’s counter-attacks.
Keinan Davis wasted a big chance alone in front of Caprile, but the ex-Aston Villa star, who had returned from an injury, coming off the bench as a substitute, later provided the assist for Idrissa Gueye, who killed off the game by finalising a perfect counterattack in the stoppages.
Tensions increased in the final minutes, with some players from both teams briefly clashing on the pitch after the final whistle. Udinese’s Davis looked particularly upset and had to be restrained by some of his teammates.
Cagliari remain 15th in the standings, but eight points below 18th-placed Cremonese, so they’ll be mathematically safe if the Grigiorossi don’t beat Pisa on Sunday.
Inter rotate and bring back Lautaro Martinez from the start with Davide Frattesi for the first of two clashes with Lazio, who look to Pedro and Tijjani Noslin.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates with his teammates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
By a strange quirk of the fixture list, these teams face off in Serie A, but will meet again for a much bigger match on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia Final.
They’ll all reconvene inside the venue on Wednesday for a match that could send Lazio into Europe or give Inter the Double.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri won the Scudetto last week and therefore can afford to rotate the squad, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Pio Esposito out injured.
Players like Josep Martinez, Frattesi, Carlos Augusto, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Andy Diouf get starts, but it’s also the opportunity to get some minutes into Lautaro Martinez’s legs after a recent injury setback.
Lazio get Matteo Cancellieri after his one-match ban, but Mattia Zaccagni is out with a bruised foot, hoping to be ready for the Coppa Italia.
He joins Danilo Cataldi, Ivan Provedel, Samuel Gigot and Alessio Furlanetto on the treatment table.
Nicolò Rovella made his comeback last week after a fractured clavicle and goes into the starting XI for the first time since February 21, with Mario Gila also back from injury.
Noslin leads the attack flanked by Cancellieri and Pedro.
Raffaele Palladino admits he’d like to stay at Atalanta to build a ‘competitive’ team for next season, but hasn’t yet ‘received signals’ from the club.
Atalanta are preparing for the final rush of the season and will visit Milan at San Siro tomorrow.
According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Palladino’s future is also uncertain despite having one year left in his contract at the Gewiss Stadium.
“I’m fine here in Bergamo. I’ve found great warmth from everyone since I arrived,” the Atalanta coach said at a press conference on Saturday.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done with the team. We’ve gone from 13th to seventh. We were eliminated on penalties in the Coppa Italia and had a great journey in the Champions League, eliminating Borussia Dortmund. I judge this journey positively. Obviously, we must end the season well now. I hope to build a competitive Atalanta for a new great cycle, but I have not received any signals for now. What matters now is to end the season well.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
“I’ve been making assessments since I arrived. I didn’t build this team,” he continued.
“We’ll see what happens next season. I want to build a competitive Atalanta in my own image and likeness, and establish a long-term cycle with young players as well.”
Palladino was hired in November 2025 to replace Ivan Juric. Atalanta have won 17 of 36 games under the Italian tactician, drawing seven and losing 12.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hit back at booing fans inside Anfield today when he subbed off Rio Ngumoha against Chelsea.
The 17-year-old was having a fine game against the Blues, and generally looks like one of the more exciting attacking players in Slot’s somewhat out-of-sorts side right now.
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Still, Slot has insisted Liverpool fans perhaps didn’t realise that he had to make the decision because Ngumoha was struggling with an injury and said he couldn’t continue.
The Dutch tactician will be feeling the pressure at the moment as it’s been a difficult season at Liverpool, and he came across as slightly frosty with his response after the game.
Arne Slot defends Rio Ngumoha sub decision
When asked about why he took Ngumoha off and what he thought of the reaction from the fans, Slot insisted he’s the manager and this is the kind of decision he has to make sometimes.
“I don’t think it was some of them – there were a lot that didn’t agree with the change which is completely understandable,” Slot told TNT Sports, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.
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“He was having problems with his muscles and when I asked him he said he was not sure he could continue. I knew this would be the reaction because he is such a good player.
“So often in football, people don’t know everything. I am the manager and I need to make decisions.
Toronto FC receive Inter Miami for a 2026 MLS regular season clash. Here’s everything you need to know about this matchup, including the date, venue, and how to watch the action live in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Toronto FC vs Inter Miami on US television and via legal streaming:
Inter Miami enter their next Eastern Conference showdown searching for a response after a wild 4-3 defeat to Orlando City SC in the Florida Derby extended Lionel Messi’s side’s winless streak to two matches. With the playoff race beginning to heat up, Miami know another costly result could hurt its momentum.
But Toronto FC will be equally motivated as they sit eighth in the standings with 14 points and aim to strengthen their postseason push against a direct conference rival. With both clubs chasing a crucial victory, this matchup promises plenty of intensity and is one fans won’t want to miss.
Details on how to watch
Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Toronto FC vs Inter Miami and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices.
Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts.
Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Angry Pescara ultras loudly booed the team and threw firecrackers at police outside the stadium after their team’s relegation to Serie C.
Pescara have been relegated to Italy’s third division, Serie C, following a 1-1 home draw against Spezia on the final game of the regular season on Friday.
Spezia were also relegated, joining the Abruzzo-based team and Reggiana in Serie C, while Bari and Sudtirol will meet in a relegation playout.
Pescara fans showed their frustration after the match, booing their player at full-time.
Protests continued outside the stadium as well, where furious ultras tried to clash with police by throwing firecrackers at officers, just outside the stadium’s gates.
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Police are seen at work after a clash between Genoa and Inter fans prior to the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Angry ultras react to Pescara’s relegation
Pescara got relegated to Serie C last night, and the fans did not take it well. pic.twitter.com/KzZnkubj3R
— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) May 9, 2026
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists that the coach and sporting director must be ‘very close and connected’ but hints that Manu Koné might leave the Olimpico in the summer.
Roma are preparing for an away game at Parma, who have already secured survival.
On the other hand, the Giallorossi are still fighting for a Champions League place, just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus.
Parma vs. Roma – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference
“Every game is decisive, especially now, with only three remaining,” Gasperini said at a press conference on Saturday, via Gazzetta.
“Parma play good football, even if they have secured survival, no team ever gives anything away, and this is positive.
“I’ve known [Parma coach] Carlos Cuesta; he is a very prepared lad. He immediately reached the top despite his young age. He can be risky at times, but he has proven himself.”
Gasperini has been given increasing power by club owners who sacked Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri two weeks ago.
Ranieri was on bad terms with Gasperini, and the same is true of Roma sporting director Frederic Massara, who is also expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gasperini was asked whether Roma are already late in planning ahead for next season.
“A lot depends on what the club wants to do, so we need to turn to them,” he replied.
I don’t see anyone holding an advantage. Things evolve quickly at the end of the season.
“This is a valuable group, as the results prove. Their reaction in difficult moments was evident,” he added.
“Obviously, the Champions League brings more substantial financial resources to the market, and everyone wants to qualify for this reason, but the world is full of clubs that know how to operate well even without considerable resources.”
epa11702421 Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi (L) and Atalanta Sporting Director Tony d’Amico watch a training session of the team at the Bortolotti training center in Zingonia, Italy, 05 November 2024. Atalanta will face VFB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League on 06 November in Stuttgart. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
“We are focused on the season. Any hypothesis concerns many teams,” Gasperini said.
“I must work with my ideas; the coach and the sporting director must work together, not with everyone taking different paths. They need to speak honestly to technically improve Roma in a way that is compatible with the resources and the coach’s ideas.
“That must be the only goal. Those are two roles that must be very close and connected, giving mutual support by understanding each other’s difficulties. My way of playing has brought certain results, and I want to carry forward my strengths. I’m looking for players who can help me develop my playing style.”
Roma might need to sell one of their stars for financial reasons if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and Koné is said to have attracted interest from many clubs.
“Nobody is unsellable in modern football, except for some top clubs,” explained Gasp.
“Again, talking about the top four, without resources, it’s something that we must consider. But these offers are rare; it’s mostly just rumours. Koné is a strong player, and I hope he continues to play for Roma, but it will depend on offers that might allow us to do different things.”
According to reports in Italy, Gasperini is pushing for contract extensions of Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik.
“It doesn’t seem to me that I’ve been involved. If I am, I’ll have my say,” the coach noted.
“They are very busy right now, and when the time comes for them, we’ll be able to talk. Evidently, it’s still not the right time, but it will come, and we must all be convinced. We won’t be allowed to have doubts or uncertainties.”
Italian talent Samuele Inacio scored his first goal at a senior level for Borussia Dortmund last night in a 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Italian wonderkid Inacio, son of ex-Serie A striker Inacio Pia, scored his first goal at a senior level with Borussia Dortmund on Friday.
The 18-year-old started his third consecutive Bundesliga match, netting the third goal for BVB at minute 72.
A product of the Atalanta Academy, Inacio joined Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 summer transfer window.
He was born in Italy and holds a Brazilian passport.
Inacio made his U19 Italy debut this past March, scoring a goal in his first match.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 08: Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on May 08, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)
Manchester City clash with Brentford in a Matchday 36 battle during the 2025/2026 Premier League season. Here’s all the essential information, including kickoff times and where to watch on TV and streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Manchester City vs Brentford on US television and via legal streaming:
Manchester City’s Premier League title defense hangs by a thread after a costly 3-3 draw with Everton. The result leaves them trailing Arsenal, and the pressure is immense as they return to the Etihad Stadium. With their destiny no longer in their own hands, Pep Guardiola’s side faces a must-win scenario to keep their championship hopes alive. Their formidable home record, where they are unbeaten in 15 matches, will be put to the ultimate test.
Brentford arrives in Manchesterfull of confidence and with their own ambitions. Fresh off a dominant 3-0 victory against West Ham, the Bees are in a heated race for European qualification. Defying all preseason expectations, they are a resilient and fearless side known for their late-game heroics. This clash is not just about City‘s title aspirations; it’s a pivotal moment for a Brentfordteam looking to make a statement and secure a historic place in Europe.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different at this crucial stage of the season. Manchester City, a team built for championship run-ins, has shown uncharacteristic vulnerability, dropping vital points. In contrast, Brentford is on an upward surge, turning a season of predicted struggle into a potential European campaign. City‘s strength at home is well-documented, scoring at least twice in 13 of their last 15 games at the Etihad, but Brentford‘s knack for scoring late goals makes them a persistent threat.
The tactical battle will likely pit City‘s possession-heavy, attacking football against Brentford‘s organized and disruptive counter-attacking strategy. City’s major weakness is a recently destabilized defense, hit hard by injuries to key players. This vulnerability will be the primary target for Brentford, who will look to expose City‘s backline with the physicality and clinical finishing of striker Igor Thiago. The game could be decided by whether City‘s elite attack can overwhelm Brentford before their own defense is breached.
Motivation is at a fever pitch for both sides. For Manchester City, anything less than three points could be a fatal blow to their title defense. The urgency is palpable, and they must respond with a dominant performance. For Brentford, the stakes are equally high as they fight to secure a top-six finish. A positive result at the Etihad would be a massive step toward achieving a dream European qualification, making this a high-stakes encounter for both teams.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, Manchester City has held a clear advantage in this fixture. The Citizens are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak against Brentford, winning five of those matches and drawing just once. This pattern of dominance underscores the challenge facing the visitors, who have not secured a victory against City since 2023.
Recent encounters have followed this trend. The teams have met twice already this season, with Manchester City emerging victorious on both occasions without conceding a goal. They secured a narrow 1-0 win in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium and a more comfortable 2-0 victory at home in the EFL Cup. These results highlight City’s ability to control the game and shut down Brentford’s attack.
Despite City‘s dominance in wins, the matches have often been tightly contested affairs. The last five meetings have produced an average of just 2.2 goals per game, suggesting that Brentford consistently makes it difficult for City to score freely. Furthermore, Manchester City has managed to keep three clean sheets in those five games, a trend they will be desperate to continue given their current defensive issues.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Manchester City is grappling with a significant defensive crisis at the worst possible time, while Brentford arrives with a more settled lineup despite some notable long-term absentees.
Pep Guardiola is facing major selection headaches at the back. Key defenders Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are out with hamstring and leg injuries, respectively, leaving a significant void in central defense. To compound matters, the influential holding midfielder Rodri is also a doubt due to physical discomfort, potentially forcing a major reshuffle and leaving the team exposed.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews will be without several players, including Jordan Henderson, Rico Henry, and Fábio Carvalho, but the core of the team that defeated West Ham is fit and available. The consistency in their lineup has been a key factor in their successful season, and they will look to leverage that stability against a patched-up City defense.
This lineup reflects the forced changes due to injuries. The offensive burden will fall heavily on Erling Haaland to convert chances, while the creative spark from players like Jeremy Doku will be essential to break down Brentford‘s organized defense and compensate for any defensive frailties.
Brentford Projected XI (3-5-2):
Kelleher; Collins, van den Berg, Ajer; Lewis-Potter, Yarmolyuk, Jensen, Damsgaard, Kayode; Schade, Thiago.
Brentford‘s 3-5-2 formation provides defensive solidity with three central defenders while allowing the wing-backs to push forward and support the attack. Igor Thiago will serve as the focal point up front, using his strength to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play on the counter.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Manchester City vs Brentford live stream exclusively on DirecTV Stream. The platform is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices, as well as through your web browser.
A subscription to DirecTV Stream not only gives you access to this crucial Premier League match but also to a host of other top soccer competitions. You can stream other leagues and tournaments, providing comprehensive coverage for any soccer fan.
The service is available for a monthly fee of $69.99. This plan includes access to all live matches, on-demand replays, and expert analysis shows, making it a complete package for watching the beautiful game.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Sebastiano Esposito and Paul Mendy lead the Cagliari attack in a home Serie A match against Nicolò Zaniolo’s Udinese.
Saturday’s Serie A action begins at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari with the Rossoblu facing Udinese at 15:00 CET (14:00 BST).
Idrissi, Mazzitelli, Felici, Pavoletti, Borrelli and Liteta are unavailable for the home side, while Udinese must cope without the injured Zanoli, Ekkelenkamp and the suspended Kabasele.
Cagliari have a nine-point lead over the relegation zone, so they need one final push to secure mathematical survival.
The Sardinians have won two of the last five league matches.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Christian Kabasele (#27) of Udinese celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Nicolò Zaniolo (#10) during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Friuli on October 05, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Udinese have only lost once in their last five meetings and can technically still qualify for Europe, but they find themselves eight points behind Atalanta in seventh.
Cagliari vs. Udinese – confirmed line-ups
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Elia Caprile of Cagliari makes a save during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Friuli on October 05, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Matteo Moretto reports that ex-Juventus and Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has ‘already reached an agreement’ with Atalanta for next season.
Former Juventus CEO Giuntoli is set to become the new Atalanta sporting director.
Several sources have claimed that Giuntoli is the leading candidate to replace Tony D’Amico in 2026-27, but according to Moretto, the agreement between Giuntoli and La Dea is already finalised.
The Italian transfer expert reports that the two parties have finalised all the details and the agreement will be confirmed with an official statement in the coming days.
Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Giuntoli’s appointment means Atalanta’s sporting director, Tony D’Amico, will leave the club after four years.
D’Amico has been linked with Milan and Roma.
The Rossoneri were already interested in the 46-year-old last summer before ultimately appointing Igli Tare.
epa11702421 Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi (L) and Atalanta Sporting Director Tony d’Amico watch a training session of the team at the Bortolotti training center in Zingonia, Italy, 05 November 2024. Atalanta will face VFB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League on 06 November in Stuttgart. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
Roma, however, are another possible destination, given that Gian Piero Gasperini has gained more power following Claudio Ranieri’s departure, which will also lead to Frederic Massara’s exit.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri hints that he might pick an attacking trident for a Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday, but Luka Modric’s return for the last game of the season is ‘nearly impossible.’
Milan are under growing pressure, having won only one of their last five games and scoring just one goal in the process.
Reports in Italy suggest that Santiago Gimenez could start against Atalanta at San Siro tomorrow, and Allegri discussed the matter at a pre-match press conference today.
Allegri drops Gimenez hint for Atalanta clash
“If Gimenez is there, there will be one or two players moving around him,” Allegri said via Milannews.
This means Allegri could choose three attacking players tomorrow rather than the usual 3-5-2 system: “We’ll see,” the coach said.
“We can’t change what we’ve done in these ten months. Tomorrow we begin a mini-season of three games,” Allegri continued.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“That’s how we have to look at it. We have a three-point lead. If we make it to the Champions League, we’ll go; if not, we won’t deserve to qualify. I’ll assess the starting line-up tomorrow, but I need everyone right now. Aside from Modric and Tomori, everyone else is available.
“The games last long, and substitutions in the last 30 minutes are decisive. Everyone will have to be involved in the game. We are in a decisive and important moment.
“It’s a decisive match tomorrow because three games remain. All energy must be focused towards tomorrow’s game. Then we’ll look at the table. We’ll have to play a tricky and difficult game at Genoa afterwards.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Modric was forced to undergo a cheekbone surgery two weeks ago following an injury against Juventus.
The Croatian star is training separately at Milanello, but Allegri practically ruled out his return to action for the last game of the season against Cagliari.
“Even if Modric always comes to Milanello to work, it’s nearly impossible that he’ll be on the pitch for the last match,” he said.
During the same press conference, Allegri insisted that he wants to remain at San Siro for as long as possible despite reports that his strained relationship with CEO Giorgio Furlani could lead to a summer departure.
“Whoever is at Milan must work for the club and defend a glorious DNA,” Allegri insisted.
“I’ve seen that in the directors, and I understand that Milan must always have the ambition to win. If Milan finish sixth, it means we deserved to finish sixth. The important thing is that everyone works for the club. Personal targets must be set aside. The collective goal is to qualify for the Champions League.”
Massimiliano Allegri insists he wants to ‘stay at Milan for as long as possible’ and thanks the Rossoneri fans for their support this season.
Milan have only won one of their last five league games, and their advantage over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to three points with three games remaining.
Tensions are running high at San Siro among Rossoneri supporters, who are preparing a protest against CEO Giorgio Furlani during tomorrow’s home game against Atalanta.
“We can only thank them for now. They’ve been supporting us since August 17, and the stadium has always been full,” Allegri said at a press conference via MilanNews.
“We’ve always felt their support, and they’ll do it tomorrow as well in a decisive moment of the season. We have a tricky match. We’ve had a good week of work, and we’ll have to face Atalanta as we try to return to winning, which we haven’t done at home in a while.
“We must do and not talk. Atalanta are an excellent team, and we’ll need an excellent performance to bring the result home.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan head coach looks on before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri have scored only one goal in their last five matches, and tomorrow they’ll host Atalanta without the injured Luka Modric and the suspended Fikayo Tomori.
“I’m not worried; you have to look at things positively. Normally, after a defeat like the one against Sassuolo, one tends to see things more negatively,” Allegri said.
“The destiny is in our hands. What’s nice about football is that 90 minutes can change everything. That said, tomorrow we won’t be mathematically in or out of the Champions League.”
There have been several reports that Allegri might be leaving San Siro at the end of the season due to strained relations with Furlani. The Livorno-born coach is also among the candidates linked with the Italy job. Does he see himself as a national team coach or does he prefer day-to-day duties?
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, gestures during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“This is not a matter I’ve thought about. Right now, Milan are the most important thing, for the next games and for next season,” Allegri replied.
“We’ve worked with great attention and dedication for ten months. We must respect everyone who makes themselves available so we can perform at our best. I don’t think about anything else because my goal is to stay at Milan for as long as possible.”
Sunderland receive Manchester United in a Matchday 36 clash during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Here’s all the essential information, including kickoff times and where to watch on TV or via streaming.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Sunderland vs Manchester United on US television and via legal streaming:
Sunderland‘s celebrated return to the Premier League has been a success, with their top-flight status comfortably secured. However, a recent dip in form has seen them struggle, particularly at the Stadium of Light. After losing four of their last five home matches, including a heavy 5-0 defeat, the Black Cats are desperate to deliver a statement performance for their fans and push for a top-half finish.
Manchester United arrives in high spirits after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool, a result that officially punched their ticket to next season’s Champions League. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have experienced a dramatic turnaround. With their primary objective achieved, the pressure is off, but the expectation to dominate and finish the season with authority remains.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This match features a clash of teams on different trajectories. Sunderland started the season strong, building their success on defensive solidity, but have since seen their form and creativity wane. In contrast, Manchester United has surged under new leadership, transforming from a team in disarray to one of the league’s most potent attacking forces, overcoming an underwhelming start to their campaign.
The tactical battle will likely see Manchester United control possession and territory. The Red Devils boast the highest number of shots per game in the league and rank among the top for goals scored. Their aerial threat from players like Casemiro and Harry Maguire will test a Sunderland defense that, despite its early-season resilience, has recently shown fragility and concedes a high volume of shots.
While the biggest prizes are off the table, motivation is not lacking. Sunderland is fighting to secure a top-half finish, a significant achievement for a newly promoted club. For Manchester United, every game is a chance to build on their revival under Carrick, with players looking to solidify their roles for the future as the club prepares for a busy summer transfer window.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, this fixture has been dominated by Manchester United. The Red Devils have won four of the last five encounters between the clubs, establishing a clear pattern of superiority in recent years. Sunderland‘s lone victory in that span came back in 2016.
Manchester United is currently on a three-game winning streak against the Black Cats, including a decisive 2-0 victory at Old Trafford earlier this season. This recent history suggests United has had the tactical edge, effectively neutralizing Sunderland‘s attack while consistently finding ways to score.
Defensively, United has been particularly effective in this matchup, keeping a clean sheet in three of the last five meetings. Sunderland has struggled to find the net, failing to score in their last two games against the Red Devils and managing only three goals total across the last five clashes.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Manchester United enters the match in relatively good health, while Sunderland must cope with a key suspension and several injuries.
For Sunderland, the absence of defender Daniel Ballard due to a red-card suspension is a major blow to their backline. The team is also without goalkeeper Simon Moore and attackers Nilson Angulo and Bertrand Traoré, limiting their options and depth for this challenging fixture.
Manchester United‘s primary concern is Matthijs de Ligt, who remains sidelined with a back injury. Striker Benjamin Sesko aggravated a shin issue in the last match but is expected to be fit to lead the line. Otherwise, Michael Carrick has a nearly full-strength squad to choose from.
Sunderland Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Reinildo, Alderete, Mukiele, Hume; Sadiki, Xhaka; Le Fee, Diarra, Talbi; Brobbey.
This formation emphasizes a solid defensive base with a double pivot in midfield designed to disrupt United‘s rhythm. With key players missing, Sunderland will rely on a compact shape and look to hit on the counter-attack through their lone striker, Brobbey.
Manchester United Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Shaw, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Cunha, Fernandes, Mbeumo; Sesko.
This is a formidable attacking lineup, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating play from the number ten role. With the dynamic duo of Mainoo and Casemiro controlling the midfield and Sesko providing a physical presence up front, United will aim to dominate the game from the start.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Sunderland vs Manchester United match on Peacock. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, as well as on web browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android.
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A subscription costs just $10.99/mo or you can opt for an annual plan to save money. The plan gives you access to every live match, plus replays and highlights on-demand.
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Inter referee manager Giorgio Schenone was heard as a witness by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione on Friday, and further interrogations will be completed at the start of next week.
Referee scandal in Serie A: latest updates
Inter’s referee manager, Schenone, was heard by the Milan Prosecutor on Friday as part of a probe into alleged sports fraud, which involves five people under investigation, none of whom are from Serie A or Serie B clubs.
Former referee designator Gianluca Rocchi is among those under investigation on suspicion of having influenced VAR decisions during matches and of manipulating referee appointments.
In a wiretap from April 2025, Rocchi is heard telling VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni, who is also under investigation: “They no longer want to see him [a referee] anymore.”
Corriere della Sera reports that the Nerazzurri referee manager did not receive questions regarding a meeting at San Siro on April 2, 2025, during which Rocchi is suspected of having chosen referees favoured by Inter for upcoming games against Bologna in Serie A and Milan in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal.
Investigators are trying to understand whether Schenone conveyed Inter referees’ preferences to Rocchi.
Daniele Doveri was picked for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Milan last season so that he would be shielded for the Final, which Inter didn’t even qualify for.
What Inter Referee Manager told Milan Prosecutor
Schenone, however, argued that he had always dealt exclusively with refereeing matters and that during the 2024-25 season, Inter had Dover as referee six times, practically the maximum possible in the competition.
Schenone, nor any other Inter member, is under investigation. The Nerazzurri referee manager was only heard as a witness.
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Corriere adds that there are no wiretaps involving Schiavone and Rocchi, but, on the other hand, Schenone heard several other wiretaps, mostly from spring 2025, involving Rocchi and VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni and between Rocchi and Riccardo Pinzani, Rocchi’s former referee partner.
Former AIA President Antonio Zappi and new Referee Designator Dino Tommasi were also questioned on Friday, mostly about the activity in the VAR room in Lissone.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
According to the report, the Milan prosecutor will complete further hearings between Monday and Tuesday next week.
Rocchi, in the meantime, has once again informed prosecutors that he does not intend to answer the Prosecutor’s questions, exercising his right to remain silent.
José Mourinho insists Iran deserve to play at the World Cup, which Portugal can win, and feels Zinedine Zidane embodied the concept of elegance: ‘Marco Materazzi might get mad at me…’
Former Inter and Roma coach Mourinho gave a long interview to Sport Week, discussing his life and career.
Ex-Roma star Nicolò Zaniolo once described Mou as a ‘master’, saying the Portuguese tactician could almost perfectly predict what would happen during matches.
Mourinho predicted Zaniolo’s winning goal in Conference League Final
“Almost,” Mou replied, smiling.
“One thing I had predicted and actually happened was that Zaniolo would score the decisive goal in the Conference League Final between my Roma side and Feyenoord.”
During the same interview, Mourinho admitted that he’d leave Inter for Real Madrid again and was then asked to name a player who “embodies the concept of elegance.”
“The first name that comes to mind is Zinedine Zidane,” Mourinho said.
“Marco Materazzi might get mad at me for saying it, but watching Zizou play was pure beauty.”
When asked about his favourite city as a coach, Mou replied: “The most important thing is to be with the people I love. It could even be the Sahara Desert. To me, anyway, the most beautiful city in the world is Rome.”
Lastly, the Benfica tactician spoke about the upcoming World Cup as well: “Portugal can do anything. They have an incredible generation. They won the Nations League a year ago. We won the Euros in 2016, and this generation is technically superior to that team. Of course, there is Carletto Ancelotti’s Brazil, Argentina, but Portugal can win this World Cup.”
Roma coach Jose Mourinho reacts from the technical area during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Roma at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, on December 30, 2023. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran’s participation in the competition, yet there are still doubts on whether they’ll actually take part in the tournament due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has been reiterating that Italy should replace Iran if they don’t show up for the World Cup in June.
“One thing is politics, one is sport,” Mourinho concluded.
“The Iranian players who have qualified for the World Cup, which will involve too many teams, deserve to play it.”
Paris Saint-Germain reportedly expect to have Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Chevalier, and Warren Zaire-Emery back for the Champions League final against Arsenal.
PSG recently booked their place in the final for a second year in a row after beating Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in the semi-finals, while Arsenal advanced past Atletico Madrid.
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Fans of both clubs will surely already be looking into how to buy Champions League final tickets, but what players will be available to play in the big game in Budapest?
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins in the X post below, PSG manager Luis Enrique should have Hakimi back after he missed the second leg against Bayern, while there’s also optimism over Chevalier and Zaire-Emery…
Champions League final injury updates
??Absent pour la qualification du PSG face au Bayern Munich en demi-finale retour de Ligue des champions, Achraf Hakimi est espéré pour la finale contre Arsenal, le 30 mai prochain. L'optimisme est aussi de mise pour Lucas Chevalier.
“Absent for PSG’s qualification match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final return leg, Achraf Hakimi is hoped to be available for the final against Arsenal on May 30 next,” Hawkins posted.
“Optimism is also in order for Lucas Chevalier. Luis Enrique will manage player workloads during the upcoming matches. Some starters returned from Munich with minor aches and pains that are nothing serious. That’s the case for Warren Zaïre-Emery, for example, who has a slight back issue. The staff’s goal is to have the full squad available for the Champions League final.”
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Can Arsenal beat PSG in the Champions League final?
Arsenal will surely be the underdogs against the reigning European champions, especially as they’ve had such bad luck with injuries this season.
PSG have a less demanding schedule and so look set to have everyone available for this big game, whereas Arsenal still have some hugely important games coming up in the Premier League title race.
Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino are out at the moment, and there have been on-and-off issues for other big names like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Riccardo Calafiori all season.
Mikel Arteta surely needs as many options available to him as possible if he is to stand any chance of an upset against PSG at the end of this month.
France can win the 2026 World Cup but Kylian Mbappe’s ego has the potential to cause “trouble” for Didier Deschamps’ side, according to Emmanuel Petit.
Mbappe is one of the best players in the world on his day, and has a great history at the World Cup, scoring for Les Bleus in their final victory in 2018, and even bagging a hat-trick as they lost on penalties to Argentina in 2022.
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Still, Petit has his concerns about how Mbappe fits into this France team, with the former Arsenal midfielder and World Cup winner with France back in 1998 making it clear he feels the Real Madrid star needs to play on the left.
Petit says he wants to see Mbappe out wide rather than up front, with Ousmane Dembele taking up that central role, and with Michael Olise on the right-hand side.
Kylian Mbappe could be an issue for France at the World Cup
Discussing how Mbappe could impact France’s World Cup hopes, Petit told the Sun: “Mbappe is playing up front as a striker. Dembele is playing up front as a striker. Ask Didier Deschamps, the French manager, ‘Who is going to play?’
“If I am Didier Deschamps, for me it’s very simple. Ask Kylian Mbappe to play on the left, the way he was brilliant for years withParis Saint-Germain.
“Ask Dembele to play up front as a striker, and I ask Olise to play as a right winger.
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“If you do like that, I’m pretty sure France will win the World Cup. If you don’t do that and you want to go the same way that Madrid has been doing with Kylian Mbappe then you’re going to have trouble.
“Egos in thedressing roomwill come out, and the trouble will start in the team.”
Can France win third World Cup?
France have won the World Cup twice before, in 1998 and 2018, and they’ll be one of the favourites for this year’s tournament in North America.
France are in Group I with Senegal, Norway, and Iraq, and will hope to avoid a repeat of 2002 when they lost their opening group game against Senegal and ended up exiting the tournament early.
Mbappe could prove a difficult character for Deschamps to manage, and it will be an interesting situation to watch if this talented squad once again suffers from too many competing egos.
Juventus and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in a potential transfer swoop for Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.
The former Manchester United attacker’s future is in some doubt this summer after issues at Marseille, but it looks like he won’t be returning to the Premier League.
According to TEAMtalk, it seems unlikely that Greenwood will reunite with Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham, so he could continue his career elsewhere in Europe.
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Given how things ended for Greenwood at Man Utd, it’s no surprise that English teams are likely to back away from making a move for him, even if he has rebuilt his career in France.
Mason Greenwood transfer would be too toxic for Premier League clubs
Greenwood looked like a superb talent when he first broke through at United, and he’s been in fine form for Marseille this season with 20 goals and seven assists.
However, there is no escaping the fact that the 24-year-old is likely to be seen as too toxic for clubs after reports of him being charged for assault, as per BBC‘s reports from a few years ago.
This led to United suspending Greenwood and he hasn’t played for the Red Devils since.
De Zerbi’s arrival as Tottenham manager was also seen as controversial due to his backing of Greenwood when they were together at Marseille.
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Spurs would surely not risk further backlash by bringing in the former England international this summer, but it will be interesting to see how his career can progress at Juve or Atletico.
Verdict: Home win Best odds: 5/8 Bookmaker: Olympusbet The La Liga title race may well end on Sunday, when Barcelona welcome arch-rivals Real Madrid to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday evening. Hansi Flick’s side only need a point from this clash to retain their status as the Spanish champions, while things really don’t look […]
As the Serie A season enters its final weeks, there is still a lot to play for. The league winners might be known, but the race for the Champions League places is heating up.
Inter are now guaranteed to finish top of the table after their 2-0 victory against Parma, which clinched the Scudetto. That leaves three qualification spots remaining, but five teams are all pushing for them.
Who, though, has the best chance of finishing in the top four? Here’s a closer look at the matches each team in contention has left, and who is the most likely to qualify.
Napoli – 70 points
Antonio Conte’s men might have fallen short of defending their status as champions, but they look all but certain to qualify for the Champions League. A goalless draw against Como means that they only need one win and one draw from their three remaining games to guarantee a top-four finish.
Napoli face ninth-placed Bologna in their next match, but their away fixture against struggling Pisa should be their best chance of a victory. They then play Udinese in their final match, although that could be a potential slip-up that teams can capitalise on, as I Friulani emerged as 1-0 victors when the two sides met in December 2025.
Milan – 67 points
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
A victory against Sassuolo would have put Milan on the brink of qualification, but a defeat has put the pressure on. Now only three points ahead of fifth-placed Roma, the Rossoneri need to bounce back from their latest setback, and quickly.
Fortunately, while their next match against Atalanta will be difficult, the final two matches of the season are much more straightforward. Milan have a trip to Genoa on May 17, before they then host Cagliari at the San Siro in their final game. Both teams lie in the bottom half of the table, and while Genoa did manage a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture against Milan back in January, the 19-time champions will still be confident in their chances.
Juventus – 65 points
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, reacts prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Milan’s failure to beat Sassuolo might have been punished had Juventus beaten Verona. But, in spite of that 1-1 draw, La Vecchia Signora should feel the most optimistic. While they are only one point ahead of Roma, Luciano Spalletti’s side now only play teams in the bottom half of the table.
Lecce could be a potential mistake waiting to happen, but their win against Pisa was their only win in seven. Juve will also be heavy favourites in their matches against Fiorentina and Torino.
Because Juventus is the team in Serie A with the biggest global following, fans across the world will be making the most of betting bonuses, such as a 1win promo code for India readers, to back Juve to qualify for the Champions League. They have a lot going in their favour, but only time will tell if they manage to get over the line.
Roma – 64 points
Roma might have lost four more games than Como, but the Giallorossi still find themselves among the chasing pack for Champions League football. It’s been seven seasons since they last played in the competition, but if things go their way, that streak might come to an end.
A win against Fiorentina has put them in fifth, but there’s no question that their route to the top four is more difficult than their rivals. They face Parma away from home next before the Derby della Capitale against Lazio.
Nevertheless, Roma have not lost to their rivals since January 2024 and will be confident of extending that run as they pursue European football. If the teams above them drop more points, then it could all come down to their final match of the season against Verona on May 24.
Como – 62 points
A win against Napoli would have put Como in control of their bid for Champions League football. Now, I Lariani need to win the maximum nine points from their last three games and hope that other teams can do them a favour if they are to have any chance.
Cesc Fabregas – who recently ruled out a move to Chelsea – has the team with sufficient quality to win three matches on the spin, and their remaining fixtures also lend themselves to potential success. They face bottom-three sides Verona and Cremonese, either side of a home fixture against 12th-placed Parma, whom they have not lost to since 2023 in Serie B. Nevertheless, the Lombardy-based club has a mountain to climb to qualify for the Champions League.
Both Lazio and Inter are likely to make squad rotations in their Serie A match today, as they prepare for next week’s Coppa Italia Final, but the Nerazzurri captain, Lautaro Martinez, is still expected to start.
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
It’s Inter’s first game as defending Serie A champions, as the Nerazzurri secured the Scudetto with three games to spare last week.
Lazio are four points below a Conference League placement, but their priority remains next Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final, also against the Nerazzurri.
Francesco Pio Esposito and Hakan Calhanoglu are unavailable for Inter, but while the Italian striker is expected to recover in time for next week’s Final, Calhanoglu is not likely to make it.
Lazio get to this match without the injured Samuel Gigot, Ivan Provedel, Alessio Furlanetto, Danilo Cataldi, Elseid Hysaj and their captain Mattia Zaccagni.
As reported by Gazzetta, Italy international Davide Frattesi is set to make a rare start for Inter in the middle of the park, so Nicolò Barella will rest.
Marcus Thuram is also expected to start on the bench, making room for Ange-Yoan Bonny and Lautaro Martinez up front.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lazio vs. Inter – probable line-ups
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Daniel Maldini of Lazio gestures during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lazio vs. Inter – where to watch on TV
Inter (3-5-2):Martinez Jo.; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Sucic, Frattesi, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Bonny.
Dusan Vlahovic is set to return to the Juventus starting XI for the first time in over five months as the Bianconeri seek a win against a Lecce side that is fighting for survival.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Via Del Mare in Lecce.
The home side have a four-point advantage over the relegation zone, so a win would almost certainly allow them to secure survival, while Juventus sit fourth in the standings, but their lead over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to just one point following back-to-back draws against Milan and Hellas Verona.
The Bianconeri have travelled to Lecce without the injured Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Serbia international Vlahovic is expected to start his first game since November 29, as reported by Sky Sport and Gazzetta.
Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceiçao will complete the Old Lady’s attack.
Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar, Riccardo Sottil and Sadik Fofana are unavailable for Lecce, where Walid Cheddira is the favourite over Nikola Stulic for a starting spot as a lone striker.
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 20: Walid CHeddira of US Lecce competes for the ball with Nicolò Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between US Lecce and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Via del Mare on April 20, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Lecce vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, DAZN and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Arsenal have been tipped to change the course of their history if they win the Champions League final this season, with a transfer like Kylian Mbappe perhaps within their reach.
Mbappe has 85 goals in 100 games for Real Madrid, but it’s also true that his move to the Bernabeu hasn’t been entirely successful so far.
The France international’s future seems in some doubt at the moment, and this has led to Petit to call for AFC to snap him up if they win the Champions League.
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“If Arsenal win the Champions League for the first time then it would change the course of their history and send a strong message in the transfer market,” Petit is quoted by the Sun.
“Players would of course want to play for the Champions League winners and hope they can go and win it again, it would help them attract Kylian Mbappe if he does leave Real Madrid.”
The only downside to this deal is the price, while Mbappe is also not the youngest, but he’s an elite goal-scorer who can also provide an option on the left-hand side of a front three.
The 27-year-old would be a huge upgrade on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz up front, and on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left.
Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing up a potential summer transfer window swoop for Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento as they also chase his teammate Anthony Gordon.
Gordon has been strongly linked with Bayern by Christian Falk and others, but it looks like other Newcastle stars are also facing uncertainty ahead of this summer.
There has previously been talk of Livramento and others possibly leaving St James’ Park, as per the Telegraph, while Arsenal have been linked as suitors for the England international in a report from BBC Sport.
Livramento has shone at Newcastle, and now a report from Fichajes states that Bayern are the latest club to show an interest in him.
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Tino Livramento to Arsenal or Bayern?
Livramento makes sense as someone who could now be keen to make the step up to a higher level after a difficult and frustrating season for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side were thrashed by Barcelona in the Champions League and have dropped to 13th in the Premier League table, making European football highly unlikely for next season.
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Livramento is more than good enough to be playing at the top, so it will be interesting to see if he ends up somewhere like Arsenal or Bayern.
Fichajes suggest Bayern are now stepping up their interest, though the report adds that NUFC want as much as £70m to let the 23-year-old go.
That seems a lot to be paying for someone with a slightly worrying recent injury record, so it will be interesting to see how realistic a deal is for that price.
Still, Newcastle also surely need to push for a big fee or else they’re at risk of losing far too many important players in one go this summer, just a year on from the blow of losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
Chelsea are understood to be on alert for the possible transfer of Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri as his situation at the Emirates Stadium as changed.
The highly-rated 19-year-old was not initially loaned out to Marseille to be put in the shop window, but Arsenal could now be open to letting him go for the right price this summer, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.
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Chelsea are one of the clubs with a long term appreciation of Nwaneri, and they could revisit this deal if he does indeed end up moving on from Arsenal at the end of this campaign.
For now, it’s not clear that Nwaneri himself is pushing to leave, but there may perhaps be concerns with his development after murmurings of attitude problems at Marseille training.
What sources are saying about Ethan Nwaneri transfer
As well as Chelsea, sources have named Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and AC Milan as clubs keeping an eye on Nwaneri’s situation, while at least three other Premier League teams are also monitoring developments.
Meanwhile, Arsenal could be tempted to cash in on Nwaneri for around £35-40m, with the sale to count as ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective due to the fact that the England Under-21 international came up through the Gunners’ academy.
“Nwaneri is struggling right now and that means Arsenal are going to have to consider a sale,” one source said. “Things can change quickly, but he clearly isn’t progressing as expected, and they’ll feel they can get a decent fee for him.
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“Chelsea have tried signing him before. They’re still keeping an eye on how this develops, as are Dortmund, Juventus, and Milan. Many top clubs in England and Europe still see him as a fantastic talent, and he might benefit from a fresh start.”
Could Ethan Nwaneri be the right signing for Chelsea?
Chelsea haven’t got a lot right in the transfer market in recent times, but their policy of recruiting top young players has occasionally gone well for them.
Joao Pedro has been a big hit since joining from Brighton, while Cole Palmer was in a similar situation at Manchester City to Nwaneri’s at Arsenal now when he moved to Stamford Bridge.
Using our Transfer Fit rating system, we score Nwaneri to Chelsea 16/25 – a promising young player in a position they need, who wouldn’t cost a fortune, but who also isn’t in the best form right now.
Ethan Nwaneri
TOTAL SCORE: 16/25
Transfer fee
***
Performance
**
Achievements
**
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
Arsenal might be wary of selling a top prospect like Nwaneri to a rival, but it currently seems unlikely that he’s going to become a key first-team player in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
These two London rivals have also done business plenty of times before, with big names like Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Noni Madueke, and Kepa Arrizabalaga all moving from Chelsea to Arsenal in the last few years.
Jose Mourinho is reportedly already thinking about Real Madrid transfer targets if he ends up returning to the Bernabeu as manager.
The Benfica boss has been in talks over returning to Real Madrid for a second spell, according to the Athletic, and he’ll surely be keen to make several changes to this squad.
It’s been a difficult season for the Spanish giants, and one particular area of concern seems to be in midfield.
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According to Fichajes, this has led Mourinho to look for Real to sign one of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, or Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
Jose Mourinho wants more control in midfield
Madrid have some fine midfield players, but they’ve struggled to adequately replace the quality of legendary duo Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Even if Fernandez and Mac Allister are not quite at that level, they are arguably more similar in playing style due to their ability to get on the ball and dictate play.
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The Argentina international has not yet spoken with another club, according to his dad Carlos, but he also hasn’t discussed a new contract with Liverpool.
The Reds ended up losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid last summer, so they might not be too keen on a similar situation here, but if a new deal still isn’t in place then it surely has to be a possibility.
Liverpool meet Chelsea in a Matchday 36 clash during the 2025/2026 Premier League season. Here’s everything fans should know, including kickoff times and viewing options through TV and streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Liverpool vs Chelsea on US television and via legal streaming:
Liverpoolhosts Chelsea at Anfield in a crucial Premier League showdown with significant implications for both clubs. For the Reds, the mission is simple: secure a victory to lock in their spot in next season’s Champions League. Coming off a stinging 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United, the pressure is on for Liverpool to deliver a statement win in front of their home crowd and achieve their final objective in a challenging season.
Meanwhile, Chelseaarrives in Merseyside in a state of crisis. The Blues are enduring a disastrous run of form, having lost six consecutive league matches for the first time in 33 years. Currently sitting ninth in the table, they are in serious danger of missing out on European competition entirely. With an FA Cup final on the horizon, Chelsea is desperate to halt their slide and salvage some pride in what has become a season to forget.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This season has been a story of unmet expectations for Liverpool, who are approaching a club record for defeats in a single campaign. Despite their struggles, their goal of Champions League qualification remains within reach. In stark contrast, Chelsea‘s season has completely unraveled. Once considered contenders for a top-four spot, they have plummeted down the standings, with their only hope for redemption resting on the upcoming FA Cup final.
The tactical battle will likely see Liverpool dominate possession and territory, leveraging their Anfield advantage. However, the Reds have shown defensive fragility, particularly from set-pieces, and have a tendency to concede the opening goal. Chelsea’s primary challenge is their lack of confidence and attacking rhythm. They recently snapped a 565-minute goal drought and have been leaking goals on the road, making them vulnerable to Liverpool’s attacking pressure.
Liverpool‘s motivation is straightforward: a win guarantees them a place among Europe’s elite next season, providing a positive end to a turbulent year. For Chelsea, the objective is to stop the bleeding. A positive result at Anfield would be a massive morale boost ahead of their cup final and could prevent them from slipping out of the Premier League‘s top ten.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, this fixture has been tightly contested. Across the last ten Premier League encounters between the two clubs, there have been five draws, with Chelsea claiming three wins to Liverpool’s two. However, the dynamic shifts significantly at Anfield, where Liverpool has been dominant, losing just one of the last ten league meetings against the Blues while winning four.
Recent matches have consistently produced goals and drama. Liverpool has won the last two head-to-head clashes at Anfield, scoring a combined six goals. The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Chelsea snatch a late 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, a result Liverpool will be eager to avenge.
A clear trend in recent history is the frequency of goals. Both teams have scored in the last five league meetings, with those games averaging an impressive 3.4 goals per match. This pattern suggests that another open, attacking contest is highly likely, as neither side has demonstrated consistent defensive solidity.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both squads are contending with significant player availability issues that will force tactical adjustments from their managers.
Liverpool is facing an injury crisis in their attack, with key forwards Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike ruled out, and Alexander Isak remaining a doubt. This severely limits their offensive options and puts more pressure on Cody Gakpo to lead the line. The goalkeeping situation is also a concern, as third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman is expected to start due to injuries to Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
For Chelsea, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is expected to be fit despite picking up a head injury in their last match. Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable due to suspension, which will likely see Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto occupy the wings. Following his spectacular bicycle-kick goal against Nottingham Forest, Joao Pedro is set to continue as the central striker, tasked with finding a breakthrough against the Liverpool defense.
Liverpool Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, MacAllister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo With their primary goalscorers sidelined, Liverpool‘s lineup is built for creativity and pace. Wirtz and Frimpong will provide the attacking threat from wide positions, while Szoboszlai supports Gakpo from a central role. The makeshift defense and third-choice keeper will need to be sharp to handle Chelsea‘s attackers.
Chelsea Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro Chelsea will rely on the individual brilliance of Cole Palmer and the playmaking of Enzo Fernandez in an advanced midfield role. Joao Pedro will look to build on his recent goal, but the team’s overall lack of cohesion remains a major hurdle. The defense must find a way to contain Liverpool‘s press at Anfield.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Liverpool vs Chelsea live stream on Peacock. The service is available on a variety of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and major web browsers, ensuring you can catch the action from anywhere.
In addition to this Premier League clash, a subscription to Peacock gives you access to a wide array of other soccer competitions. You can stream matches from leagues such as Liga MX, as well as programming from top networks.
A subscription to Peacock costs just $10.99/mo, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans looking for extensive coverage of the world’s biggest leagues and tournaments.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
The transfer market is at risk without Champions. Juve, there’s Vlahovic.
Test for double
Double challenge Inter: only Lazio towards the cup
Gimenez shows up
No goals in Serie A for a year, Allegri is tempted.
Simeone’s energy again, and Toro turn Sassuolo around
Corriere dello Sport
Test for the cup
Two challenges in five days
Today’s game (18:00) is the aperitif for the final
Masked Lazio-Inter: Wednesday’s trophy only matters
Sarri is still in the race for the 7th spot, but will rest the big players. Zaccagni injured. Chivu’s first game as defending champion. Lautaro to partner with Bonny.
Juve, Lucio’s rules
‘Take our own responsibilities after the pain felt against Verona. We must react. Future? Many will stay, but we need more.’ Vlahovic returns to the starting XI after 160 days.
New directors: D’Amico and Giuntoli, what an intrigue
Napoli prepare for double celebration
Frosinone in Serie A, play-out for Bari
Tuttosport
D’Aversa’s pride. Toro, derby shake
Lecce, 20:45
Juve, you put it all on the line
Champions, UEFA millions, the breakeven, and appeal on the market
The Bianconeri can make no more mistakes to defend the fourth spot from the comebacks of Romo and Como. Spalletti’s project of building a winning team, based on Yildiz, is also at risk. Vlahovic is ready. The coach: ‘Many will stay, but we need reinforcements.’
Lazio and Inter, the Cup in the head
Lautaro set to start to test his shape. Chivu is looking for the goal record. Many people in Brescia say goodbye to Beccalossi.
Frosinone, welcome back to Serie A! Bari to the playout
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has admitted he can see there being a pathway for Arsenal to win both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
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Manchester City have a game in hand on their rivals, but arguably have the tougher fixtures remaining, with Carragher even claiming he thinks it could be over if Arsenal beat West Ham this weekend.
The pundit, speaking to the Metro, also stated his view that he could see Arsenal beating PSG in a one-off game in the Champions League final.
Arsenal to do the double?
Discussing his latest predictions on Arsenal’s season, Carragher said: “If Arsenal get over the line against West Ham, I can’t see them messing it up from there.
“When you think about it, it could arguably be the biggest game of the season. But for lots of other teams, it’s probably the biggest game for West Ham. They have to get something.”
He added: “That game (against PSG) will be a real problem if they don’t win the league. I think that’ll be a problem. Yes, you want to win everything, but I think Arsenal really want to win the league.
“They wouldn’t turn their noses up at the Champions League, but I think Liverpool were in that situation a few years ago, where they’d gone so long without winning the league that they just wanted it done.
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“For me, more often than I always say, the Champions League is a bigger trophy to win. But I think when you’ve gone so long without the league, they’ll be desperate for that.
“But I think if they win it, which they should do, the position that they’re in right now, I think it’ll give them a huge boost.
“They will need that going into the final. I think we all know PSG are the better team, but that doesn’t mean Arsenal can’t win a one-off game.”
If Arsenal can go all the way in both the Premier League and Champions League, it will surely be the greatest season in their history.
Yes, the Gunners went unbeaten in 2003/04, in what is truly one of English football’s great achievements, but that was a team that had won titles in very recent history, whereas winning it this year would end 22 years of hurt in that regard.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have never won the Champions League, and are only appearing in the final for the second time in their history.
Mikel Arteta’s side can’t afford any slip-ups, but can perhaps also feel confident that they need only four wins to secure legendary status.
Andoni Iraola very attracted by Crystal Palace project
See below as journalist Matteo Moretto claims that Iraola is tempted by the project at Palace, who seem to also be making him a very serious financial proposal…
A Iraola le atrae mucho el proyecto deportivo del Crystal Palace.
La oferta económica del club inglés es considerable: el entrenador parece muy dispuesto a aceptarla. https://t.co/SRCTmxa0pX
Moretto’s X post translates as: “Iraola is very attracted to Crystal Palace’s sporting project. The English club’s financial offer is considerable: the coach seems very willing to accept it.”
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This is certainly an intriguing situation, as Iraola looks more than capable of taking one of the bigger jobs, but may be set to decide against it for a variety of reasons.
Iraola record
Wins
Draws
Losses
Win %
Bournemouth
46
38
40
37.1
What does this latest Andoni Iraola update mean for Chelsea and Manchester United?
CaughtOffside will consult sources throughout the day to gain a better understanding of Iraola’s situation, but it may be that this latest update means the Chelsea and Man Utd jobs are now unlikely for the 43-year-old.
The Red Devils may well be leaning towards keeping interim manager Michael Carrick permanently, while the Blues have also been linked with other managers.
But Iraola will perhaps have looked at how exciting up-and-coming coaches like Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior, and Ruben Amorim have struggled at those clubs in recent times and decided he doesn’t want to risk his reputation like that.
Still, it’s also a big surprise that a top coach like Iraola is also prepared to leave 6th placed Bournemouth for 15th placed Palace.
Chelsea are reportedly one of the clubs keeping an eye on Darwin Nunez’s situation at Al Hilal, as we previously reported here.
The Uruguay international, who left Liverpool for the move to the Saudi Pro League last summer, looks likely to be on the move again this year after falling down the pecking order.
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According to the Daily Star, this has Chelsea and Newcastle United monitoring developments with Nunez, who could make sense as a tempting target if he’s available on loan or for a relatively cheap fee.
Nunez didn’t have the best scoring record at Liverpool, but he showed moments of real quality and could make sense as a squad player for top Premier League sides.
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Should Chelsea take a gamble on Darwin Nunez transfer?
Chelsea could definitely do with a signing or two up front this summer after the poor form of Liam Delap this season, while Nicolas Jackson will also surely leave after struggling to impress at Stamford Bridge, or whilst out on loan at Bayern Munich.
Still, is Nunez the answer? We previously ran this through our Transfer Fit rating system and his score isn’t great…
Darwin Nunez
TOTAL SCORE: 12/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
*
Achievements
***
Career phase
**
Squad need
****
This is the lower end of medium, so it might make sense as a bargain option to add depth in a problem area for CFC, but it’s not the kind of deal that will really lift them to a new level.
Chelsea have had a disappointing season and they can’t afford another poor transfer window after so many of last summer’s deals proved to be flops.
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The France international did not directly address Valverde in his social media post, but mainly focused on apologising to Real Madrid fans for the incident in the club’s locker room.
Valverde released a statement of his own, suggesting there had also been some rumours overplaying what took place, though Marca and others have all reported on a physical altercation that led to the Uruguay international needing hospital treatment.
Tchouameni now seems keen to move on and focus on the future, with the 26-year-old making it clear that he wanted to say sorry to the club’s supporters, making it clear that he knows what happened was unacceptable.
Aurelien Tchouameni statement in full
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable – I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school. No matter who is right or wrong, we should always look for the calmest solution to resolve a conflict,” he said.
Aurelien Tchouameni’s statement on Instagram
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club. I know the fans, the staff, my teammates, the management, everyone is deeply disappointed by the way this season has unfolded. But frustration cannot excuse everything. These incidents, even if they can happen in any dressing room, are not worthy of Real Madrid. Especially since Real Madrid is the most talked-about club in the world.
“Anyway, now is no longer the time to figure out who did what, who said what, or who was right or wrong. I acknowledge the club’s sanction and I accept it.We remain family, with disagreements at times but we must always put our objectives above everything else. I apologized to the group and I also want to extend my apologies to all Madridistas.”
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What next for Real Madrid?
While the Tchouameni and Valverde row may be behind us, it’s clear there are big problems at Real Madrid this season.
Xabi Alonso didn’t last long as manager, and interim Alvaro Arbeloa has seemingly struggled with a lack of authority over these players, Spanish football expert Ruairidh Barlow told CaughtOffside.
“The Valverde-Tchouameni tension is not something that we have heard about before this week, but it is symptomatic of a volcanic dressing room right now,” the Football Espana editor said.
“In that specific incident, after a fight on Wednesday, Valverde reportedly refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand, which led to another training session of intense tackles, and culminated in the fight.
“More widely, it’s just the latest incident in a number of feuds ongoing. As many as six players are supposedly not talking to manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio and Dani Carvajal have all fallen out with Arbeloa, and the latter’s frustration led to an injury to a youth player after a rash tackle.
“In the past week, we’ve heard about Kylian Mbappe getting angry at a member of the coaching staff, and Antonio Rudiger getting physical with Alvaro Carreras too.
“On the whole, the consensus is that this is the product of a dressing room that has been without leaders for some time, and without a manager to impose authority. With President Florentino Perez backing his stars over managers, and doing little to curb their behaviour himself, the lack of discipline has descended into the chaos we’re seeing this week.”
It seems clear that a major cultural change is needed at the Bernabeu, and that this is not just about a one-off incident between individuals.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was clearly not too happy with comments made by Mohamed Salah about standards at the club dropping once he leaves this summer.
It’s been a difficult season for the Reds, who have dropped down to fourth place and who are set to finish without any silverware despite spending huge sums of money in the transfer window last year.
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The dip in form of a star name like Salah has been part of the problem, and it seems there’s also no love lost between Slot and the Egypt international.
The pair clearly had their differences earlier this season, leading to Salah being dropped and then publicly slamming his manager before the issues eventually seemed to be resolved as the player returned to the team.
Arne Slot swipes back at Mohamed Salah’s standards comments
Now, however, a report from the Times has looked into how badly Slot seemed to react to comments made by Salah about standards slipping at Anfield next season.
The Dutch tactician reacted like a nerve had been touched, saying: “I did not hear him say that the standards are not OK now. Did you? If he goes all of a sudden [they will drop]… OK, as I just said… I’m not worried about it. At all.
“I’m not worried that the standards will be lower next season than they were this season, last season or the season before. No. I’m not worried. At all.”
Salah stats (Premier League)
Games
Goals
2024/25
38
29
2025/26
25
7
He also added a line that supposedly ‘lingered’ in the press conference, as he made the pointed dig: “The standards are not only important in the gym.”
This sounds like Slot surely suggesting Salah’s own standards on the pitch have not been good enough this season, even if his fitness levels remain good.
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Slot might be better off without Salah
Slot started well at Liverpool, winning the Premier League title in his first season in charge, but his second season has proven a huge challenge.
In fairness, it may be that this summer will represent a welcome fresh start for Slot at LFC, with the former Feyenoord manager perhaps better able to get his ideas across with more of his own players.
Mohamed Salah’s form in 2025/26 vs 2024/25 (DataMB)
Slot largely inherited Jurgen Klopp’s team when he took over, and while that meant he had a world class set of players to work with, it perhaps also made it harder for him to assert his authority once things started to go wrong.
Salah is also a big ego and perhaps a difficult character, even if some might argue there’s some justification in that as he’s one of the greatest Premier League players of all time.
We saw with Mikel Arteta and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Arsenal that sometimes talent alone isn’t enough for a winning project – the Spanish tactician took a gamble when he decided to let his star striker go, but it ended up being for the best.
Perhaps Slot’s frustration here is a sign that he and Salah simply don’t click in the way that’s necessary for a project at a top club to succeed, so Liverpool fans can perhaps have some cause for optimism once everyone starts with a clean slate next season.
Manchester United are looking to sign the West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The 21-year-old left back has excelled in the Premier League since joining the London club, and he impressed in the AFCON as well. There is no doubt he has the quality to play for Manchester United, and the Red Devils believe that he “ticks a lot of boxes” for them.
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Can Man United sign El Hadji Malick Diouf?
According to Football Insider, they are looking to capitalise on West Ham United’s struggles and sign the player. They are fighting for relegation, and they could end up in the championship soon. They will struggle to keep their best players in that case. The 21-year-old will want to compete in the Premier League, and Manchester United will be an attractive destination.
Manchester United need more quality in the left-back department. They need a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, and Diouf would be ideal. He could compete with Patrick Dorgu for the starting spot. He has been a reliable performer for West Ham United despite their struggles this season. He could improve further when playing on a better team alongside quality players.
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Manchester United could help him further develop and fulfil his potential. Champions League exposure could accelerate the development of the 21-year-old defender. It will be interesting to see if they can agree on a deal with West Ham in the coming weeks.
Manchester United have done well to return to the Champions League, and they will look to fight for trophies next year. They need to plug the weaknesses in their team during the summer transfer window. Apart from a quality left back, they should look to invest in a defensive midfielder and a central midfielder as well.
Tony Kroos was very critical with the modern stars as he hailed Ousmane Dembélé's attitude after being substituted.
Last Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain reached the Champions League final after drawing with Bayern Munich, thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembélé, who was replaced early. Toni Kroos used him as an example while criticizing modern stars on his podcast.
Kroos said: “Luis Enrique substitutes the best player in the world at 65 minutes and he leaves, that’s correct. He high-fives the manager and then he cheers for his teammates from the bench. There are certainly many counterexamples.”
Those were not the only compliments Kroos had to make: “You see how he screams for his teammates from the bench, unlike 90% of the rest who think they are the stars of their teams, making gestures on the field while walking off and then sitting on the bench with a bad expression on their face.”
Kroos on Luis Enrique
The former midfielder also spoke highly of the manager, pointing to Dembélé’s reaction when he was replaced by Bradley Barcola in a match that was still far from over. For the German, the respect Luis Enrique commands is important because he had strong managers throughout his career.
Dembélé didn’t complain about the substitution (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Choosing to keep Desiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the field while taking off the player who was crowned best last year was clearly a decision that could have made a difference, and that is what led to Kroos’ praise.
Kroos said: “Why did he take Dembélé out? Because the manager saw he was tired and that Doué and Kvaratskhelia were better that day, so he took him out. Period. Nobody complains. That shows the respect they have for the manager.”
Kroos also praised Kvaratskhelia
The other player he praised was the Georgian, for his talent combined with effort. Kvaratskhelia made a huge play in Paris Saint-Germain’s goal, carrying the ball half the field before providing an easy assist for his teammate: “He works like crazy, and he is still a world-class player.”
Robert Lewandowski could leave Barcelona this summer with MLS interested in the player as Chicago Fire's sporting director confirmed.
Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain, as his contract expires in June. There are plenty of clubs interested in a player of his caliber, even at 37 years old. While there had been reports that a move to MLS had cooled, Chicago Fire sporting director Gregg Broughton confirmed in an interview with TalkSport that he is still interested in him.
Broughton said: “Lewandowski is a player that MLS is interested in. It’s important to remember that in MLS, players belong to the league, not directly to the clubs. We have shown our interest in trying to bring a player of that caliber to Chicago. Robert is still a Barcelona player, and it wouldn’t be right to talk too much about a player who is under contract with another club.”
Lewandowski has shown that he can still be important in the biggest matches. Injuries have limited him a bit recently, but they have not been a recurring problem throughout his career. What could ultimately decide his departure from Barcelona is whether he agrees to lower his salary, something the club is expected to ask him to do.
Juventus and Milan are also interested
Lewandowski’s suitors could come from several places, with MLS facing strong competition from Saudi Arabia if the forward wants more money. However, those are not the only possible options.
Lewandowski didn’t play at his usual level (Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
If the Polish striker decides he still wants to continue at the highest competitive level after leaving his current club, Italy is the main country showing interest, with several big clubs already talking to his agent.
Those clubs are Juventus and Milan, both of which could offer a much lower salary than other markets. Barcelona representative Deco is set to meet with the player’s agent, Pini Zahavi, according to Sport. Until Lewandowski decides whether or not to stay, interested clubs will have to wait.
Lewandowski’s numbers
Lewandowski is finishing the season with his weakest numbers since his first year at Borussia Dortmund, when he scored nine goals, well below his usual standard. Barcelona have only used him in 42 matches this season and he has scored 18 goals.
Jose Mourinho’s name is suddenly back at the center of discussions around the club, while Alvaro Arbeloa’s future appears increasingly uncertain as tensions continue to rise behind the scenes at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kylian Mbappe’s second season at Real Madrid has turned into far more than a soccer story on the pitch. Jose Mourinho’s name is suddenly back at the center of discussions around the club, while Alvaro Arbeloa’s future appears increasingly uncertain as tensions continue to rise behind the scenes at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The atmosphere around the Spanish giant has reportedly become chaotic in recent weeks. From dressing-room disputes to disagreements involving senior stars, Real Madrid is now facing one of its most turbulent periods in years as the club searches for answers before next season begins.
The situation escalated dramatically following reports of a physical altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni during training. According to multiple reports from Diario AS, COPE, and OndaCero, Valverde was later taken to hospital after suffering a head injury during the incident.
The conflict reportedly exposed deeper fractures inside the dressing room. Several players are said to have stopped speaking to Alvaro Arbeloa, while the squad has allegedly split into different groups following a difficult campaign without major trophies.
Tchouameni and Valverde had a discussion
Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier in the season after Zinedine Zidane declined a return, has come under increasing pressure. Fabrizio Romano reported that the former defender has “less than 10% chances to stay” at the end of the season, with the club already preparing for change.
Arbeloa blamed as Mbappe becomes part of the growing controversy
The former Real Madrid defender initially arrived with hopes of calming the squad and rebuilding harmony. Instead, reports claim the board has become frustrated with his handling of the dressing room, particularly after the Valverde-Tchouameni incident.
“Arbeloa didn’t intervene at all during yesterday’s fight — Real Madrid board are aware of that,”El Mundo stated. That detail reportedly angered figures inside the club hierarchy, who now view the manager as unable to control the situation.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, congratulates Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid for scoring.
According to Diario AS, at least six players have effectively fallen out with Arbeloa. Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio, and Alvaro Carreras were all mentioned in reports surrounding internal disagreements with the coach.
Mbappe’s arrival in the summer of 2024 was initially viewed as the beginning of a new golden era. Instead, several reports now claim that his signing unintentionally accelerated tensions inside the squad. There are also claims that the Frenchman frustrated teammates after travelling to Italy during a difficult stretch of the season rather than remaining closer to the squad.
Mourinho talks intensify behind the scenes as Madrid’s key decision emerges
As the crisis deepened, Mourinho’s name quickly re-emerged as a serious candidate for the job. Reports from The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Real Madrid has already opened discussions with the Portuguese manager’s representatives.
🚨 Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place.
Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid.
Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.
The final decision on Mourinho’s return now rests with Florentino Perez, who is personally driving the process behind the scenes. Fabrizio Romano revealed on X (formerly Twitter):“Operation Mourinho has started at Real Madrid.” He also noted that “it depends on Madrid. Up to Florentino Perez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.”
Florentino Perez (left) and Jose Mourinho (right)
The implication is clear: the structure of the club is weighing a decisive shift in leadership direction. The Portuguese boss reportedly remains open to returning to the Bernabeu despite currently managing Benfica. His contract supposedly includes a release clause worth around $3.5 million, a figure Real Madrid could easily activate if Perez chooses to move forward in a bid to reset control.
Jose Mourinho (left), Kylian Mbappe (center), and Alvaro Arbeloa (right)
The Milan forward remains one of the biggest faces in American soccer, but questions surrounding his recent form have followed him into the final stretch of the season.
Christian Pulisichas found himself under a brighter spotlight than ever before as the 2026 World Cup approaches on home soil for the USMNT. The Milan forward remains one of the biggest faces in American soccer, but questions surrounding his recent form have followed him into the final stretch of the season.
Pulisic entered 2026 in excellent form after a brilliant first half of the campaign with Milan. Before the turn of the year, he had already scored 10 goals across competitions and was widely considered one of the club’s most consistent attacking players.
However, the months that followed brought a rare drought for the American star. Pulisic has failed to score for either Milan or the United States throughout 2026 so far, leading to growing criticism from supporters and pundits alike. According to ESPN, it is the longest goal drought of his club career.
The attention around his form became even louder because of the timing. The United States is preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with Pulisic expected to carry the national team as its leading figure.
“You have to have that kind of delusional confidence.” Christian Pulisic is already the most influential American men’s soccer player in history. In a rare interview, Pulisic talks about his career progression, playing the World Cup on home soil, and more: https://t.co/9MoImpqnCzpic.twitter.com/UFK2gicfQJ
The pressure surrounding Pulisic grew even more after he appeared on the cover of TIMEmagazine. The feature described him as “already the most influential American men’s soccer player in the country’s 250-year history.”
Pulisic finally reveals his response to critics
While many questioned how he planned to escape the slump, Pulisic delivered a blunt answer that quickly went viral. The Milan star’s plan to silence critics is simple: score goals again.“I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man,” Pulisic told TIME when asked about his drought.
The American also explained why criticism frustrates him more during periods away from matches. “That time was difficult for me, because normally I can shut people up with my play. That’s what I’ve done my whole career,” he admitted. “I’m in my offseason, so people are just talking about me, and I can’t just go freaking score and shut them up.”
Pre-game hype ritual? Toughest defender he’s ever faced? First thing he does after a big win? American soccer standout Christian Pulisic shares all, including his soccer GOAT. Read the full profile of Pulisic here: https://t.co/0VdAZ7Bu0ypic.twitter.com/DPgfqtRjEg
Those comments reflected a player who still believes fully in his ability despite the outside noise. Pulisic has built much of his career on responding during difficult moments, whether at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, or now Milan.
The World Cup dream still drives him
Throughout the interviews, one theme continued to emerge: Pulisic’s belief in the USMNT’s potential at the World Cup. Even after recent defeats in friendlies and growing criticism around the squad, he refuses to lower expectations.
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States looks on
“That’s just not how I work,” Pulisic said when asked about making promises for the tournament. “But I can sit in my bed at night and picture holding up the World Cup trophy. I did that as a kid. I’m not going to stop. You have to believe. Why not?”
His longtime teammate Weston McKennie also backed him strongly during the difficult stretch. “I don’t think any of us are worried whether he’s going to be firing on all cylinders,” McKennie said. “It may not be clicking for him right now. But I have no doubt it will be at the World Cup.”
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States dribbles
Lionel Messi hailed Lamine Yamal as the most similar player to him from his Barcelona days.
The connection between these players keeps growing, as they are among the most talented to emerge in years. Lionel Messi has always praised the Barcelona star whenever he gets the chance, and this time he chose Lamine Yamal as the player who looks the most like him during an Adidas event.
Messi said: “There’s a new generation of players that’s very good and has many years ahead, but if I have to choose one for his age, for what he has done so far and for the future he could have, it’s Yamal. There’s no doubt, he’s the best.”
Even if these two have not faced each other on the field since the cancellation of the Finalissima, the respect between them is clear as Messi has consistently supported Barcelona’s young heir.
Messi compared to Yamal
Longevity may be a major advantage for Messi, since he is still making a difference 20 years after his debut. But the comparison goes the other way when you look at the start of their careers, where Yamal has been far more productive early on.
Yamal was decisive in the Euro for Spain (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Yamal turns 19 in July, but he will not play another match for Barcelona before then, so his current club record stands at 151 appearances and 49 goals. He was also last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up.
Messi was expected to be great from a young age, but he did not become a regular first-team player until the 2006-07 season, after his 19th birthday. At the same age Yamal is now, Messi had played 34 matches and scored nine goals.
More differences with their respective countries
The gap in club appearances is significant, but it is even larger at international level. Yamal was called up to Spain’s senior team at 16 years and 50 days, and even in a very strong national side he became decisive in their 2024 European Championship title run. Messi was part of Argentina’s 2006 World Cup squad as a substitute, and had played six matches at age 19.
FIFA are planning to hold opening ceremonies featuring major artists in each of the three host countries for the 2026 World Cup: Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Final preparations are being made for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will begin in just over a month, and more details about the tournament plans are gradually emerging. Since this will be the first edition of the competition hosted by three countries — Mexico, Canada, and the United States — it will feature several unique elements compared to previous tournaments.
“FIFA are planning to hold opening ceremonies at each of the first games of the World Cup featuring host nations this summer, as well as special ceremonies to mark America’s 250th anniversary at games in Houston and Philadelphia on July 4,” journalist Adam Crafton reported Friday in The Athletic.
The first match of the World Cup will take place on Thursday, June 11, at Estadio Azteca, where Mexico and South Africa will open Group A. “This will feature performances from the multi-Grammy-award winning Mexican rock band Mana, as well as popstar Alejandro Fernandez and singer Belinda,” the report states. Los Angeles Azules and Tyla are also reportedly expected to participate.
One day later, Group B action will begin at BMO Field in Toronto, where Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hosts are also expected to have their own pregame show. According to The Athletic, Canadian singers Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette, and Alessia Cara are among the stars set to perform at the event.
Estadio Azteca will host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The United States to host multiple special events
Like Mexico and Canada, the United States will also have its own opening ceremony when the USMNT make their World Cup debut against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, June 12.
“Katy Perry is lined up as the headliner. Other American talent signed up by FIFA includes the rapper Future, as well as Bangladeshi-American Sanjoy, who is a Los Angeles-based DJ,” Adam Crafton reported. In addition, South Korean girl group Blackpink and Paraguayan artist Marilina Bogado have also reportedly been hired by FIFA.
But that will not be the only special occasion for the United States. During the World Cup, the country will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Because of that, the matches played on July 4 will include special celebrations, although few details have been revealed so far.
The teams participating in those two matches have not yet been determined, since both games belong to the Round of 16. The first will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and could feature France and Germany if both teams finish first in their groups and then advance through the Round of 32, although there is also a chance the USMNT could be involved. The other match will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston, with Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and the Netherlands among the potential participants.
Canada's Alphonso Davies, Mexico's Raul Jimenez, and USMNT's Christian Pulisic.
Behind the scenes, however, the aftermath of that celebration would soon take a far more serious turn for Al-Bulayhi, even as Ronaldo’s side walked away with another crucial victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo once again found himself at the center of Saudi Pro League drama after a decisive performance against Al-Shabab, while Ali Al-Bulayhi became the subject of intense scrutiny following a provocative goal celebration involving Al-Hilal. The match carried extra tension because of Al-Nassr’s ongoing title fight with its direct rival club. Behind the scenes, however, the aftermath of that celebration would soon take a far more serious turn for Al-Bulayhi, even as Ronaldo’s side walked away with another crucial victory.
The Portuguese superstar played a key role in Al-Nassr’s 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab, scoring a second-half goal that restored control during a tense period of the match. The win helped the club extend its lead over Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi league table.
Joao Felix stole headlines with a hat-trick, but Ronaldo’s contribution carried major weight in the title race. His finish came at a stage when Al-Shabab had begun to threaten a comeback, making the goal even more significant in context. The match took a dramatic turn when Ali Al-Bulayhi, playing against Al-Nassr while on loan at Al-Shabab, scored to bring the scoreline to 3-2.
What followed quickly became one of the most talked-about incidents of the season. After finding the net, loanee Al-Bulayhi pulled out a shin guard displaying the crest of Al-Hilal and kissed it in front of the cameras. The gesture was widely interpreted as a bold reference to his parent club, which is also locked in a fierce title race with Al-Nassr.
🔥🚨COINCIDENCIA QUE #ALBULAYHI HALLA CELEBRADO CON LA ESPINILLERA DEL ALHILAL?
The celebration divided opinion immediately. Some saw it as harmless loyalty to his parent club, while others viewed it as disrespectful toward Al-Shabab, the club he was representing at the time.
Al-Shabab makes strong internal decision
The situation escalated quickly after the match, with reports confirming a severe reaction from within Al-Shabab. Apparently, Ali Al-Bulayhi has now been removed from the squad following the controversy surrounding his celebration, as revealed byShabab1Worldon X (formerly Twitter). The club views the incident as disrespectful toward the institution.
The removal effectively sidelines the defender from the upcoming three fixtures, against Neom, Al-Ittihad, and the Saudi Pro League final matchday, against Al-Najma. What initially looked like a bold act of defiance toward Ronaldo and Al-Nassr suddenly became a moment that could seriously damage the defender’s standing at his current club.
The reports created even more tension because Al-Bulayhi’s goal had briefly threatened to reopen the title race. Had Al-Shabab found an equalizer, Al-Hilal would have gained a massive psychological advantage heading into the upcoming derby against Al-Nassr. Instead, the Knight of Najd survived the scare and sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Joao Felix converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick.
Ali Al-Bulayhi of team AL Shabab FC
What did Al-Bulayhi say?
Former Saudi international Fahad Al Harifi also criticised the gesture, insisting that “professionalism and respect should always come first, regardless of loan situations or previous club affiliations.”
As criticism intensified, the 36-year-old released a public apology addressing both the club and its supporters. He insisted that the celebration was spontaneous and not intended to offend anyone. “I present my apology to the historic Al-Shabab club and its loyal supporters… my expression of joy was spontaneous, without any intention of offense,” he said in a statement.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for what could become the biggest match of the Saudi Pro League season, but attention has suddenly shifted toward Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez after an injury scare in the King’s Cup final.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for what could become the biggest match of the Saudi Pro League season, but attention has suddenly shifted toward Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez after an injury scare in the King’s Cup final. The timing could hardly be more dramatic: with the Riyadh derby only days away, concern has started to grow around one of Al-Hilal’s most influential recent arrivals.
Al-Hilal lifted the King’s Cup after defeating Al-Kholood 2-1 in a dramatic final. Simone Inzaghi secured his first trophy since arriving in Saudi Arabia, continuing a remarkable run that has seen his side lose only once in 50 matches. Nevertheless, the evening started badly for the Blue Waves after Ramiro Enrique stunned the crowd with an early opener for Al-Kholood.
The response, however, showed exactly why the club remains one of the dominant forces in Saudi soccer. Nasser Al-Dawsari equalized shortly before halftime with a thunderous strike that reignited the atmosphere inside the stadium. Moments later, Theo Hernandez completed the comeback with a powerful low finish from outside the area after receiving a pass from Karim Benzema.
The French defender delivered one of his best performances since joining Al-Hilal. He recorded a goal, a key pass, five duel wins, and maintained a 90 percent passing accuracy while constantly threatening down the left flank. According to Sofascore’s post-match statistics, the Frenchman completed 54 of his 60 passes and remained heavily involved throughout the final. His display helped Al-Hilal secure its 10th King’s Cup title, reinforcing the growing belief that the club can still turn the league race around.
Hernandez’s injury concern suddenly changed the mood
The celebrations did not last long without concern, though. During the second half, Hernandez appeared uncomfortable and was eventually forced off after suffering a calf issue. At first, there was uncertainty regarding the severity of the problem. The sight of the defender walking off without assistance offered some encouragement, but medical analysis later suggested the situation may still require close monitoring.
— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) May 8, 2026
Saudi physical therapist specialist Thamer Al-Shahrani later explained the nature of the injury. According to his assessment on X (formerly Twitter), Hernandez suffered “a calf muscle injury caused by a minor sprain, which could lead to sudden internal tightening of the muscle.”
The specialist also revealed two possible scenarios. “Best case scenario: just a strain and he could be available for the match against Al-Nassr,” he explained. However, the warning attached to the second possibility immediately raised concern inside Al-Hilal circles. “Worst case scenario: a muscle tear, even if minor, which would rule him out of the Al-Nassr match.”
An injury forced Theo Hernandez off, but with him walking off unaided, it’s too early to tell how serious it is. pic.twitter.com/yvmI8lN5pK
Al-Nassr waits as the title race reaches boiling point
Naturally, the developments surrounding Hernandez are being watched closely by Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. Next Tuesday’s showdown between the Riyadh rivals could ultimately decide the destination of the Saudi Pro League trophy.
Al-Nassr currently sits five points clear at the top of the table, although Al-Hilal still holds a game in hand. Victory for Ronaldo’s side would virtually secure the championship and end the club’s long wait for another league crown.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Karim Benzema (right)
The pressure surrounding the match has only intensified because of Ronaldo’s own recent form. The Portuguese superstar reached 100 Saudi Pro League goals during the 4-2 victory against Al-Shabab, continuing a remarkable campaign at the age of 41.
For Ronaldo, winning the Saudi Pro League would represent one of the defining achievements of his move to the Middle East. Since arriving in Riyadh in late 2022, he has transformed the global perception of Saudi soccer while helping attract some of the sport’s biggest stars to the league.
Theo Hernandez, Karim Benzema (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)
Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho voiced their support for Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the tournament being just around the corner, it is still unclear whether Neymar will be part of Brazil’s squad. Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that he will consider the forward only if he is in perfect physical condition, making every match crucial in that pursuit. Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, both former teammates of Ney, recently shared their thoughts on the matter.
“Does Neymar have to go to the World Cup?” Messi was asked during a recent interview on Lo Del Pollo. “I can’t be objective. Neymar is a friend, and obviously I would love for him to be at the World Cup and for good things to happen to him. He deserves it because of the kind of person he is,” the Argentine forward began.
“It would be great to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to soccer. Hopefully he can be there,” Messi later added. The Argentine star played alongside Neymar at Barcelona between 2013 and 2017, and later at Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2023.
“At the World Cup, we want the best players to be there, and Ney, no matter what condition he’s in, will always be one of them,” Leo said, dismissing the doubts many have raised because of Neymar’s physical problems in recent years. “I can’t be objective because for me he always has to be there.”
Messi discusses his relationship with Neymar
After spending six years together in Spain and France, and also facing each other several times internationally in matches between Argentina and Brazil, Neymar and Lionel Messi built a friendship that remains strong to this day, despite no longer seeing each other regularly.
“We talk from time to time, and we have a friendship that goes back many years,” Messi explained in the same interview. “He has a very special charisma. He doesn’t pretend to be someone he’s not. He lives his life exactly as he is and acts according to what he feels and thinks, without caring about the repercussions. He lives his life, he’s happy, and he’s very genuine.”
Ronaldinho also pushes for Neymar
Almost simultaneously with Lionel Messi’s comments, another soccer legend also expressed support for Neymar’s return to the Brazil national team ahead of the World Cup. “It would be crazy,” Ronaldinho said about the possibility of Neymar being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad for North America 2026 during a conversation with Denilson shared by GeGlobo.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho não ficou em cima do muro. Ele levaria o Neymar pra Copa: "É o melhor deles todos". No Esporte Espetacular deste domingo, Denilson conversa sobre Copa do Mundo, carreira e samba com Ronaldinho Gaúcho. #esporteespetacularpic.twitter.com/yEyu2epsu9
“The only way I would understand it is if there’s some injury issue,” added the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner. “But if he’s healthy, there’s no way he shouldn’t go, right? With all due respect to everyone else, in my opinion, he’s the best of them all.”
Real Madrid icon Guti defended Kylian Mbappé amid private life discussions.
It was an unusual week for Real Madrid as they prepare for Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona. The scandal involving Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni drew most of the attention, but Kylian Mbappe was already on the fans’ radar before that. For club icon Guti, his personal life is not an issue, as he said on Radio Marca.
Guti said when asked about the French forward: “What I care about is that Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, Carreras, Lunin do things well on the field. Outside of that, I don’t care what they do. It’s their personal life and each person does what they want with their time off. When they are on the field and they are not doing things correctly, let’s criticize them. But when they are out of it, let’s leave them alone.”
These comments came after the controversy surrounding Mbappe’s arrival in Spain at almost the same time his teammates were about to kick off the match against Espanyol, a game that could have decided La Liga. His recent trips with his reported girlfriend angered some supporters, especially as he has been dealing with an injury.
Guti would like Vitinha at Real Madrid
While he was not as famous as some of his teammates during the Galácticos era, Guti was always a respected figure in the dressing room. Coming through the club’s youth system gave him a connection to Real Madrid that others did not have.
Guti was a talented midfielder (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
His style of play also fit what the club likes to see in its players, as the midfielder had a flair with his left foot that few could match. That makes him a natural person to weigh in on who the best midfielder for Real Madrid might be right now.
Guti said: “In Spain, Pedri is above everybody. If it’s around the world, I think there are other players at his level like Vitinha. He’s a great player. He’s one of the most complete players in the world. Arda Guler is going to grow too. Vitinha at Real Madrid wouldn’t be bad. Great players should be there, he’s the best at his position.”
Guti’s record with Real Madrid
Guti played almost his entire career at Real Madrid. Injuries kept him from reaching his full potential, but he still managed to contribute to the club from 1995 to 2010. He played 542 matches and scored 77 goals while winning 15 titles. His final year as a player was with Besiktas before he retired in 2011.
The 2025-26 Serie B season has drawn to a close, and Frosinone now know that they will be joining Venezia in Serie A in 2026-27, confirming a second-place finish with an emphatic 5-0 win over Mantova on Friday night.
Confirmed: Venezia and Frosinone promoted to Serie A after one year
Venezia were promoted last weekend, with one round of fixtures left to play, and they have now been confirmed as champions of Serie B for 2025-26. Giovanni Stroppa’s side closed the season with a 2-0 win at home against Palermo on Friday night.
Venezia will be joined in Serie A by Frosinone, who finished the campaign on 81 points after 38 matches, one shy of the league champions.
VENICE, ITALY – MAY 25: Fans of Venezia create a TIFO in the stands prior to the Serie A match between Venezia and Juventus at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 25, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Both Venezia and Frosinone were relegated from Serie A at the end of the 2024-25 campaign and have earned promotion at the first time of asking.
The Serie B play-offs have now been set as well.
Monza and Palermo finished the season in third and fourth place respectively, which means that they are guaranteed a spot in the play-off semi-finals.
MONZA, ITALY – MAY 04: A general view of the U-Power Stadium ahead of the Serie A match between AC Monza and Atalanta BC at U-Power Stadium on May 04, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Catanzaro finished in fifth, Modena in sixth, Juve Stabia in seventh and Avellino in eighth, and they will all contest in the preliminary round of the play-offs.
Catanzaro (fifth) will take on Avellino (eighth), and Modena (sixth) will take on Juve Stabia (seventh) in a one-legged play-off match on Tuesday, May 12.
The play-off semi-finals will be played over two legs, home and away, on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, with the return legs set for May 19 and May 20. The play-off final is also a two-legged affair and will take place on Sunday, May 24 and Friday, May 29.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Serie B table, it has been confirmed that Pescara, Spezia and Reggiana have been relegated and Bari and Sudtirol will take part in the relegation play-out.
Sassuolo claimed a second-half lead away against Torino in Serie A on Friday evening, but the hosts struck back with two goals within the space of four minutes to extend the team’s unbeaten home run to five matches: Kristjan Thorstvedt, Giovanni Simeone and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen with the goals.
Torino were coming in off the back of a 2-0 defeat against Udinese and decided to make two changes to their starting line-up on Friday evening. Despite beating Milan 2-0 last weekend, Fabio Grosso changed half of his outfielders, with the likes of Andrea Pinamonti, Cristian Volpato and Luca Lipani returning to the starting XI.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 08: Roberto D’Aversa gestures during the Serie A match between Torino FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Pinamonti registered the first shot on target less than two minutes in after being slipped into the area by Cristian Volpato. Pinamonti tried to find the far corner of the net, but Alberto Paleari was well positioned to make the save.
Gvidas Gineitis had to improvise for Torino’s first attempt on target 10 minutes in, but Arijanet Muric was able to get down to his left to prevent what turned out to be a relatively tame effort.
Alieu Njie came within inches of opening the scoring when his header bounced off the crossbar twice from Gineitis’s corner. Part of the ball had crossed the goalline, but importantly, not all of it.
Down at the other end, Lipani was allowed to dribble his way as far as the corner of the six-yard box, but he then found himself at a difficult angle, and Paleari had come out to narrow the angle.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 08: Kristian Thorstvedt of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
The deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the re-start. Nemanja Matic’s shot from the edge of the area was blocked, but fell kindly into the path of Lipani, who managed to squeeze in a cross from the right byline and Thorstvedt was on hand to finish it off in the middle of the six-yard box.
It took a quarter of an hour for Torino to come up with a response. Ebosse whipped in a perfect deep cross from the left flank and Simeone pulled out a trademark centre-forward’s header, drilled into the floor and bouncing into the corner past Muric.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 08: Giovanni Simeone celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Simeone has now scored in each of his last five home matches in Serie A.
It turned out to be a quickfire turnaround for the Granata. Duvan Zapata clipped in a cross from the left-hand side of the penalty area, and Pedersen raced to meet it at the far post. This was the Norwegian’s first goal in Serie A, coming in his 84th appearance.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 08: Marcus Pedersen celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Tonight’s result means that Torino jump up one position in the Serie A table into 12th, while Sassuolo keep hold of 10th place.
Torino 2-1 Sassuolo
Thorstvedt (S) 51′, Simeone (T) 66′, Pedersen (T) 70′.
West Ham are fighting for survival in the Premier League, and it remains to be seen whether they can stay up. They are already lacking in quality in the attacking unit, and keeping Summerville at the club would be ideal for them. It seems unlikely that they will sanction his departure.
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If they do go down at the end of the season, it will be difficult for them to keep their best players. The former Leeds United attacker will want to move on and join a Premier League club. He is too good to play in the Championship, and he will not want to continue with West Ham United if they are relegated.
Meanwhile, Leeds are well placed to secure safety in the Premier League this season, and they need to keep improving the team in order to sustain their place in the top flight regularly. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in the right players during the summer transfer window and improve on this season.
Leicester City are looking to bring in a new manager at the end of the season after their relegation to League One.
They are looking at multiple candidates, and Gary Rowett is currently in charge on a short-term basis. He will move on eventually, and several names are under consideration as the Foxes look to rebuild the team and bounce back next season.
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Darren Ferguson is open to the Leicester job
They have been linked with a move for the former Manchester United player Darren Ferguson in recent weeks. Ferguson is the son of Sir Alex Ferguson, and Leicester City have recently contacted the 54-year-old.
According to a report from talkSPORT, he is open to taking the Leicester City job following their relegation, and it remains to be seen whether all parties can finalise an agreement quickly.
The manager was recently shown the door by Peterborough United after a run of results. He will be hoping for another opportunity to showcase his managerial qualities, and Leicester City could be an interesting option. Ferguson guided Peterborough to an EFL Trophy final win over Birmingham last season.
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The Foxes will be desperate to bounce back strongly next season. A club of their stature will not want to compete in League One for the long term. They will look to get back up quickly.
They will need to get the managerial decision spot on in the summer. They have quality players at their disposal, and the right manager can bring out the best in them and help them push for promotion.
They are preparing for a crucial new chapter in their history, and it remains to be seen whether Ferguson is the right man to guide them back to the Championship next season.
Sunderland are expected to part ways with Dan Cameron at the end of the season.
According to a report from Sunderland Echo, the 20-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Sunderland have decided to let him move on. They will not trigger the extension clause in his deal.
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Dan Cameron set for summer exit
Cameron signed a professional contract with Sunderland in 2024, and his contract runs out in the summer. He is yet to make a senior appearance for the club, and it is no surprise that Sunderland have decided to let him leave.
It will be interesting to see if he can find a suitable destination for himself. The talented goalkeeper has a bright future, but he needs to join the right team where he can play regularly. He has been on loan at Hebburn Town in recent months and has kept 8 clean sheets. Regular football could bring out the best in him.
It appears that multiple League Two clubs are monitoring his development. It remains to be seen where he ends up.
Meanwhile, it has been an impressive season for Sunderland so far, and they will be hoping to finish in the mid-table positions. They need to keep improving the team if they want to establish themselves as regulars in the Premier League.
They need to keep their best players and add more quality in the summer. Players like Cameron will not be able to help them improve in the Premier League, and it makes sense for the club to let them move on and bring in upgrades.
The 20-year-old will look to fulfil his potential with regular football at another club.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been linked with a move away from LOSC Lille at the end of the season.
The 21-year-old attacker has done quite well for the French outfit, and he is a target for Arsenal and Manchester City.
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Matias Fernandez-Pardo would be a handy option
Fernandez-Pardo can operate as a forward as well as a winger. He could prove to be an excellent acquisition for the two Premier League clubs. They need more creativity and goals in the final third, and the 21-year-old could be a handy option.
According to a report from Sports Boom, the young attacker is the perfect combination of speed, technique and physicality. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. The French outfit does not want to lose a player, but will not turn down a massive offer in the summer. The Spanish under-21 international has a contract with Lille until 2029.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal is prepared to break the bank for him. They need to find an upgrade on Noni Madueke. The versatile 21-year-old could be the ideal acquisition. The player could cost around €55 million, and Arsenal certainly have the financial resources to get the deal done.
They are closing in on the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League trophy. Adding more quality to the team will help them sustain their current run form. The 21-year-old attacker would be a superb long-term investment.
Manchester City are looking to add more cutting-edge in the final third as well, and it will be interesting to see if they can beat Arsenal to the signing of Fernandez-Pardo.
The 21-year-old attacker has eight goals and seven assists this season. His numbers could improve when he’s playing alongside top-quality players at Arsenal or Manchester City next season.
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Ederson has been linked with Arsenal
The 26-year-old has done quite well for the Italian outfit, and he could be an excellent acquisition for Arsenal. They need more technical ability, control, and composure in the middle of the park, and the Brazilian could help them improve. The report from TEAMtalk claims Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is a huge admirer of the South American.
Similarly, he will add control and composure in the middle of the park for Liverpool as well. They have struggled in the middle of the park this season, and the Brazilian could help solve that problem.
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The 26-year-old is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge and join a big club. Arsenal are closing in on the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League. The opportunity to play for them will be quite exciting for the Brazilian.
It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can beat Manchester United and Liverpool to his signature. Other clubs from across Europe are also monitoring the Brazilian midfielder’s situation. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.
Tchouameni said: “I am sorry for the image we projected of the club. I know the fans, the staff, my teammates, the management, everyone is deeply disappointed by the way this season has unfolded. But frustration cannot excuse everything. These incidents, even if they can happen in any dressing room, are not worthy of Real Madrid. Especially since Real Madrid is the most talked-about club in the world.”
That comes as no surprise, with Valverde and the club already having expressed their views this way. While Tchouameni could still play at Camp Nou this weekend, the dressing room will need to stay united, since even a draw would crown their rivals.
Aurelien Tchouameni’s full message
What happened this week in training is unacceptable.
I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school. No matter who is right or wrong, we should always look for the calmest solution to resolve a conflict.
Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club. I know the fans, the staff, my teammates, the management, everyone is deeply disappointed by the way this season has unfolded. But frustration cannot excuse everything. These incidents, even if they can happen in any dressing room, are not worthy of Real Madrid. Especially since Real Madrid is the most talked-about club in the world.
The internet loves to invent the wildest stories for the buzz so don’t believe everything that’s being said or the false narrative.
Anyway, now is no longer the time to figure out who did what, who said what, or who was right or wrong. I acknowledge the club’s sanction and I accept it. We remain a family, with disagreements at times, but we must always put our objectives above everything else. I have apologized to the group, and I also want to extend my apologies to all Madridistas.
Now it is time to move forward, and all our focus is on El Clásico and on the season ahead, to bring the club back to the top, where it belongs.
Valverde to miss time
Tchouameni came out of the incident in the best position. Even though Valverde said there was no fight, he was the one who ended up hurt. The Uruguayan needed stitches and will be unavailable for 10 to 14 days.
Reactions around the world were strongly critical of the incident, mainly because they had also had a disagreement the day before and were unable to move past it, leaving the club under pressure.
Real Madrid ultimately chose to hand down a clear warning by fining both players to set an example of what the club will not accept. Sporting sanctions were not applied, so both players can still be available for selection.
Canada addressed the injury suffered by Alphonso Davies just over a month before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Alarm bells rang in Canada on Friday after it was confirmed that Alphonso Davies suffered an injury while playing for Bayern Munich. The issue will require several weeks of recovery, putting his return date dangerously close to the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Alphonso Davies suffered a muscle injury in his left hamstring during Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, as confirmed by an examination by the FC Bayern medical unit,” the German side announced in a statement published on its official website on Friday.
The left-back had started the match against PSG on the bench and entered in the 67th minute in place of Josip Stanisic. Shortly after coming on, he assisted Harry Kane for Bayern Munich’s equalizer, although it was not enough to prevent elimination. During his nearly half-hour on the field, Davies also picked up the injury that has now sidelined him.
“The Canada international will therefore be out of action for several weeks,” the statement added. While that does not provide an exact timetable for Davies’ return, it does offer some indication of what could happen in the near future.
Alphonso Davies suffered a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh during the semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain and will therefore be out for several weeks.
Bayern Munich still have two Bundesliga matches remaining this season, although they carry little significance with the title already secured. The situation is different for the May 23 clash against Stuttgart, where Bayern will compete for the DFB-Pokal title. However, it seems difficult to imagine Davies being fully recovered in time for that match.
Canada respond to Alphonso Davies injury
News of Davies’ injury resonated not only in Germany, but naturally in Canada as well. “We’re behind you, Captain,” began the message shared by the national team Friday on its official X account. “We are in close contact with Alphonso and remain in touch with Bayern’s medical team following his recent setback.”
We’re behind you, Captain 🇨🇦
We are in close contact with Alphonso and remain in touch with Bayern’s medical team following his recent setback.
Our focus is on supporting his recovery and providing every available resource, including specialized soft tissue expertise, to give… pic.twitter.com/XGPpKsorSP
Regarding the next steps, Canada explained: “Our focus is on supporting his recovery and providing every available resource, including specialized soft tissue expertise, to give him the best possible pathway back to full fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup.”
Canada will open their 2026 World Cup campaign on Friday, June 12, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first Group B match at BMO Field in Toronto. That gives Alphonso Davies more than a month to regain full fitness and arrive at the tournament in optimal condition.
Reports in Italy claim that Premier League side Chelsea could be poised to make a move for Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic in the coming summer transfer window, but they are not the only club interested in a deal for the Serbia international.
Chelsea and Manchester United interested in Milan’s Pavlovic
Pavlovic has spent the last two seasons in San Siro, joining in a deal worth €18m plus add-ons from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024.
He had to wait until the end of the 2024-25 season to become a regular starter for the Rossoneri, but has since gone on to make a strong impression in 2025-26 with four goals and an assist to his name from 31 appearances in the Italian top flight.
His performances from the left side of Milan’s back three have begun to attract the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and most recently Chelsea according to reports from Calciomercato.com. Several Saudi Pro League clubs are also said to be interested.
Calciomercato claims that it is Chelsea who have shown the most interest in signing Pavlovic this summer, though.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan runs with the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Milan are reportedly keen to keep hold of Pavlovic for the 2026-27 campaign, but it is unlikely that the Rossoneri would block a move away from San Siro if an enticing offer were to come in, as has been the case with Malick Thiaw, Tijjani Reijnders and Sandro Tonali in recent seasons.
Milan reportedly value Pavlovic in the region of €50m, which would not be out of the question for a club with Chelsea’s resources.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are likely to move on centre-back Benoit Badiashile this summer, who has previously been linked with a move to Milan, however, the Rossoneri are not interested in including part-exchange players in a potential deal for Pavlovic, reports Calciomercato.
Instead, Milan are said to be interested in a deal for Lazio’s Mario Gila, and a sale of Pavlovic may provide the funds to pull that move off.
Torino and Sassuolo have made a handful of alterations each as the 36th round of 2025-26 Serie A fixtures gets underway on Friday night.
Torino began April in encouraging form with wins against Pisa and Hellas Verona, before recording back-to-back draws against Cremonese and newly-crowned champions Inter, but slipped to a 2-0 defeat away against Udinese last weekend.
Roberto D’Aversa’s side find themselves in 13th place ahead of kick-off.
Sassuolo have been in decent form over their last six matches. They have only lost once in that period, are currently three games unbeaten and have picked up encouraging results against Juventus, Como and most recently, a 2-0 win over Milan.
Fabio Grosso’s side are 10th in the league in their first season back in the top flight after promotion.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Armand Laurienté of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Torino have opted to make a handful of personnel changes: Cesare Casadei and Emirhan Ilkhan dropping out of the line-up to make way for Matteo Prati and Alieu Njie.
Despite their victory over Milan last weekend, Sassuolo have also made changes with Jay Idzes, Ulisses Garcia, Ismael Kone, Domenico Berardi and Mbala Nzola dropping out of the side. Woyo Coulibaly, Josh Doig, Luca Lipani, Christian Volpato and Andrea Pinamonti are all brought back into tonight’s starting XI.
Kick-off is due at 19.45 BST.
Torino vs. Sassuolo: Confirmed line-ups
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Nikola Vlasic of Torino FC scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Torino FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 21, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi spoke about Argentina’s chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina are 39 days away from making their debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Lionel Messi recently discussed the national team’s chances in the tournament.
“We have to believe, just like Argentinians always do whenever there’s an official competition, whether it’s the Copa America or the World Cup, but also understand that there are other favorites ahead of us who are arriving in better form as a group,” Leo said during an interview on Lo Del Pollo.
“It’s a World Cup, and we know it’s always complicated because of the quality of the national teams involved,” Messi added before going into detail about the opponents he considers strongest. “France are looking very good again, and they have a lot of top-level players. Spain too.”
Continuing his analysis, the 38-year-old star mentioned a South American powerhouse. “Brazil, even though they haven’t been at their best lately, are always contenders and have the players to compete in every major tournament.”
Finally, Messi pointed to “the powers” that are traditionally among the favorites because of their history and talent. “Then there are the usual ones, Germany and England,” Leo said. He added another team as well: “And Portugal, who also have a very competitive national team.” He also acknowledged that underdogs are always possible. “Then there’s always some surprise team, strange things you don’t expect beforehand. There are a lot of national teams at a high level.”
Which opponents have eliminated Argentina during the Messi era?
Lionel Messi’s cautious approach when discussing the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes from personal experience. Before becoming world champions in Qatar 2022 and winning back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, Argentina suffered several painful defeats in major tournaments that left a mark on Leo and gave him a clear understanding of what it means to compete at the highest level.
In three of the four unsuccessful World Cup campaigns he took part in, Messi experienced Germany’s superiority firsthand. Argentina lost to them in the quarterfinals of Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010, before later falling again in the final of Brazil 2014. Four years later in Russia, it was France who eliminated La Albiceleste in the memorable 4-3 Round of 16 clash.
At the continental level, Messi also endured difficult defeats against regional rivals. Brazil beat Argentina in the 2007 Copa America final and again in the 2019 semifinals. Chile eliminated Leo twice as well, defeating Argentina in the finals of 2015 and 2016, while Uruguay knocked them out in 2011.
Messi believes in his teammates
Despite the caution he expressed, Lionel Messi also showed confidence that he and his teammates will give everything they have to achieve success at the 2026 World Cup. “The national team are doing well. Right now, several players are dealing with injuries or a lack of rhythm, but Argentina will always compete and give everything, just like this group have done ever since they came together,” the forward said in the same interview.
The Portuguese icon brought up his 100th Saudi Pro League goal during a dramatic victory over Al-Shabab, further cementing his influence on the title race and the league itself.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another extraordinary milestone in Saudi Arabia, continuing a remarkable chapter of his legendary career with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese icon brought up his 100th Saudi Pro League goal during a dramatic victory over Al-Shabab, further cementing his influence on the title race and the league itself.
The goal carried enormous weight for both Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. With the Saudi Pro League season entering its decisive stage, the strike helped the club move another step closer toward lifting the title, while also adding a historic personal achievement to Ronaldo’s already unmatched résumé.
At 41 years old, the Portuguese superstar continues to perform with astonishing consistency. His latest milestone arrived in just 105 league appearances, a goalscoring rate that few forwards in world soccer history have maintained across such a sustained period.
Ronaldo’s landmark strike came during Al-Nassr’s tense 4-2 win over Al-Shabab. The victory over Al-Shabab carried major importance for the Saudi Pro League title race. Jorge Jesus and his players moved five points clear at the top of the table, placing additional pressure on rival Al-Hilal ahead of a potentially decisive Riyadh derby.
🚨 Historic! 😰💣: The legend Cristiano Ronaldo has scored against every Saudi Pro League club this season at the age of 40-41! 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳
✅ Scored against Al-Hilal ✅ Scored against Al-Ahli ✅ Scored against Al-Qadisiyah ✅ Scored against Al-Taawoun ✅ Scored against… pic.twitter.com/aCkhP5jFnd
Al-Nassr started the match aggressively and quickly established control through Joao Felix, who scored twice in the opening stages. Al-Shabab responded through Yannick Carrasco and later threatened another comeback, but Ronaldo’s second-half goal steadied the situation before Felix completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
All Saudi clubs Ronaldo has scored against, and his favorite opponent revealed
Once the celebrations had settled, attention quickly shifted toward the incredible spread of Ronaldo’s goals. According to statistical breakdowns confirmed by Sofascore, Ronaldo has now scored against every Saudi Pro League opponent during the 2025-26 campaign.
The achievement made Ronaldo the first player in Saudi Pro League history to score against all 17 opponents in one single season. It also marked the second time in his career he managed the feat in a top-flight league campaign after previously doing so with Real Madrid during the 2011-12 La Liga season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against EVERY team in the league this season 🐐💛 https://t.co/f24qhQdqDS
Among all of his favorite opponents in the Kingdom, Al-Wehda sits at the top of the list after conceding 10 goals to Ronaldo. Behind Al-Wehda comes Al-Fateh with nine goals conceded, while Al-Shabab, Damac, and Al-Okhdood each allowed seven goals against the Al-Nassr captain.
The 41-year-old veteran also built impressive records against Al-Ittihad, Al-Khaleej, Al-Riyadh, and several others during his time in Saudi Arabia. The numbers reveal how consistently he has dominated nearly every defense in the league since arriving in Riyadh in early 2023.
Rank
Club(s)
Goals
1.
Al-Wehda
10
2.
Al-Fateh
9
3.
Al-Shabab, Damac, and Al-Okhdood
7
4.
Al-Ittihad
6
5.
Al-Khaleej, Al-Riyadh, and Al-Tai
5
6.
Al-Fayha, Al-Ahli, Al-Raed, Al-Hazem, and Al-Abha
4
7.
Al-Ettifaq, Al-Hilal, and Al-Najmah
3
8.
Al-Taawoun, Al-Qadsiah, Al-Kholood, and Al-Adalah
2
9.
Al-Orobah and Neom
1
How Ronaldo scored his 100 goals
The breakdown behind Ronaldo’s century of Saudi Pro League goals reveals the complete nature of his finishing ability. Official Saudi Pro League graphics confirmed the exact distribution of his goals.
The final category immediately caught supporters’ attention online. The unusual goal reportedly arrived after a Joao Felix effort deflected off Ronaldo’s back during a league match earlier in the season. The milestone also placed him into another exclusive category. He became the first player in soccer history to score 100 or more league goals in three different major leagues.
The Al-Nassr superstar once again delivered on the big stage during his side’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab, but the result only told part of the story surrounding another astonishing milestone in his legendary career.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rewrite soccer history at an age when most players have already retired. The Al-Nassr superstar once again delivered on the big stage during his side’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab, but the result only told part of the story surrounding another astonishing milestone in his legendary career.
With the Saudi Pro League title race reaching its decisive stretch, the Portuguese icon produced yet another performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the sport’s most relentless competitors. While Joao Felix grabbed headlines with a hat-trick, the superstar forward quietly achieved something no player in Saudi Pro League history had ever managed before.
The match itself was far from comfortable for Al-Nassr despite the eventual scoreline. The club stormed into an early lead thanks to Joao Felix, who scored twice within the opening 10 minutes and immediately placed Al-Shabab under enormous pressure.
Al-Shabab fought back bravely after Yannick Carrasco reduced the deficit in the first half, and the game remained tense deep into the second period. Ronaldo eventually restored breathing room in the 75th minute when he fired home a first-time finish after excellent work inside the box.
Even then, the contest refused to settle completely. Al-Shabab found another goal shortly afterward before Felix completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in stoppage time to seal a crucial victory for Al-Nassr. The result pushed Al-Nassr five points clear of Al-Hilal at the top of the table, placing the club in a commanding position as the season approaches its conclusion.
The historic record nobody had ever achieved in Saudi soccer
As impressive as the victory was, the real attention quickly shifted toward Ronaldo’s latest achievement. According to Sofascore’s data, Ronaldo became the first player in Saudi Pro League history to score against every single opponent in one league season. The goal against Al-Shabab completed the remarkable set.
Across the 2025-26 campaign, Ronaldo found the net against all 17 opposing clubs in the league, a feat that had never previously been recorded in Saudi Arabian soccer. The achievement becomes even more extraordinary considering he is now playing at 40 and 41 years old during the campaign.
Many elite forwards struggle to remain consistent at that stage of their careers, yet the Portuguese striker has continued scoring with astonishing regularity. As confirmed by the club, “He has now scored against all 17 teams he has faced in the Saudi Pro League this season, becoming the first player to score against every opponent in a single campaign.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against EVERY team in the league this season 🐐💛 https://t.co/f24qhQdqDS
The list itself reads like a season-long tour of destruction. Ronaldo scored against Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Qadisiyah, Damac, Al-Fateh, Al-Riyadh, Al-Fayha, and every other opponent placed in front of him during the campaign.
Familiar story from Ronaldo’s career
What makes the record even more fascinating is that this is not the first time Ronaldo has accomplished something similar. Transfermarkt has highlighted that the Portuguese forward previously managed the same achievement during the 2011-12 La Liga season with Real Madrid.
Back then, CR7 finished the Spanish league season with an astonishing 46 goals. More than a decade later, he has repeated a similarly rare achievement in Saudi Arabia, once again demonstrating his extraordinary longevity.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrating.
The latest milestone also arrived alongside another major landmark. Ronaldo’s strike against Al-Shabab marked his 100th Saudi Pro League goal, reached in only 105 league appearances. Across all competitions for Al-Nassr, he has now produced 121 goals in 139 matches, numbers that would be remarkable for a player in his prime, let alone one approaching his mid-forties.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates scoring his team's third goal
Former Roma and Juventus defender Medhi Benatia is reportedly among the options to replace Ricky Massara as Giallorossi sporting director according to the latest updates, but a clear first choice is already beginning to emerge.
Benatia joins list of potential Massara replacements at Roma
Roma are widely expected to part company with sporting director Massara at the end of the season. The Giallorossi have recently decided to ‘side’ with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini after a public falling out with former senior advisor Claudio Ranieri, and it is likely that Massara will also depart in the near future.
Frederic Massara with new buy Wesley,
Several names have already been linked with the vacant position at the Stadio Olimpico. Reports on Thursday indicated that Roma had approached Inter’s Piero Ausilio, but he is highly unlikely to leave San Siro immediately after winning the Serie A title.
Daniele Prade, formerly of Fiorentina, is also among the names linked with a move to Roma, as is former Napoli and Juventus man Cristiano Giuntoli and Atalanta’s Tony D’Amico.
However, according to the latest updates, Napoli’s Giovanni Manna is the preferred option to replace Massara this summer.
There is one another situation to keep an eye on, though. Benatia, who spent the 2013-14 season with Roma before joining Bayern Munich and later Juventus, could also be an option to replace Massara.
The former Morocco international will leave his position as sporting director of Olympique de Marseille this summer after one season in the role. The 39-year-old has been part of the Marseille management since 2023.
In fact, according to TMW, there is a potential scenario where Roma and Marseille end up ‘swapping’ directors, as Massara could potentially be an option to replace Benatia at the Stade Velodrome.
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Man United want a new deal for Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United do not want to lose the player at any cost, and they are hoping to agree a new deal with him before he leaves for the World Cup in the summer. According to a report from SportsBoom, Manchester United are currently in talks with their representatives over a contract extension.
Manchester United have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they will look to fight for trophies next season. It would not be a surprise if the Portuguese star is excited about the possibility of continuing with them. He will want to win major trophies with them. It makes sense for him to extend his stay at the club.
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Manchester United will need to keep their best players if they want to improve next season and close the gap with Arsenal and Manchester City. Fernandes is an indispensable asset for them, and losing him would be devastating for the club. They need quality players like him, as well as his leadership.
Manchester United have the finances to offer him a bumper contract, and they should look to wrap up the agreement quickly. The player currently has a £57 million release clause in his deal, and he wants the club to demonstrate their ambition before committing to a long-term deal.
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Can Arsenal convince Yarek Gasiorowski?
Gasiorowski needs regular opportunities in order to continue his development. Sitting on the bench at a big club will not benefit him. He should look to join a club where he has a defined role in the starting lineup. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can convince the player to join the club and accept the role of a squad player.
They will be hoping to fight for the league title and the UEFA Champions League. They need a deeper squad with more quality. They are expected to sell Ben White in the summer. It remains to be seen whether they can sign the Spanish defender.
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The 21-year-old can operate as a central defender or a left-back. He could be the ideal utility man for Arsenal. Gasiorowski has five goal contributions this season. However, with players like Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie at the club, game time will be hard to come by for the Spanish defender.
Arsenal certainly have the financial muscle to afford him, but they will need to convince the player as well.
Borussia Dortmund is also interested in signing the versatile defender. They will be able to provide him with regular opportunities, and it could help him improve further and fulfil his potential. It will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually.
According to Ben Jacobs, Atletico Madrid are close to an agreement to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes. The fee is expected to be in the region of €45million, with four years left on his contract at the Molineux. Atletico initially targeted Gomes in January to replace Conor Gallagher, who left to join Tottenham Hotspur […]
According to Ben Jacobs, Atletico Madrid are close to an agreement to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes. The fee is expected to be in the region of €45million, with four years left on his contract at the Molineux. Atletico initially targeted Gomes in January to replace Conor Gallagher, who left to join Tottenham Hotspur […]
According to Ben Jacobs, Atletico Madrid are close to an agreement to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes. The fee is expected to be in the region of €45million, with four years left on his contract at the Molineux. Atletico initially targeted Gomes in January to replace Conor Gallagher, who left to join Tottenham Hotspur […]
Real Madrid announced the punishment for Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
In the middle of a turbulent week, the conflict between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni took another turn on Friday. Real Madrid announced the financial sanctions that will be imposed on both players: fines of €500,000 (approximately $590,000) each.
“Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the events that led to the disciplinary proceedings initiated yesterday against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, both appeared today before the investigator assigned to the case,” begins the statement published on the club’s official website.
“During their appearance, the players expressed their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to each other. Furthermore, they extended their apologies to the club, their teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans, and both have made themselves available to Real Madrid to accept whatever sanction the club deems appropriate,” Los Blancos added.
“Under these circumstances, Real Madrid has decided to impose a financial penalty of five hundred thousand euros on each player, thereby concluding the corresponding internal procedures,” the club announced, officially bringing the matter to a close.
Official Announcement.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 8, 2026
The sporting situation for Valverde and Tchouameni
As made clear in the statement published by Real Madrid, the club consider the matter closed following the financial penalties imposed on both players. That means neither Federico Valverde nor Aurelien Tchouameni will face any sporting consequences.
Tchouameni, meanwhile, is in perfect physical condition and, with the possibility of a club-imposed suspension now ruled out, has a strong chance of being included in the squad traveling to Catalunya. Whether or not he features in the starting lineup will depend on the decision of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Real Madrid injuries for clash against Barcelona
Federico Valverde is not the only player who will be unavailable for Sunday’s match against Barcelona. Due to physical issues, Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, Arda Guler, and Ferland Mendy will also miss the game. In addition, Kylian Mbappe is expected to arrive less than fully fit after dealing with muscular problems over the past week that kept him out of the squad for the win over Espanyol.
Real Madrid players Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
Lionel Messi opened up about his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
For nearly two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated world soccer, collecting countless trophies and individual awards along the way. Even now, as both players approach the final stages of their careers, they remain the sport’s biggest stars. The Argentine forward recently reflected on that rivalry.
During an interview on Lo Del Pollo, Messi was asked whether the constant comparisons with Ronaldo were a media creation or if there was actually bad blood between them. “Those comparisons or competitions are something natural in the world of soccer. It’s normal, just like it happens with clubs or national teams, but it was never anything beyond sports,” Leo began.
“I was at Barcelona and he was at Real Madrid, playing Clasicos, and we were competing for everything both collectively and individually, so people were always comparing us,” the Argentine star added, referring to the 2009-2018 period when both players dominated La Liga.
“What both of us achieved made the rivalry even bigger,” Messi admitted. Indeed, for a decade, he and Cristiano split the most prestigious individual awards in soccer. Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, while Leo claimed his first the following year, and from then until 2018, no other player won the award until Luka Modric.
“We didn’t meet often except during matches or award ceremonies, where everyone was always watching to see whether he or I would win. But we were always on good terms,” explained the Inter Miami player. “Now we’re far away and at different stages of our lives, but what happened was a beautiful sporting rivalry.”
When was the last time Messi and Ronaldo faced each other?
To find the last meeting between Messi and Ronaldo, it is necessary to go back to January 2023. At the time, the Portuguese forward had just arrived in Saudi Arabia from Manchester United, and a friendly match was organized between Paris Saint-Germain and the Riyadh Season Team, a squad made up of players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal. PSG won the game 5-4.
However, the last official match between the two stars came much earlier. In the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League group stage, Juventus defeated Barcelona 3-0 thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo brace, just months before Messi was forced to leave the Catalan club for PSG.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the final opportunity
Six and a half years after that last official match between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, their careers have taken very different paths. Playing on different continents, an official meeting between Inter Miami and Al Nassr appears extremely unlikely. Because of that, international soccer may be the only remaining possibility.
Although neither player has confirmed it, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will almost certainly be the final major tournament for Messi and Ronaldo with their respective national teams. There, the possibility of Argentina and Portugal meeting is not entirely unrealistic.
The quickest path for that to happen would be for both teams to finish second in their respective groups — something unlikely given the quality of their opponents — which would set up a potential Round of 16 clash. In a more logical scenario, with Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and advancing through the knockout rounds, they could instead meet in the quarterfinals.
Trai Hume has been excellent for Sunderland in the Premier League this season, and Crystal Palace is hoping to secure his signature.
According to a report from Sports Boom, Crystal Palace are monitoring the player’s situation, and he could cost around £30 million. It remains to be seen whether Sunderland is prepared to sell a key player like him.
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Will Sunderland sell Trai Hume?
They have done well since promotion and secured safety in the Premier League. They will want to establish themselves as a regular in the top flight. They need to hold onto their best players if they want to survive in the Premier League. Selling Hume to Crystal Palace could prove to be a poor decision. It could send out the wrong message regarding their ambition.
Meanwhile, Brighton is also interested in the 24-year-old full-back. It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs decides to submit an offer in the coming weeks. He has a contract with Sunderland until 2030, and the Black Cats are under no pressure to sell Hume.
Crystal Palace and Brighton will have to come forward with an attractive offer in order to get the deal done. £30 million could be an expensive proposition for the two clubs. They need to improve other areas of the squad as well, and spending that kind of money on a full-back might prove to be difficult. It remains to be seen how the situation develops over the next few weeks.
Crystal Palace is looking to win the UEFA Europa Conference League. It could help them secure a place in European football next season. Hume could be attracted to the idea of joining them. On the other hand, Brighton is also fighting for European qualification.
Luka Vuskovic has been excellent during his loan. Spell at Hamburg and Barcelona are interested in signing the player.
However, Tottenham Hotspur have no intention of letting him leave, and they are preparing to offer him a new deal. The 19-year-old is one of the best young talents in Germany right now, and he has the potential to develop into a top-class defender.
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Spurs Luka Vuskovic plan revealed
Tottenham are ready to offer him an improved salary in order to keep him at the club for the long-term. The player joined Tottenham in 2025 and was sent out on loan to Hamburg to continue his development with regular football. He has been exceptional for them, and it is no surprise that top clubs are interested in him.
On the other hand, Barcelona is looking to add more quality to the defensive unit, and they have made fresh contact in recent days to sign the player. The opportunity to play for the Spanish champions can be quite attractive. Tottenham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and the 19-year-old defender might feel he can fight for major trophies if he moves to the Spanish club.
However, Tottenham must do everything in their power to convince him to stay. He has the tools to develop into a top class player, and they cannot afford to lose someone of his calibre..
Liverpool are interested in signing the Porto attacker Victor Froholdt.
According to a report from BOLD, they will face competition from Arsenal and Newcastle United for the talented attacker. The 20-year-old Danish sensation has done quite well for the Portuguese outfit, and he could prove to be an excellent long-term investment for Liverpool.
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Liverpool keen on Victor Froholdt
They need more quality in the final third, especially after the departure of Mohamed Salah. Liverpool chiefs are thought to be impressed with the 20-year-old, and they have been keeping tabs on his fantastic performances for Porto and the Denmark national team.
He has a £73.5 million release clause in his contract, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool is willing to break the bank for him. Porto will not want to lose the player easily. They paid £19 million for him, and they will look to make a substantial profit.
The asking price is quite high, and it is unlikely that any club would be willing to pay that kind of money for him. Froholdt is an exceptional talent with a bright future, and he has contributed to 14 goals this season. However, he is still largely unproven at the highest level. Liverpool will want to sign him for a reasonable fee.
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The 20-year-old could prove to be a handy option for all three clubs. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually. He should look to join a club where there is a defined role for him in the starting lineup.
In what is a heavyweight Premier League showdown on Saturday lunchtime, Liverpool will welcome a struggling Chelsea to Anfield. Suffering real frustration last weekend as they eventually fell to a rollercoaster 3-2 defeat away at historic rivals Manchester United, Arne Slot’s side are seeking an immediate response when they return to the red half of […]
Inter and Italy striker Pio Esposito says that Cristian Chivu has given him ‘unconditional confidence’ and has spoken about the relationship that he has enjoyed with the coach dating back to his time with the U14s, and says that captain Lautaro Martinez’s numbers speak for themselves.
Esposito has won the Serie A title in his first full season with the Inter first team, chipping in with six goals and four assists from his 33 appearances in the league this term. Across all competitions, the 20-year-old has provided 15 goal involvements from 46 outings.
The youngster, now a nailed on member of the Italy national team squad, spoke about his impressive breakthrough season in an interview with Cronache di spogliatoio.
Esposito on Chivu relationship, first impressions with Inter and Lautaro Martinez insipration
For Esposito, the appointment of Chivu as head coach following the departure of Simone Inzaghi at the end of last season was fate. Chivu began his coaching career in the Nerazzurri youth ranks, where he crossed paths with Esposito on numerous occasions.
“I’ve known him since I was with the U14s, it was his first ever year as a coach,” Esposito said (via Calciomercato).
“He already had me playing, I immediately took a liking to him and a beautiful bond was born. I met him again in the Primavera and he started giving me the captain’s armband even if I was ‘underage’. The first time against Cagliari, I scored a hat-trick.
“We continued to talk over the years and it was lucky that we got to meet again this year. His presence has been decisive. He’s given me unconditional confidence since day one.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It is easy to forget that Esposito’s senior debut with Inter came less than a year ago, during the FIFA Club World Cup in June, 2025.
“I felt like I was in a movie when we flew to America,” Esposito recalled. “I was there with them, in the hotel, with the group, I worked alongside the champions I was used to watching on TV every Sunday.”
Esposito also had nothing but positive things to say about his captain and fellow centre-forward Lautaro Martinez.
Inter came back from two goals down in a home Serie A clash against Pisa, completing a comeback with Piotr Zielinski, Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Pio Esposito in the opening Round 22 match.
“The numbers speak for themselves, and for us, seeing him never settle for anything in training is an inspiration. He returned after quite a long break against Roma and immediately made the difference.”
The injured Francesco Pio Esposito and Hakan Calhanoglu have not made the trip to Rome, where their Inter side will visit Lazio on Saturday.
Italy international Pio Esposito and Turkey star Calhanoglu will not be available for Inter in their away game at Lazio on Saturday. As reported by Sky Sport Italia (via Calciomercato.com), neither player has made the trip to Rome.
Pio Esposito and Calhanoglu to miss Lazio vs. Inter
Pio Esposito is dealing with back pain, and Inter coach Cristian Chivu has decided to rest him ahead of next week’s Coppa Italia Final, also against Lazio.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second from the penalty spot goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
On the other hand, Brazilian winger Luis Henrique has recovered from an injury and will be available at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.
Inter have already won the Serie A title with three games to spare, while Lazio are four points below a Conference League placement.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nerazzurri and Biancocelesti will meet again in the Coppa Italia Final on May 13.
The second Global State of Football report shows that Fiorentina, Atalanta and Napoli were the most financially stable Serie A clubs in 2024-25, while Gian Piero Gasperini was the most efficient coach in Italy’s top flight.
The study by world-leading AI technology PLAIER and the University of St. Gallen evaluated 226 clubs across 14 leagues in the 2024-25 season, assessing factors including squad quality, sporting director performance, coaching effectiveness, and financial stability.
The report not only highlights which clubs succeeded but also how they achieved success and the financial cost.
Fiorentina the most financially stable club in Serie A
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: General view inside the stadium Artemio Franchi during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina emerged as the most financially stable club in Serie A, posting a 72% eqity ratio, followed by Atalanta and Napoli, second and third respectively.
Como resulted in the most efficient sports department, delivering the strongest results relative to the resources at its disposal. Napoli, who won the title last season, ranked third, while runners-up Inter placed 14th.
At the other end of the scale, Parma registered the weakest sporting department performance domestically, failing to translate their financial investments into on-pitch results entirely.
Last season, Parma secured survival under Cristian Chivu on the final matchday, but have had a quieter 2025-26 campaign under Carlos Cuesta, securing survival with several games to spare.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, now at Roma, was identified as the coach most likely to select players and tactical line-ups capable of delivering positive outcomes in 2024-25.
epa11698034 AC Monza’s coach Alessandro Nesta during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and AC Milan at U-Power Stadium in Monza, Italy, 02 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI
Conversely, Monza coaches Alessandro Nesta and Salvatore Bocchetti, ranked lowest for team selection efficiency, with Milan sitting as the second-worst side in Italy on this metric under Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceiçao.
Italy legend Alessandro Altobelli is ‘devastated’ to miss the funeral of his best friend, Evaristo Beccalossi, as he is stuck in Kuwait with no flights available to return to Italy.
His funeral is being held today in his hometown of Brescia, with many other Nerazzurri legends present, including Beppe Bergomi.
Former Inter and Italy star Altobelli, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, was one of Beccalossi’s closest friends but could not attend his beloved friend’s funeral.
Altobelli, who lives in Kuwait and works as a Serie A pundit for a local TV station, has been forced to miss Beccalossi’s funeral due to the lack of flights from the Middle East to Europe.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Evaristo Beccalossi attends The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 at the Teatro Alla Scala on September 23, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“There are no flights. It had already taken me two days to return here [to Kuwait]. I spent eight hours in Istanbul during a layover, trying to rest on a chair. Now I’m stranded, and there are no solutions.
“He [Beccalossi] was my best friend,” concluded Altobelli.
“He was a champion and a second father to my sons. With him, a part of him has died too.”
Beccalossi and Altobelli together won the 1979-80 Serie A title with Inter.
Altobelli is the second-best scorer in the Nerazzurri’s history with 209 goals.
Cesc Fabregas reveals he might call up Italian midfielder Riccardo Cassano, 16, for Como’s away game at Hellas Verona on Sunday: ‘I can’t say he’s ready, but he understands the type of football we want to play here.’
Como U17 midfielder Cassano may be part of the senior squad travelling to Verona for a Serie A match on Sunday.
Fabregas: Cassano ‘understands the type of football’ Como play
Nevertheless, Como have some promising Italian players in their youth squad, and one of them could travel with the first team over the weekend.
“I’m really happy. When we use all these players, it seems we create value. I mostly watch U17 and Primavera teams. If possible, Cassano of U17 will come with us,” Fabregas said at a press conference on Friday via TMW.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“He already trained with us last week, and I really liked it. He gave me great satisfaction. He is a playmaker. Yesterday, he played with us while [Maxi] Perrone broke his nose. The U17 have qualified for the play-off, but if I can take him with us, I’ll do it. I can’t say he’s ready, but he understands the type of football we want to play here. So many young players train with us during the week, but when we see a player who stands out, we are open. He is even from Como.”
Cassano, 16, is a central midfielder who has provided four assists in 25 games across all competitions with the Como U17 team this term.
Verona are already relegated, but held Como’s rivals Juventus to a 1-1 away draw last week.
“There is dignity. Nobody wants to lose games. You might be sad and disappointed because you got relegated, but nobody gives anything away,” Fabregas noted.
“They launched counterattacks while playing with a low block against Juventus, then defended for the rest of the game. We must be prepared for a similar match. Today, the most difficult thing is to score against a low block. We must have the desire to score, be proactive, and not go onto the field thinking it will be easy.
“I don’t really like to play at 12:30. We eat three hours earlier,” Fabregas concluded.
“When we play at 15:00 [CET], we have an activation session in the morning: players do stretching and mobility work, then two-against-two, and then they eat and rest. When the match is in the evening, they rest.”
Manchester United have made a definitive and ruthless call regarding one of English football’s top talents.
Despite widespread speculation and the player’s reported willingness to orchestrate a dream move to Old Trafford, the INEOS hierarchy has officially ruled out a summer swoop for Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
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According to The Mirror, United’s top brass have firmly decided that financing a deal for the 24-year-old playmaker is simply not viable, opting instead to prioritise critical defensive and central midfield reinforcements.
The Manchester-born attacker grew up supporting the Red Devils and has reportedly been highly impressed by the club’s recent resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Palmer is open to a move to Old Trafford
Furthermore, Palmer has grown increasingly unsettled in West London following a deeply frustrating campaign.
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A dramatic loss of form amidst Chelsea’s ongoing struggles has even cast doubt over his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
However, the potential financials simply does not align for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his recruitment team.
Man United are not interested in attacking signings
Having heavily invested nearly £210 million last summer to revamp their attack, United are reluctant to sanction another massive attacking player.
Signing Palmer from Stamford Bridge would require a fee in the region of £90 million, heavily compounded by a lucrative £150,000-a-week contract that runs until 2033.
The Red Devils feel that other positions require their immediate attention, instead of signing a player like Palmer who is considered a luxury addition.
The decision to step away from Palmer shows a newfound pragmatism at Man United under the INEOS regime.
By rejecting the temptation to pursue a high-profile, sentimental signing in an already well-stocked attacking department, the Red Devils are signaling a disciplined, data-driven approach to their rebuild.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted to a “difficult” situation with the Jurrien Timber injury as it’s not clear if the right-back will play again this season.
The Spanish tactician says it looks like Timber’s rehabilitation has not been as smooth as he expected, with the Netherlands international being out for longer than it initially looked like he’d be.
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In a significant double update, Arteta also suggested it’s not clear if either Timber or Mikel Merino will play again for Arsenal this season.
See below for the Gunners boss’ comments, as quoted by journalist Simon Collings…
Arteta asked if Timber injury more complicated than expected:
"Yes. That has probably been the most difficult thing to manage with the player and myself. Because we did not expect it to take so long and at the moment he is not fit to play." https://t.co/pbYRpn3FCB
When asked about Timber and Merino, Arteta said: “I don’t know, there is still a fair bit to do. Everything has to be so smooth and quick if they want to play any minutes.”
On Timber, he added: “That has probably been the most difficult thing to manage with the player and myself. Because we did not expect it to take so long and at the moment he is not fit to play.”
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Can Arsenal achieve best-ever season despite injury struggles?
Arsenal fans will no doubt hope that Timber and Merino can still have a role to play this season, with the club closing in on a memorable Premier League and Champions League double.
Timber in particular would normally be an automatic starter for the Gunners, even if Ben White has filled in well in his absence, while Merino is an underrated player who can make an impact off the bench.
It would undoubtedly help to have both of them available right now, especially as AFC could genuinely be at risk of picking up more injuries after losing key players for so much of the season.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have only recently returned to action, while Kai Havertz missed a large chunk of the campaign, while there have also been periods when other big names like Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes weren’t available.
Arsenal have a bigger squad now than previously, which has helped, but they can’t afford more bad luck like this in the coming weeks or they could miss out on both big prizes.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that the futures of Massimiliano Allegri and Igli Tare at Milan are uncertain, regardless of whether the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League.
Allegri and Tare’s uncertain Milan future
Milan could be set for another summer of big changes as the futures of coach Allegri and director Tare are uncertain.
Milan expert Carlo Pellegatti has reported that Allegri may not stay at San Siro beyond the summer due to strained relations with the club’s CEO, Giorgio Furlani.
Allegri’s contract expires in June 2027, but the deal includes an automatic extension to 2028 if the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League this season.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Calciomercato.com also reports that the strained relationship with Furlani could lead to Allegri’s departure, regardless of Champions League qualification.
According to the report, Allegri and Furlani have already met several times in recent weeks to discuss the club’s long-term plans, but apparently, the pair don’t share the same view.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
According to the report, Atalanta’s Tony D’Amico remains on Milan’s target after last summer’s interest, but La Dea is still reluctant to part ways with their sporting director.
Eusebio Di Francesco confirms Roma fans have sent him messages hoping to see his Lecce side beat Juventus: ‘They don’t even need to ask me…’
Lecce are preparing to host Juventus at the Stadio Via Del Mare on Saturday.
It’s a crucial fixture for both sides as the Giallorossi have a four-point lead over 18th-placed Cremonese, while Juventus have an advantage of just one point over fifth-placed Roma.
Di Francesco, a former Roma coach, has admitted that some of his friends and Roma fans in the capital have been texting him in recent days, hoping to boost Lecce’s motivation against the Old Lady.
Di Francesco: ‘Fundamental’ for Lecce to beat Juventus
“[They’ve texted] As always, but they first have to look to themselves,” Di Francesco told Sky Sport, smiling.
“They don’t even need to ask me because, for us, it is fundamental to take the three points home.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Eusebio Di Francesco, Head Coach of US Lecce, gestures to his players during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Lecce at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Lecce are unbeaten in their last three league matches and grabbed a crucial win against already-relegated Pisa in the latest round.
“It’s been a positive week, as it often happens after a victory,” continued Di Francesco.
“Having scored from open play might have given us something extra, but Juventus are so strong. They drew against Verona because there are no games with a guaranteed outcome, but they have important numbers, especially under Spalletti.
“Juventus build up from the back. I know Spalletti well. I’ve been following him, and I know what he does. They’ll try to dominate proceedings, and we’ll have to be good at taking control instead.”
Juventus are fighting for a Champions League place and are unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions.
However, they get to the Lecce match after consecutive draws against Milan and Hellas Verona, which have reduced their advantage over Roma to just one point.
Transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reports that Bayern Munich have shown concrete interest in Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere: the Belgian has already approved a potential transfer, and club-to-club talks will begin soon.
Atalanta star De Ketelaere has attracted interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich prepare for De Ketelaere talks with Atalanta
According to Sky Sport CH transfer expert Tavolieri, De Ketelaere has already given the green light to a potential move to the Allianz Arena in the summer, so an agreement on personal terms is not expected to be an issue.
Bayern Munich are expected to begin talks with Atalanta soon to determine if the Serie A club are willing to sell and at what price.
De Ketelaere, 25, has scored five goals and provided seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions this season.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Torino FC at Gewiss Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
He is in his third season at Atalanta, having moved to Bergamo on a €3m loan deal from Milan in 2023 before making the transfer permanent the following year for circa €24m.
De Katelaere’s contract at the Gewiss Stadium runs out in June 2028.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an injury update as Alexander Isak and Giorgi Mamardashvili are back in training, while Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker are still out.
The Reds are enduring a frustrating season, and injuries have been a big part of that, with Isak in particular struggling to make anywhere near the kind of impact expected of him due to ongoing fitness issues.
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Salah has also not been at his best and it won’t have helped him to have missed a lot of games, with there seemingly still being no sign of the Egypt international coming back, as reported in the X post below by Paul Joyce…
Arne Slot says Alexander Isak has returned to training as well as Giorgi Mamardashvili. Alisson and Mohamed Salah not in team training yet.
It sounds like a positive that Isak and Mamardashvili could return for Liverpool, but fans will hope that there can be further positive updates soon on Salah and Alisson.
Still, there’s not a huge amount left to play for for LFC in the final games of this season, as they can’t win any trophies and should just about be safe in terms of finishing in the Champions League qualification places.
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Liverpool left reeling after difficult season
Slot had a superb first season at Anfield when he guided Liverpool to the Premier League title, and they were many pundits’ favourites to do so again after spending big last summer.
However, Isak has been a particular disappointment, while Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have also not lived up to expectations.
Hugo Ekitike performed well until picking up a serious injury, but overall the recruitment just hasn’t been good enough by the Merseyside giants.
It will be interesting to see if Slot can overcome these current injury issues and end the season strongly, because if not he will surely be facing serious questions over his future as manager.
Bournemouth have released a statement on their official website confirming that Jimenez will not be involved in the squad for the upcoming game against Fulham as they look into this serious incident.
“AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Álex Jiménez,” the club’s statement read.
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“The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.
“As a result, Alex will not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Fulham and the club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Werder Bremen’s teenage sensation Karim Coulibaly is emerging as one of the continent’s most coveted defensive targets.
Premier League clubs are expected to have a busy summer transfer window and defensive additions are high on their agenda.
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According to reports from Italian transfer expert Nicolo Schira, Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea have heavily scouted the 18-year-old center-back, both identifying him as a foundational piece for their respective long-term defensive rebuilds.
With a host of elite clubs now circling, Coulibaly’s rapid rise from academy prospect to Bundesliga regular is turning heads across Europe.
Karim Coulibaly has been sensational this season
Coulibaly’s rise this season has been nothing short of spectacular. Earning 23 starts for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, the 18-year-old has transitioned comfortably to top flight football.
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Rather than looking out of his depth, the teenager has displayed the composure and tactical intelligence of a seasoned veteran.
His dominant club form was rightfully rewarded on the international stage this past March. Coulibaly was fast-tracked into the Germany Under-21 squad, making a highly impressive debut during a comprehensive 3-0 European Championship qualifying victory against Northern Ireland.
For Man United and Chelsea, the intense interest in Coulibaly is rooted in his incredibly rare and highly sought-after profile.
Standing at an imposing 1.91m (6 ft 3 in), he possesses the physical dominance required to handle the brutal aerial demands of the Premier League. More importantly, he is a natural left-footed, ball-playing center-back.
With his valuation already rumored to be hovering around the €40 million to €50 million (£35m-£45m) mark, a fierce, high-stakes bidding war is expected to take place this summer.
Bayern Munich will be firm with the wage demands of Konrad Laimer, according to CFBayernInsider. Journalist Christian Falk wrote: “Bayern Munich have drawn a line in the sand over Konrad Laimer’s contract demands. “They’ve already paid a lot of money for Musiala, Davies, and Joshua Kimmich’s contract. “They made him an improved offer on his […]
Bayern Munich are not leading the race for Kennet Eichhorn, according to CFBayernInsider. Journalist Christian Falk wrote: “It is NOT TRUE: Bayern are leading the race to sign Kennet Eichhorn. “Other clubs are closer to this deal. “In February, there was already a meeting with Borussia Dortmund, where they tried to secure this big talent. “I […]
Bayern Munich are hopeful that Bara Ndiaye will develop into a top player, according to CFBayernInsider. The 18-year-old Senegalese midfielder joined Bayern on loan from Gambinos Stars Africa in the Janaury transfer window. Journalist Christian Falk has reported: “It is TRUE: Bayern Munich have a hope that Bara Ndiaye could be another play they count […]
Bayern Munich are not planning to sign Dusan Vlahovic in the summer transfer window, according to CFBayernInsider. Vlahovic is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season, and there is no new deal in place for the Serbian striker. Journalist Christian Falk has reported: “It is NOT TRUE: Dusan Vlahovic is on Bayern’s […]
Paris Saint-Germain could sell Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window, according to CFBayernInsider. There have been linked with Bayern Munich, but journalist Christian Falk has reported that the Bundesliga champions do not have the funds to bring the winger to the Allianz Arena. Falk said: “I made a few calls about Bradley Barcola, and […]
The Belgium international joined Juventus on loan from RB Leipzig last summer, with an obligation to buy, and the clause was activated upon achieving a top-ten finish.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Openda has played barely 1,100 minutes across all competitions with Juventus this season, and just 688 minutes under Spalletti since October.
Questioned on the Belgian’s lack of playing time this term, Spalletti replied (via Sky Sport): “That is another mistake I’ve made. I have to make decisions, but I’m sure I’ll get something wrong.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Loïs Openda of Juventus during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“He is committed and demonstrates outstanding professionalism. I haven’t played him much because I thought others could give me better results.”
Openda is expected to get even less playing time in the final three games of the season as Dusan Vlahovic is back from an injury and could even start against Lecce tomorrow, as Spalletti admitted during his press conference today.
Juventus paid €3m for Openda’s loan move, while the fee for his permanent transfer is €42m.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti admits Dusan Vlahovic could return to the starting XI for a Serie A match against Lecce and warns his players should not see their latest draw against Hellas Verona as ‘bad luck.’
Juventus visit Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare on Saturday, and Spalletti previewed the match at a pre-match press conference on Friday morning.
Lecce vs. Juventus – Spalletti’s pre-match press conference
The Bianconeri are unbeaten in the last ten games across all competitions, but collected back-to-back draws against Milan and Hellas Verona prior to this match.
Despite a disappointing draw in the latest round, Juventus players were still applauded by the home crowd.
“We want to build on the previous match. If a Stadium like the Allianz, used to seeing victories, applauds after a result against a team you’re expected to beat, it means not everything was to be thrown away,” Spalletti said via Sky Sport.
“We want to produce that kind of performance, the good things we did, even if they didn’t bring the result we wanted.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“The mistake would be to see it [the draw against Verona] as bad luck. We must not make that mistake. I know Lecce, Corvino and Di Francesco’s experience. They have a club that invests.”
“There are still a few hours left, but it’s a fair consideration, and we’ll see how it goes until tomorrow evening. Let’s not burden him with too much responsibility.”
Vlahovic has not started a Juventus game for over five months, last featuring in the starting XI on November 29, 2025, when he suffered a muscle injury that required surgery.
Juventus’ latest draws have allowed fifth-placed Roma to move just one point behind the Bianconeri with three games remaining.
“We had a wider range of alternatives, but in some ways, things are clearer now because there’s only one path and you don’t risk getting there with doubts about your behaviour,” Spalletti said.
“We have to be decisive in our choices and intentions, understand the moment we’re in and give everything in these 90 minutes. There’s this door, then two more, and we have to open them.
“We need responsibility in moments like these. This week, we suffered. The certainty I have comes from the players’ commitment, which I’ve seen since I arrived,” continued the Old Lady’s boss.
“When this dressing room doesn’t win, it hurts. The team feels pain, and that teaches you things. I looked at the players in their eyes. I’m convinced they’ll react. Character comes out when something isn’t going well, and you have to turn it around.
“Everything is in our hands. We must not let ourselves be influenced by opinions or overthinking,” he concluded.
“I’m very satisfied with the team. Some moments make the difference, and we missed them. Maybe a late header, an interception, a lack of instinct. Those things hurt us, but the team has always been serious and responsible. That’s the behaviour worthy of Juventus.”
According to Corriere dello Sport, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has demanded an €8m salary from Juventus and Milan for a possible free transfer this summer.
Barcelona striker Lewandowski has demanded an €8m-a-year salary from Juventus and Milan, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Lewandowski demands 8m salary
The Poland international is available on a free transfer as his contract expires this coming June.
His future remains uncertain, and according to the report, he might also sign a short-term contract extension with Barcelona.
His agent, Pini Zahavi, has met representatives of Juventus and Milan in recent weeks, offering the Serie A giants another of his clients: Real Madrid defender David Alaba.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 28: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Spotify Camp Nou on February 28, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Lewandowski’s salary demands have put talks with Juventus and Milan on hold, as both sides appear reluctant to meet his requests.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: A detailed view of the corner flag inside the Juventus Stadium prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Juventus have set a salary limit of circa €7m per season, an amount that Kenan Yildiz will earn following his recent contract extension. The club is open to a few exceptions, such as Bernardo Silva.
Joao Pedro is good enough for Barcelona and deserves to be allowed that transfer if possible, according to former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
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In an extraordinary dig at his former club, Wright-Phillips said he couldn’t blame Pedro for wanting to leave the Blues under this ownership.
The Brazilian striker has performed superbly in his first season at Stamford Bridge, though it looks like ultimately being a disappointing campaign for the club.
Joao Pedro backed for Barcelona transfer by former Chelsea player
Wright-Phillips has now responded to the speculation about Pedro joining Barca, and backed him to get the move due to the failure of this current CFC side.
“I believe it would be fantastic for Joao if he were to go,” Wright-Phillips told Somos Fanaticos, as quoted by the Evening Standard.
“Personally, given the way Chelsea has been run, if I were him, I would do everything to complete this transfer.
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“Playing at Camp Nou, alongside Raphinha and [Lamine] Yamal, would be great for him. He would score many goals, since we have already seen what he did in a team that wasn’t as good as this Chelsea team.
“If I wereJoao Pedro, I would want to play in theChampions League, and I can’t see Chelsea qualifying for any European competition. Joao has the level and deserves to be playing in the Champions League.”
Barcelona could certainly do with a statement signing up front this summer as the ageing Robert Lewandowski is nearing the end of his contract.
Joao Pedro
Games
Goals
Assists
Chelsea 2025/26
47
20
6
One imagines Chelsea will do their best not to lose Pedro after just one season, but it’s surely going to be tricky for them if they miss out on European football.
If there is an opportunity there, then Barcelona should absolutely try their best to land this superb 24-year-old talent, who looks like an ideal long-term investment in a key area.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has not yet held talks with the club over a new contract, though he’s also not spoken with any other clubs, according to his father.
Mac Allister’s future at Anfield has looked in some doubt recently after a drop in form this season, with the Reds perhaps in need of something different in that area of their squad.
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Alexis Mac Allister’s father speaks out on his Liverpool future
Speaking to WinWin, Carlos Mac Allister said: “Alexis has a valid contract until June 2028 and so far we are not speaking publicly with any other club.
“We believe that the club’s fans deserve this level of respect from the player, and so far the club has not negotiated with us to renew the contract.”
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LFC fans will likely have mixed feelings about this news, as it’s not obvious what the best course of action is with Mac Allister right now.
The Argentina international can be an important player for Arne Slot’s side, and may still have a role to play if he improves his form again, though for now a sale could also bring in decent money and allow them to make signings to improve the team overall.
Liverpool could also bid farewell to other big names like Curtis Jones, while it’s also already been confirmed that Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson will be leaving.
Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez have also been mentioned as other names to watch, and after such a poor season it surely makes sense to change things around.
It will be interesting to see who comes in for Mac Allister if he is indeed made available in the weeks and months ahead.
Aston Villa are currently riding high on a wave of unprecedented modern success under Unai Emery, booking their ticket to the Europa League final against SC Freiburg.
Yet, despite the collective euphoria surrounding Villa Park following their resounding 4-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward the individual future of their midfield maestro, Youri Tielemans.
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With the summer transfer window rapidly approaching, prominent voices in the Belgian media are actively encouraging the 29-year-old playmaker to capitalise on his stellar campaign by orchestrating a blockbuster move to European heavyweights Bayern Munich.
Tielemans has been a huge hit at Aston Villa
When Tielemans arrived at Aston Villa on a free transfer from Leicester City in the summer of 2023, few could have predicted the impact he would eventually have on Emery’s tactical system.
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While his initial months in the Midlands were marked by adaptation challenges, the Belgian international has since evolved into the undisputed heartbeat of the Villans’ midfield.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Play Sports commentator Jelle Tack openly championed the idea of Tielemans departing for a traditional European powerhouse, specifically naming Bayern Munich as his ideal destination.
“Tielemans brings calmness on the ball, dictates the tempo and can put someone through on goal with a single pass. He is the complete package and, as it were, directs play from the cockpit,” he said.
“I find it hard to imagine that there haven’t been any offers yet. As far as I’m concerned, he can be ambitious.
“Aston Villa are fifth, but they aren’t part of the traditional ‘big six’ in England. Tielemans can hold his own at any top club. When I see the players at Bayern Munich, I think he’d fit in perfectly there. Those are teams that could certainly use him.”
Tielemans has shown that he belongs to the top level. A move to Bayern Munich, or a club of a similar level is a possibility in the near future for the Belgian.
Aston Villa will undoubtedly face a fierce battle to convince their midfield architect that his ultimate ambitions can be fulfilled right at Villa Park.
Despite managing just one goal and seven assists across 31 appearances this term, his influence on Villa is clear and he does not need stats to prove that.
Tielemans remains under contract until 2028 and holds an estimated market valuation of €35 million, a highly accessible figure for top clubs, including Bayern Munich.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has not done much to play down talk of Anthony Gordon sealing a transfer away from the club this summer.
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Gordon’s future looks to be in major doubt at the moment, with various recent reports suggesting he’s looking for a move away from St James’ Park and attracting interest from a host of top clubs.
See below for a rundown of recent Gordon transfer stories as he’s eyed by Premier League rivals and big clubs from abroad…
16th April – The Telegraph report that Gordon wants to leave Newcastle, with Liverpool and Arsenal interested
17th April – Bayern’s concrete interest in Gordon is confirmed in Christian Falk’s exclusive CF Bayern Insider column
21st April – Chelsea are also mentioned as being interested in the England international in a report from TEAMtalk
1st May – Gordon described as having “serious chances” of leaving St James’ Park in a YouTube video post from Fabrizio Romano
Eddie Howe responds to Anthony Gordon transfer speculation
When asked about the Gordon situation in his press conference today, Howe did his best to dodge the question, saying it was hard to predict what could happen, and that transfers aren’t really his area of expertise anyway…
?? ''The summer transfer window is difficult to predict.''
Eddie Howe on Bayern Munich opening talks with Newcastle over a potential summer move for Anthony Gordon. pic.twitter.com/59BxEFI0BC
“It is difficult for me to comment too much on individual players and timescales, as that is going into an area that isn’t really my forte. I will leave that to other people,” Howe said.
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“All I am doing is try and finish the season in a strong way and make sure players are committed to the here and now. There is no point looking to the future.
“The summer transfer window is difficult to predict and difficult to see what is going to happen on any level at this moment in time. We have three games to play and our full focus is on that.”
Leeds United are already laying the groundwork for a crucial summer of targeted recruitment.
Having amassed a comfortable 43 points to all but mathematically guarantee top-flight survival, Daniel Farke’s attention has seamlessly shifted towards making new signings to make the team better and add more depth.
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The Yorkshire club is reportedly preparing a shock swoop for Newcastle United’s vastly experienced goalkeeper, Nick Pope, according to SportsBoom.
Farke has identified the goalkeeping department as a primary area for an upgrade ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Leeds United are preparing for big changes
With Brazilian shot-stopper Lucas Perri cleared to depart Elland Road this summer, a significant vacancy has opened up.
Pope, currently navigating a complex situation at St. James’ Park, presents a highly compelling solution.
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Having lost his undisputed starting status to Aaron Ramsdale earlier in the campaign, Pope’s long-term future at Newcastle looks increasingly uncertain.
Although he has reclaimed the gloves for the Magpies’ last two league fixtures, manager Eddie Howe is widely expected to pursue a younger long-term number one this summer, with James Trafford heavily linked.
Farke wants Premier League proven players in his squad
Farke appears determined to inject Premier League experience to his squad.
While current number one Karl Darlow has performed admirably to help steer the club to safety, signing a goalkeeper of Pope’s elite caliber, aerial dominance, and commanding box presence would instantly elevate the team’s defensive floor.
Having successfully avoid relegation this season, Farke is in a strong position to demand new players this season and the club have no reason not to trust his instinct and provide him with the right resources to perform even better next season.
Bayern Munich have made an offer to England international winger Anthony Gordon to sign him from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, according to CFBayernInsider. Journalist Christian Falk wrote: “It is TRUE: Bayern have offered Anthony Gordon a five-year contract pending an agreement on a transfer fee with Newcastle. “In Germany, it’s not possible […]
Alphonso Davies does not want to leave Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window, according to CFBayernInsider. Journalist Christian Falk has reported: “It is NOT TRUE: Alphonso Davies wants to secure a transfer away from Bayern Munich this summer. “Of course, FC Bayern know that the Canadian has been struggling with injuries this term. “So, there […]
Manuel Neuer will extend his stay at Bayern Munich and will sign a new contract, according to CFBayernInsider. Journalist Christian Falk wrote: “It is TRUE: Manuel Neuer is firmly in talks with Bayern over signing a one-year extension. “His agent was already at Säbener Straße for negotiations. “Christoph Freund, the sporting director, was confirming this. […]
Bayern Munich have made an offer to England international winger Anthony Gordon to sign him from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, according to CFBayernInsider. Journalist Christian Falk wrote: “It is TRUE: Bayern have offered Anthony Gordon a five-year contract pending an agreement on a transfer fee with Newcastle. “In Germany, it’s not possible […]
Former Juventus winger Angelo Di Livio believes the Bianconeri should increase the personality in the team by signing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva: ‘I’d go and get him right away, even on foot!’
Juventus have already begun talks to sign Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, who is available on a free transfer given that his contract runs out in June.
Former winger Di Livio, a 1996 Champions League winner with the Old Lady, urged the Bianconeri to sign the experienced midfielder in his latest interview with Tuttosport newspaper.
Di Livio: Juventus need ‘charismatic players’
“I’d go and get him right away, even on foot! When you play with someone like him, your strength and confidence are boosted,” Di Livio said.
“You give him the ball in difficult moments, and he’d bring personality.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on August 16, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“There’s a lack of charismatic players,” the ex-Italy international continued.
“They need a signing like Modric, the way Milan did. He gave everyone a boost. And I hope Juventus can go back to being disliked again. In any case, they are working hard. The next year, they can become competitive again.”
Di Livio added that he sees a similarity between legendary Juventus coach Marcello Lippi and current Juventus tactician Luciano Spalletti: “They are two strong, perfectionist Tuscans. Two winners. Luciano, to me, is perfectly fit into this Juventus,” he concluded.
Juventus sit fourth in the Serie A table with three games remaining. Following back-to-back draws against Milan and Verona, their advantage over fifth-placed Roma has been reduced to one point.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri will need a financial boost from Champions League qualification to make big signings in the summer, including Bernardo Silva.
According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri have offered the Portuguese a three-year deal.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Inter might decide against signing Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham this summer and instead rely on their current second-choice goalkeeper, Josep Martinez, in 2026-27.
Vicario might not be joining Inter over the summer despite having already reached an agreement with the fresh Serie A winners.
Inter might drop Vicario despite agreement with Tottenham goalkeeper
Multiple sources over the last few weeks reported that the Nerazzurri had reached a principle of agreement with the Italy international, although they still had to receive the green light from Tottenham, who value Vicario at €20m.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri might ultimately decide against signing Vicario and instead use their transfer budget to strengthen other areas.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Josep Martinez Rieira goalkeeper of FC Internazionale kicks the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this week that the Nerazzurri will have a budget of €40-50m for new signings in the summer, which could be boosted with some sales.
Yann Sommer is expected to leave at the end of his contract in June, so the second-choice keeper Martinez would be deployed as a regular starter in goal next season if Inter decide against welcoming Vicario.
The Italian goalkeeper remains on Inter’s radar, but transfer expert Matteo Moretto has also reported that the Nerazzurri are now unsure about whether to continue talks with Tottenham, given that Martinez could become their first option for the new campaign.
If Inter don’t sign Vicario, they’d still have to get a high-level second-choice keeper who would potentially compete with Martinez for a starting spot in goal next season, Moretto said.
Martinez, 27, will start the next two matches against Lazio, first in Serie A and then in the Coppa Italia Final.
He has only made eight appearances across all competitions this season, going through a tough time off the pitch after being involved in a car accident that killed an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair in October 2025.
Martinez is in his second season at the Stadio Meazza, having joined Inter from Genoa for €14m in the 2024 summer transfer window.
David Alaba is available on a free transfer, and according to Corriere dello Sport, the Real Madrid defender has been offered to Juventus and Milan in Serie A.
Austria international Alaba has been offered to Serie A giants Juventus and Milan by his agent Pini Zahavi, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Real Madrid’s Alaba offered to Juventus and Milan in Serie A
Alaba’s contract at the Bernabeu expires at the end of the season, and the experienced defender is looking for a fresh start after struggling with injuries this season.
The 33-year-old has only collected 14 appearances across all competitions this term and wants to find a new club for the 2026-27 campaign.
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 02: David Alaba of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Getafe CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 02, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
His agent has offered him to several European clubs, including Milan and Juventus.
According to the report, Alaba has attracted interest from other leagues as well, especially the MLS and the Saudi Pro League.
There’s also interest from RB Salzburg, which is considering bringing Alaba back to Austria to contribute to the young players’ development within the Red Bull Group.
Champions League final tickets are sure to be in demand this year as Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain, so read on for our guide on how to buy Champions League final tickets.
Fans of both Arsenal and PSG will be making the trip to Budapest at the end of this month, with this year’s final kicking off on Saturday 30th May at 5pm BST.
This will be Arsenal’s second-ever appearance in the Champions League final, and their first for 20 years, so die-hard Gooners won’t want to miss out on this experience.
How to buy Arsenal tickets
The official Arsenal ticket page can be found via the linkhere, but these are sure to sell out rapidly, and as usual it’ll be season ticket holders and club members at the front of the queue.
We’d highly recommend our alternativehere, which offers you an easy-to-use and reliable service without the extra cost and hassle of club membership fees, plus the security of a 150% money back guarantee.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
How to buy PSG tickets
Meanwhile, PSG fans will likely be familiar with their official ticket pagehere, though it could also see them run into similar problems.
Again, make sure to have a backup plan, with our alternativehereproving popular as another way to make sure you make it to the games that matter to you.
Arsenal have been plagued by injuries for so much of this season, so that will surely be a question mark in the weeks ahead, though there have been some positive updates recently.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are now back in action again, while Riccardo Calafiori also returned to the starting line up for games against Fulham and Atletico Madrid.
Jurrien Timber’s fitness seems to be a concern, though, while it’s also unclear what kind of shape Mikel Merino will be in by the end of this month.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, walks to the dugout prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta also has some selection headaches – Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz up front? Martin Zubimendi or Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield?
Here’s a look at one possible lineup we could see from the Gunners…
One slight doubt for this final is the injured Achraf Hakimi, but apart from that PSG should be in strong shape to take on Arsenal.
Luis Enrique also has the luxury of being able to rest key players in domestic matches, with important members of the team like Marquinhos often being rested in the league and saved for Europe.
With everyone available, this PSG team more or less picks itself, so expect to see something like this against Arsenal…
Arsenal and PSG are set to meet on the biggest stage of all, but it’s not actually a fixture that’s happened that many times.
The north London giants and the Parisian outfit first locked horns in the Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1994, and they’ve played a total of seven games now.
PSG have won the most recent two as they beat Arsenal home and away in last season’s semi-final, but Arsenal also have two wins to their name, and the other three have been draws.
Arteta’s side notably got the better of Enrique’s men in the 2024/25 league phase as they won 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, so if they can find a way to repeat the success of that game, they could finally get their hands on the European Cup.
The France international is emerging as Man Utd’s top target in that position, with the expectation being that he can move for less than his €80m release clause this summer.
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That’s according to a report from Football Transfers, which has Lukeba’s estimated value at closer to the €50m mark, while they also state that United are keen to move quickly to beat the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich to the 23-year-old’s signature.
Castello Lukeba the latest name on United’s centre-back target list
United could do with strengthening at the back this summer due to the poor injury records of both Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, while Leny Yoro has also been a little underwhelming during his time at Old Trafford.
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Lukeba could make sense as a good option for the Red Devils, but in recent times we’ve also seen a few other names being mentioned.
See below for a timeline of recent Man United transfer news stories involving defensive targets…
Murillo is also alongside Lukeba on United’s list this summer – Fichajes
Micky van de Ven has MUFC on alert as he wants to leave Tottenham – TEAMtalk
It will be interesting to see how this develops and if other names are added to the list, but Lukeba certainly seems like a good option for the Red Devils to be considering.
Leipzig often seem to develop some top footballers that they go on to sell to bigger clubs, and Lukeba would make sense as their next big sale.
United also brought in Benjamin Sesko from the Bundesliga side last summer, so could have good relations there that will help them do business with them again.
Newcastle United are reportedly plotting an ambitious move for Aston Villa outcast turned Serie A sensation, Donyell Malen.
According to Football Insider, Eddie Howe has identified the Dutch attacker as one of his attacking targets in the summer transfer window.
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Following the failures of Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade this season, both of whom were signed to replace Alexander Isak, the Magpies are out in the market once again to add attacking options to their squad.
AS Roma are exploring the possibility of executing a swift, highly lucrative flip, aiming to make a massive, immediate profit on the in-form Netherlands international before he even settles permanently in the Italian capital.
Malen has revived his career in Serie A
After struggling to consistently match expectations in the Premier League at Villa Park, the Dutch attacker moved to Roma on loan this past January.
Since arriving at the Stadio Olimpico, Malen has been nothing short of a revelation under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Deployed as a dynamic number nine, he has rapidly established himself as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards, racking up an impressive 11 goals in just 15 Serie A appearances.
The Giallorossi negotiated a €25 million (approximately £21 million) clause to make Malen’s loan from Aston Villa permanent at the end of the season, an option they are now certain to trigger.
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The Italian giants are seriously considering immediately placing him back on the market, slapping a valuation in excess of €50 million (£43 million) on the player to secure a rapid, 100% return on their initial investment to ease Financial Fair Play concerns.
With talisman Anthony Gordon heavily linked with a blockbuster exit to Bayern Munich, and recent signings like Woltemade and Wissa failing to cement their places in the starting lineup, the Magpies are desperate for proven firepower.
The talented 20-year-old has an impressive record of eight goals and six assists so far this season, and it makes sense that he’s starting to attract interest from bigger clubs.
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It seems Arsenal are one of his big admirers, along with Newcastle United, though he won’t come cheap, with the Times reporting that his asking price will be as high as £52m.
Froholdt has quickly risen to stardom with Porto, with his value more than doubling in less than a year as he only joined the Portuguese giants for £20m last summer.
Victor Froholdt on the radar of Arsenal and Newcastle
Froholdt looks like someone Porto are going to struggle to keep hold of, with the Denmark international possibly heading to England next.
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The Times name Arsenal and Newcastle as his main suitors, but one imagines there’ll be other clubs to watch in the race for his signature before too long.
Porto have often ended up selling their stars to bigger clubs, so there’s surely an opportunity here for the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle if they really want Froholdt.
Mikel Arteta would surely benefit from having more depth in the middle of the park after a lack of impact from Christian Norgaard this season, while Newcastle might be at risk of losing Sandro Tonali this summer.
With that in mind, Froholdt could probably get a key role with either of those clubs, though NUFC might be the slightly safer bet in terms of regular starting opportunities.
Still, AFC are a huge name and an attractive project right now as they aren’t too far away from a stunning potential Premier League and Champions League double this season.
As Manchester United gear up for a pivotal summer transfer window under the INEOS regime, strengthening the defensive options is on their shortlist.
With recurring injury concerns continually plaguing their defensive flanks, the Red Devils are
reportedly setting their sights on Sporting CP’s dynamic left-back, Maxi Araujo.
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According to AS, the Premier League giants are one of the clubs monitoring Araujo, along with other clubs like Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus.
Man United’s interest in Araujo is rooted in pure tactical necessity.
Luke Shaw has struggled with fitness issues
Over the past few seasons, Luke Shaw’s persistent fitness issues have repeatedly exposed severe vulnerabilities on the left side of United’s defense.
Relying on Shaw across a gruelling 50-plus game season has proven to be an unsustainable strategy.
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Furthermore, while young talent Patrick Dorgu has shown flashes of raw brilliance, he has often looked defensively suspect when deployed as a specialist left-back, appearing far more comfortable and effective in an advanced wide-attacking role.
He is known for his attacking quality and his performances against Arsenal in the Champions League this season were watched closely and appreciated.
Averaging five ball recoveries and nearly four tackles per Champions League outing, he possesses the exact combination of aggression and tactical discipline that Man United desperately crave.
Despite his obvious fit for the Red Devils, prising Araujo away from Lisbon will trigger a fiercely competitive bidding war.
While Araujo’s current Sporting contract includes a hefty £69 million release clause, reports indicate that the Portuguese club is willing to open negotiations at a far more palatable starting price of around £43 million.
Araujo represents a premium, Champions League-proven asset who could be a huge asset for the Premier League side. It should be a no-brainer for the Red Devils to pursue a move for him.
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The England international looks increasingly likely to leave St James’ Park this summer, with Bayern already offering him a five-year contract, according to Christian Falk.
Writing in his latest CF Bayern Insider column, Falk explained that Gordon is also wanted by Premier League clubs, and that Bayern might still struggle to afford the deal if it ends up costing as much as £80m.
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This follows Fabrizio Romano recently reporting on his YouTube channel that Gordon has “serious chances” of leaving Newcastle this summer.
Anthony Gordon transfer saga looks far from straightforward
It seems hard to predict precisely where Gordon will end up this summer, even if his future surely lies away from Newcastle.
The 25-year-old has impressed during his time with Magpies, scoring 39 goals in 152 appearances since joining from Everton.
Anthony Gordon at Newcastle
Games
Goals
2022/23
16
1
2023/24
48
12
2024/25
42
9
2025/26
46
17
After a dip in form from Newcastle this season, it surely makes sense for Gordon to explore a possible move to a higher level, and that could still mean there’s hope for the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
“Anthony Gordon is at the top of the wishlist. But the transfer fee remains a problem. If we’re looking at £80m – that’s a lot of money for Bayern Munich,” Falk said.
“A few weeks ago, I would have said a deal of this magnitude isn’t possible. Now, I think the view of the supervisory board is shaped by the clear need for another forward player. PSG had Bradley Barcola on the bench. Bayern didn’t have the same level of quality depth available to call upon.”
He added: “The agents are making a lot of calls, a lot of meetings, around Europe. There was a meeting with Chelsea, contact with Liverpool, contact with Arsenal… they’re allowed to do that, as they know Newcastle need the money this summer to keep on the right side of Financial Fair Play.”
Which club needs Anthony Gordon most?
Gordon is a top player who can surely add something to most of the big clubs out there, and it makes sense that Bayern want a bit more depth behind their first-choice front three.
Still, the former Everton man surely won’t want to sit on the bench at his next club, so he might find it’s better to look at the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.
The Gunners urgently need to improve on their left flank after inconsistent performances this season from the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have struggled to replicate their success from last season and surely need someone like Gordon to give them an upgrade on Cody Gakpo.
Arsenal look to have been given a positive update on their transfer pursuit of Ajax winger Mika Godts, despite Bayern Munich also being interested.
For now, it seems that although Godts is on Bayern’s radar, he’s not considered a priority target, or even in the top three names they have in mind for that position, according to Christian Falk in his latest CF Bayern Insider column.
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Arsenal have been linked as one of the main clubs in for the exciting young Belgian wide-man by both TEAMtalk and Fichajes, and it seems Bayern could also be a name to watch, but perhaps not as concretely.
Discussing Godts, Falk said: “It is TRUE: Bayern are watching Mika Godts. However, he hasn’t broken into the top three offensive options FC Bayern are actively discussing. The Belgian could, of course, still be an option to enlarge the squad.”
What next for Mika Godts as transfer talk hots up?
Godts has shone for Ajax this season with an impressive 17 goals and 12 assists so far, and it’s surely only a matter of time before that earns him a move to a bigger club in a more competitive league.
Blessed with skill, pace, and good end product, Godts looks like he really has it in him to be the next big thing in European football, and the next major sale by Ajax.
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The Eredivisie outfit have a history of developing top young players and selling them for a profit, and it will surely be hard for them to keep a player of this calibre after a disappointing season.
Arsenal could do with someone like Godts coming in and giving them something different in attack, with the 20-year-old already looking like he could be a significant upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Bayern arguably don’t have as much need for him at the moment after an outstanding season from their front three of Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz.
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz may have been linked with a transfer to Bayern Munich, but for now Christian Falk says the rumours are not true.
Writing in the latest edition of his exclusive column for CF Bayern Insider, Falk made it clear that Havertz is not currently part of Bayern’s plans.
It also seems that the Germany international himself is focused on next season with Arsenal, instead of looking for a possible move this summer.
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Kai Havertz looks set to stay at Arsenal
Arsenal fans may have mixed feelings about Havertz, but for now there’ll surely be a decent chunk of Gooners who will be happy to hear that he doesn’t look likely to be leaving.
“I heard the rumours a few weeks ago and checked up on it. There were no talks, no negotiations. Havertz is already thinking about next season with Arsenal,” Falk said.
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“I think he would like to play for Bayern Munich in the future, but at the moment, his name wasn’t discussed by the supervisory board. He’s not, at present, on Bayern’s summer shortlist.”
Havertz has 34 goals in 107 games for Arsenal, and one imagines he will continue to have a role to play, even if it’s just a squad player in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Capable of playing up front or in midfield, the 26-year-old is perhaps not the most consistent performer, but he has shown moments of real quality during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
Bayern to look elsewhere for striker depth?
Bayern eyeing Havertz could well have made sense for this summer as Nicolas Jackson’s time on loan at the Allianz Arena will be coming to an end.
Vincent Kompany could do well to bring in someone to provide more depth behind Harry Kane, and there’ll surely be a few names on the club’s radar.
Still, it seems we can rule Havertz out for now, according to Falk, though it will be interesting to see if this changes in the weeks and months ahead.
Chelsea are willing to sell Alejandro Garnacho in the summer transfer window, according to SportsBoom. The Blues signed the Argentina international winger from Premier League rivals Manchester United last summer, but the London club ‘want to get rid of’ after just one year. Garnacho has scored eight goals and given four assists in 41 matches […]
Cristian Chivu will likely receive a message from his ex-coach José Mourinho after winning the 2025-26 Scudetto with Inter, as the Special One promised just a few days ago.
Inter’s Scudetto triumph is being celebrated worldwide, some celebrating harder than if they won live Baccarat onlineat the Luck Hills online casino, where the thrill of playing can often feel like the excitement generated at the end of a roller coaster season in Serie A.
The Nerazzurri have secured their second Serie A title in the last three years, with Chivu becoming the first foreign coach to win the domestic title in Italy since Mourinho in 2010.
Chivu was an Inter player under the Portuguese tactician when the Nerazzurri won a legendary treble in 2010, and just a few days before Inter’s latest triumph, Mourinho had told Il Giornale: “I’m happy for Chivu that Inter can win the Scudetto, even if, when I was his coach, I’d never thought he would become a coach.
“He didn’t seem predestined, but he was smart. He has studied and has built experience. Many go on the bench today because they sell themselves well. And let’s be honest: this idea that the style of play matters more than results is the biggest lie in football.
“I haven’t messaged Chivu yet because it’s not mathematically certain. Let’s let him earn the points he needs, and when it happens, I’ll reach out.”
Now that Inter have put their hands on the 21st Scudetto in their history, Mourinho will likely text his former star.
Chivu and Inter even have a chance to complete a domestic double, having qualified for the Coppa Italia Final, to be played against Lazio on May 13, 2026.
“This is the 21st title and another page in the glorious history of this club,” Chivu said after Inter’s 2-0 win over Parma on May 3, which mathematically gave the Nerazzurri the Scudetto with three games to spare.
“I was younger then, I’ve got some grey hair now, but I am just as happy as when I was a player. The players deserve the credit today; they were marvellous.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“For what this club represents, it was our duty to be competitive. There are ups and downs, the season is a marathon, and we were the most consistent team overall, even after losing a few games, because we always managed to react and get back on our feet.”
Inter hired Chivu in the summer of 2025, days after losing the Champions League Final 5-0 against PSG, under Simone Inzaghi.
Chivu signed a two-year contract until June 2027, but as revealed by President Beppe Marotta, the club will work on a contract extension and a long-term project with the 45-year-old.
Olympic Lautaro: he takes charge of Inter for the great final. Calha doesn’t recover.
Rabiot’s sprint to keep Allegri. Spalletti thinks of Vlahovir right away.
Corriere dello Sport
Alaba offered
He leaves Real
Free agent in July: the Austrian jolly is nearly 34. Agent’s blitz
The agent Zahavi sees Milan and Inter
He’s won 39 trophies in his career. Only 14 games this season. He has offers from the USA, Arabia and Salzburg.
Martinez plays for the cup and the future
The Spaniard’s stakes are rising. Vicario is no longer the first choice, but the Final against Lazio will be decisive
McT makes the counting: target 14
Nobody is as decisive as Scott at Napoli: Bologna arrive on Monday, and the Scotsman is close to his record of goals.
Tuttosport
D’Aversa, warning to Cairo
‘Sign Silva? Even on foot!’
Di Livio: ‘One with the class and personality of Bernardo gives you the strength, even just for how he holds the ball in difficult moments. Spalletti reminds me of Lippi. I raised Del Piero, I was his driver.’ Vucinic praises Lucio too: ‘He’s a phenomenon.’ Lecce tomorrow: Vlahovic ready
Inter, listen to Palestra: ‘Yes, I’m ready for the leap.’
Schenone sees the Prosecutor. Meeting with Rocchi?
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is attracting transfer interest from Arsenal and other clubs, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.
It could be a big summer of change at the Etihad Stadium with doubts over the future of manager Pep Guardiola, while we also already know that experienced big names like Bernardo Silva and John Stones are leaving as free agents.
As well as that, I’ve been given information on another possible story to watch, with Premier League clubs on alert for a possible opportunity to raid Man City for Reijnders.
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I can confirm that there is some truth to the transfer rumours doing the rounds in recent days, even if City and Reijnders still need to finalise a decision, which will come at the end of the season.
Clubs ready to move if Tijjani Reijnders leaves Manchester City
Reijnders has clearly fallen out of favour as this season has gone on, but it remains to be seen if City will definitely be prepared to let the Netherlands international go after just one season.
Some sources have played down the idea of both sides parting ways just yet, even if there is obviously a list of clubs keeping an eye on his situation.
“Reijnders and City will most likely meet at the end of the season to clarify the situation,” one source said. “There’s not currently any push from the player to move, and the club won’t necessarily want to let him go so soon.”
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Still, numerous other sources named Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and his former club AC Milan as clubs monitoring Reijnders’ situation.
I’m not yet sure if Reijnders is a top priority for any of these teams, but it’s normal if a player like him becomes available that a long list of suitors could pop up to consider the opportunity if the terms are right.
It’s a bit early for that now, though, even if I suspect this is going to be one to watch in the weeks and months ahead.
Despite some talk that an agreement is more or less already in place for Guardiola to step down as City manager this summer, with Enzo Maresca coming in to replace him, I’m still told that there hasn’t been a final decision yet.
It may well be that Guardiola has confided in some people close to him that he’s leaning towards leaving, but that’s not the same as an official message directly to the club.
For now, I suspect the Spanish tactician is simply focusing on the end of the season and will decide from there, perhaps depending on results, or perhaps not. There’s no hurry from either party to resolve this now, and it’s not thought to be a distraction for any of the staff or players.
As Manchester United prepare for a massive summer overhaul under the INEOS regime, another high-profile departure appears to be imminent.
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, out-of-favor midfielder Manuel Ugarte is actively planning a summer transfer away from Old Trafford.
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Despite holding a contract that runs until 2029, the 25-year-old Uruguayan international has found himself entirely marginalised in Manchester, opening the door for an intense bidding war spearheaded by Turkish giants Galatasaray
Ugarte’s tenure in Manchester has been deeply frustrating since his £50.5 million arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024.
Manuel Ugarte has struggled at Man United
The ball-winning midfielder initially struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, and his situation has only deteriorated since Michael Carrick took the managerial reins from Ruben Amorim.
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Under Carrick’s progressive stewardship, Ugarte has managed just a single start, stepping in only when Kobbie Mainoo was injured and has been left as an unused substitute in recent crucial victories over Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool.
Behind the scenes, the club’s hierarchy has already made its definitive decision. Widespread reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has personally approved Ugarte’s impending sale.
To fund this, United are prepared to ruthlessly cut their losses on Ugarte.
While his stock may have dipped in England, Ugarte’s aggressive, combative profile remains highly coveted across Europe. Galatasaray currently represent the most concrete suitors.
As Plettenberg noted, the Süper Lig heavyweights held extensive, concrete discussions regarding a transfer earlier this year, but the move ultimately collapsed.
With the summer window approaching and Ugarte actively looking for an escape route, the Turkish club is poised to return to the negotiating table.
Interim boss Michael Carrick stepped in, steadied the ship, and actually got a tune out of the squad down the stretch.
Because of that, a lot of players and ex-teammates are fully backing him for the permanent gig.
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But if you thought Roy Keane was going to get caught up in the good vibes and sentimentality, think again.
Never one to mince his words, the legendary United captain just served up a classic, ruthless reality
check about what it actually takes to win the Premier League.
Roy Keane has doubts over Michael Carrick
Keane painted a pretty vivid picture to explain the massive gap between United and the teams actually hoarding the trophies right now.
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“If you are Pep Guardiola or Mikel Arteta and you are on holiday, sitting on their yachts, and they see Michael Carrick getting announced as Manchester United manager, do you think they will become fearful of him?”
Keane is basically saying that to mix it with the big boys, you need a manager with a serious pedigree.
He took direct aim at the actual timeline of a potential Old Trafford rebuild under Carrick, adding:
“I am not going to sit there and say that Michael Carrick is going to get Manchester United back in the top in the next 2/3 years. I don’t see it. But I’d love to be proven wrong.”
It’s a fascinating clash of opinions. Inside the Old Trafford dressing room, Carrick is incredibly popular.
He took over during a total mess, calmed everyone down, and got the team playing cohesive football again.
But Keane’s argument goes way past team chemistry. The modern Premier League is an absolute tactical arms race. Keane is essentially challenging the INEOS board to think bigger.
This whole debate perfectly sums up the massive headache Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the board are dealing with this summer.
Do you reward the guy who fixed the immediate mess and keep the dressing room happy? Or do you go out and find a certified heavyweight who might actually make Pep and Arteta nervous?
While Carrick has done a brilliant job at the club, Keane’s reservations are fair and they make complete sense.
Chelsea are willing to sell Alejandro Garnacho in the summer transfer window, according to SportsBoom. The Blues signed the Argentina international winger from Premier League rivals Manchester United last summer, but the London club ‘want to get rid of’ after just one year. Garnacho has scored eight goals and given four assists in 41 matches […]
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in signing Kim Min-jae from Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window, according to Fussball Daten. The report in the German media outlet has claimed that Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Fenerbahce are also monitoring the situation of the 29-year-old South Korea international central […]
Manchester City are reportedly preparing to flex their considerable financial muscle by formally entering the race for Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Júnior.
According to TEAMtalk, the Premier League giants are monitoring the Brazilian winger’s evolving situation at the Santiago Bernabéu, sensing a rare opportunity to capture one of world football’s most electrifying talents.
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The timing of City’s intense interest is far from coincidental. Vinicius’s current contract with the Spanish giants is slated to expire in June 2027.
As the current season wraps up, he is rapidly approaching the precarious final 12 months of his deal, a scenario that drastically shifts the negotiating leverage toward the player.
Brazilian attacker faces uncertain future in Madrid
Real Madrid face an ultimatum heading into this summer, either secure the 25-year-old to a monumental, record-breaking extension, or entertain staggering offers to avoid the catastrophic scenario of losing a generational asset for free next year.
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Following the high-profile integration of Kylian Mbappé over the past couple of seasons, the battle for positional supremacy and the global spotlight has moved away from Vinicius.
While Vinicius has consistently performed at a Ballon d’Or level, the allure of being the undisputed, solitary crown jewel of an elite sporting project could eventually turn his head.
The Brazilian is waiting to see if Real Madrid match his ambitions in the near future, as the Spanish giants look set to finish another season without a trophy.
As for Los Blancos, they have made it clear to Vinicius that if he fails to sign a new deal at the club, he would be put on the market for a transfer. As per the report, it is Real Madrid’s firm stance, not a negotiation tactic.
Man City feel Vinicius can elevate their attacking department
The Etihad hierarchy views the Brazilian not just as a marquee commercial signing, but as the ultimate tactical weapon to refresh their attacking framework.
The tantalising prospect of pairing Vinicius’ explosive 1v1 dribbling and creative genius with the ruthless penalty-box finishing of Erling Haaland is a nightmare scenario for defenses across the Premier League and Europe.
Real Madrid will undoubtedly fight tooth and nail to retain their superstar, but Man City’s lurking presence guarantees that Florentino Pérez will not have an easy negotiation.
The two-time Champions League winning star is one of the biggest names in world football and his potential availability is set to alert clubs in Europe as well as Saudi Arabia.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez will reportedly look to discuss his future with the club before the upcoming 2026 World Cup this summer.
The Argentina international has shone during his time at Atletico, having also previously shown he can do it in the Premier League during a spell with Manchester City.
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Following a fine season in which he’s scored 20 goals and contributed eight assists, Alvarez has been linked with Arsenal by a number of sources, including journalist Ben Jacobs in the X post below…
?? Diego Simeone on Julian Alvarez's future. "I’m not inside Julian Alvarez’s head. But it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona."
Now there’s been an update on the situation, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that Alvarez could look to resolve his future before the World Cup this summer.
The report mentions Barcelona also being interested in the 26-year-old, but it’s not necessarily going to be a straightforward deal to get done.
Julian Alvarez transfer might be too expensive for Barcelona
The issue, according to the report, is that Barcelona would likely need Alvarez’s price tag to come down from the €100m that is currently expected to be his valuation.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but it could end up being the case that the Catalan giants simply can’t afford the former Man City man, giving the advantage back to Arsenal.
The Gunners knocked Alvarez and Atletico out of the Champions League this week, but the north London giants will be under no illusions about their need to strengthen in attack this summer.
Viktor Gyokeres’ form has improved recently, but overall he’s looked slightly limited with his performances up front this season, and someone like Alvarez would surely represent an upgrade.
Julian Alvarez vs Viktor Gyokeres stats (DataMB)
See the graphic above for a detailed look at some of their key stats this season, which perhaps highlights how well these two strikers could work together as they offer slightly different skillsets.
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Since his €45 million switch from Lyon in 2023, Barcola has developed into one of Europe’s most dynamic attackers, combining blistering straight-line speed with elite 1v1 dribbling ability and a sharp eye for goal.
PSG attacker Barcola is looking for more minutes
While PSG initially signaled they had no intention of selling the forward, the internal landscape has quietly shifted.
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Competition for starting minutes under Luis Enrique remains exceptionally fierce, and reports now indicate that a summer exit for the young Frenchman is considered a genuine possibility.
However, Arsenal’s pursuit is complicated by intense competition from the continent’s traditional elite.
Similar to the widespread pursuit of Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, Barcola represents a rare market opportunity that heavyweight clubs simply cannot afford to ignore.
The Gunners could face Barcola in the Champions League final this season and he has the opportunity to impress them more in the biggest match of the season.
Luring Barcola to the Emirates Stadium would not only supercharge Arsenal’s attacking depth but also strike a profound psychological blow to their continental rivals.
For Arsenal, securing Bradley Barcola would represent a massive statement of intent. The prospect of offering the 23-year-old guaranteed starting minutes in the Premier League could prove to be the ultimate trump card in negotiations.
The Gunners are showing interest in the Frenchman as Arteta eyes attacking additions for his squad.
Barcola’s potential arrival could be bad news for players like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is emerging as a top target for a number of clubs and one of them have finally started making their moves to sign him.
According to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, German titans Bayern Munich have officially opened club-to-club talks with the Magpies regarding a blockbuster summer move for the 25-year-old England international Gordon.
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With Gordon reportedly keen to explore his options ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, Newcastle’s hierarchy has signaled a willingness to listen to lucrative offers, setting the stage for a high-stakes bidding war.
While Bayern Munich have made the first formal move, prising Gordon away from St. James’ Park will require a monumental financial package.
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Realistically, a compromise could be reached in the region of €75 million to €85 million (including performance-related add-ons).
For Newcastle, securing such a substantial fee would dramatically alleviate any lingering Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns, potentially funding multiple high-profile signing as they look to refresh Eddie Howe’s squad.
The Gunners are reportedly comfortable with a £75 million valuation of their own, eager to add his relentless pressing, pace, and direct attacking output to Mikel Arteta’s frontline.
This firm domestic interest heavily complicates Bayern’s pursuit, potentially forcing the Bavarians to accelerate their negotiations to avoid losing out to the North London side.
The German giants have taken notice of Gordon’s talent for a long time and they have finally made their move, ahead of other interested clubs.
There is a feeling at St. James’ Park that Gordon is ready to leave the club and explore a new opportunity in his career. At Bayern Munich, he can compete for the biggest honours in the game and take his career to the next level.
However, Valverde himself has attempted to play down the incident to a certain extent, even if he confirmed that there was a row inside the dressing room.
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The 27-year-old has released a statement on Instagram insisting that this kind of thing happens a lot and is not normally leaked to the press, suggesting perhaps that someone malicious inside the club is deliberately spreading rumours.
Federico Valverde plays down Aurelien Tchouameni row rumours
See below for Valverde’s post on Instagram as he attempted to clear up the situation…
Federico Valverde’s Instagram statement
Valverde said: “At no point did my team-mate hit me, and I didn’t hit him either, although I understand it’s easier for you to believe we came to blows or that it was intentional, but that didn’t happen.
“I feel that my anger about the situation, my frustration at seeing some of us struggling to get through the end of the season on our last legs, giving it our all, pushed me to the point of arguing with a team-mate.
“I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry because this situation hurts me, this moment we’re going through is painful. Real Madrid is one of the most important things in my life, and I can’t just turn a blind eye to it.
“The result is a build-up of things that culminate in a senseless fight, damaging my image and leaving room for doubt – for people to fabricate stories, slander me, and sensationalise an incident.
“I have no doubt that any disagreements we might have off the field ceases to exist on it, and if I have to defend the team inside a stadium, I’ll be the first to do so.”
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He added: “In a normal locker room, these things can happen and are usually resolved internally without it becoming public knowledge.
“Clearly, someone here is spreading rumours, and with a season without titles, where Real Madrid is always under scrutiny, everything gets blown out of proportion.”
What’s going on at Real Madrid?
It’s been a difficult season for Real Madrid, who are set to finish trophyless, while their bitter rivals Barcelona will most likely wrap up the La Liga title against them in the upcoming El Clasico clash.
Xabi Alonso was hired as manager last summer, but struggled to live up to expectations, and ended up leaving the role, while interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa has perhaps also had issues stamping his authority on this squad.
“The Valverde-Tchouameni tension is not something that we have heard about before this week, but it is symptomatic of a volcanic dressing room right now,” Ruairidh Barlow, editor of Football Espana, told us.
“In that specific incident, after a fight on Wednesday, Valverde reportedly refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand, which led to another training session of intense tackles, and culminated in the fight.
“More widely, it’s just the latest incident in a number of feuds ongoing. As many as six players are supposedly not talking to manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio and Dani Carvajal have all fallen out with Arbeloa, and the latter’s frustration led to an injury to a youth player after a rash tackle.
“In the past week, we’ve heard about Kylian Mbappe getting angry at a member of the coaching staff, and Antonio Rudiger getting physical with Alvaro Carreras too.
“On the whole, the consensus is that this is the product of a dressing room that has been without leaders for some time, and without a manager to impose authority. With President Florentino Perez backing his stars over managers, and doing little to curb their behaviour himself, the lack of discipline has descended into the chaos we’re seeing this week.”
He has a contract with them until 2030, and he could cost around €25 million in the summer. The talented young attacker could be a very useful acquisition for Manchester United, and he would be a long-term investment.
They need more quality in the final third, and the 21-year-old will add pace, flair and goals to the team. He is capable of operating on either flank, and he could be the ideal utility man for Manchester United.
He is a young player with a lot of potential, and Manchester United could groom him properly. They have done well to nurture young players in the past, and they could play a key role in his development.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be tempting for the young attacker. However, he must first secure a defined role on the team before joining the club. Sitting on the bench at Manchester United would be detrimental to his development.
The asking price is reasonable for a player of his potential, and he could easily justify the investment in future. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United follow up on their interest with an official offer at the end of the season.
They have secured Champions League qualification, and they need to add more depth to the team this summer. Adding more quality in the wide areas would be a wise decision. They should look to invest in another striker as well.
Bayern Munich have no plans whatsoever to sell Harry Kane in the summer transfer window, according to Fussball Daten. Kane has been at the German club since 2023 and is under contract until 2027. Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea are the three clubs most interested in the England International striker, who has won back-to-back Bundesliga […]
Arsenal are interested in signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Gunners are looking for a new winger, and the Premier League leaders have set their sights on Barcola. The report has stated: ‘The need to renew the wide areas has become an absolute priority for a […]
Watching both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior leave Stamford Bridge this season, Chelsea have found themselves at the heart of a public crisis. Blown away against relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest earlier in the week as they slumped to a deserved 3-1 defeat in west London, the Blues have remarkably lost six consecutive Premier League appearances […]
Fabrizio Romano has said that Manuel Ugarte will leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has claimed that Ugarte’s agent is already on ways to get the Uruguay international midfielder out of Old Trafford. Romano said on the Here We Go podcast: “Some players will leave, especially in […]
Lionel Messi received a piece of good news in the Argentina national team as Cristian Romero is reportedly expected to recover for the June friendlies prior to the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi has had to watch several key Argentina players pick up injuries during the final stretch of the 2025-26 club season. But a piece of encouraging news has emerged surrounding Cristian Romero, with reports indicating the center back is on track to be fit before the June friendlies that serve as Argentina’s final warm-up ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The alarm was sounded when Romero was forced off in tears during Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League match against Sunderland on April 12, following a knee injury. Medical assessments quickly ruled out any ligament tear that would have threatened his World Cup participation, though his season with Spurs came to an early end.
According to Argentine insider Lucas Gatti of Pagina 12, Romero’s recovery from a lateral ligament sprain in his right knee is being closely tracked by Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff. The report indicates the defender is expected to be available in time for the June friendly schedule ahead of the tournament.
Gatti’s report also revealed that a member of Argentina‘s senior team medical staff traveled to London in recent weeks to personally monitor Romero’s progress. The Córdoba-born center back is regarded as one of the cornerstones of the Albiceleste, with Argentina losing just three of the 49 matches in which he has featured.
Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Cristian Romero of Argentina.
Argentina’s pre-tournament schedule includes two friendlies before their World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. The Albiceleste face Honduras first on June 6 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, followed by the clash against Iceland on June 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.
Four other Argentina players to monitor
Lionel Messi has three more MLS games remaining before the club season gives way to World Cup preparations, mirroring the timeline for Argentina’s European-based players who are also wrapping up their domestic campaigns. While Romero’s situation has brought some relief, several other key names remain under close watch.
Nicolas Gonzalez is one of those players, having suffered a muscle tear in the rectus femoris of his left leg during the Champions League semifinal first leg between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. Lautaro Martinez is another concern, with the Inter Milan striker managing recurring muscular problems and logging just 30 minutes in the Serie A title-clinching victory last weekend.
The situation at Atletico Madrid has also added further anxiety, with Julian Alvarez hobbling off in the clash against Arsenal with ligament discomfort in his left ankle, and Giuliano Simeone also picking up an injury in the same match. Four players with distinct and important roles within the Albiceleste squad, their fitness will be among the most closely monitored storylines between now and the start of the tournament.
Real Madrid may need another left back as Ferland Mendy could miss a long time after muscle injury.
Bad news keeps piling up for Real Madrid in the middle of an internal scandal. This issue has nothing to do with that, but it is still another setback for the club, as it has now been confirmed that Ferland Mendy will undergo surgery.
Mendy was injured in the opening minutes of Real Madrid’s win over Espanyol last Sunday. The injury is to the tendon of his right rectus femoris, and it is not just a simple muscle issue with a short recovery time.
It has now been confirmed that the left-back needs surgery. Monday was the date set for the procedure in France, according to Marca. The expected recovery time is around five to six months, so Real Madrid may need to look for a replacement in the next transfer windows.
Éder Militão also needed surgery
Mendy is not the only player dealing with a muscle-related surgery. The French left-back joins Éder Militão in that unfortunate group, as the Brazilian is also expected to miss about the same amount of time.
Militão may not return this year (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
His injury happened in a match against Alavés, but it was more serious because he re-injured an area that had already been hurt before. In early April, he was close to returning before this setback forced him out for six months.
Militão underwent surgery with well-known doctor Lasse Lempainen in Finland to repair a rupture of the proximal tendon of the biceps femoris in his left leg. Along with missing the rest of Real Madrid’s matches, he will also miss the World Cup with Brazil. The player decided on surgery because he could not continue at less than full strength.
The retirement rumors
Mendy had started to regain ground later on, but he played in only nine matches all season after suffering several injuries. While the initially reported recovery time was around six months, there are rumors that he could retire.
This was reported by Cadena Cope, which posted that “the French left-back suffers a tear of the tendon of the femoral rectum with bone separation. He’ll go through the operating room and could be on leave for a year and with the option of retirement if it does not go well.”
Verdict: Home win Best odds: 17/20 Bookmaker: ZetBet After missing the opportunity to secure Champions League football at Old Trafford, Liverpool have another chance to confirm a top‑five finish when they host Chelsea in Saturday’s early kickoff at Anfield. The reigning champions saw their winning run snapped in a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United, […]
Lionel Messi could see his squad boosted for the Argentina 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria as the AFA is seeking for Nicolas Otamendi's amnesty.
Lionel Messi is set to anchor an Argentina squad that features only a handful of holdovers from the 2010 World Cup, with veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi joining him for their final run at the 2026 tournament in North America. Ahead of their Group J opener against Algeria, the Albiceleste could receive a significant roster boost as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) aggressively lobbies for an amnesty that would clear Otamendi for the match.
Argentina cruised to the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table as one of the first nations to punch their ticket to the 48-team tournament, but they didn’t escape without a late setback. During the qualifying finale against Ecuador on September 9, 2025, Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute for a last-man foul, an incident that contributed to a 1-0 defeat for the world champions.
Because Argentina has not played a competitive fixture since that match, instead opting for a string of friendlies, including a recent win over Zambia, the mandatory suspension was slated to carry over to their first official game of the 2026 World Cup. Under current FIFA regulations, the red card against Ecuador left Otamendi ineligible for the debut clash against the North African side in Kansas City.
Facing the prospect of entering the tournament without a cornerstone of their defense, the AFA has officially opened negotiations with the FIFA Bureau. The federation is pushing for a special indult that would wipe the slate clean for the veteran center-back, citing similar disciplinary precedents recently set by FIFA to ensure the tournament’s biggest stars aren’t sidelined for the opening festivities.
Referee Wilmar Roldan shows a red card to Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina.
AFA releases statement on Otamendi and Moises Caicedo
In an official statement released on Thursday, the AFA confirmed their proactive stance: “The Argentine Football Association, through its President, Claudio Tapia, has conducted negotiations before the FIFA Bureau to ensure that Nicolás Otamendi is eligible for the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, following his dismissal against the Ecuadorian National Team in the final match of the CONMEBOL South American Qualifiers.“
The appeal isn’t just a solo effort for Argentina; it also extends a hand to their final qualifying opponent by including Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo in the request, who was also sent off in that same game. “Furthermore, it is worth noting the importance and the support provided by the President of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), Alejandro Domínguez, before the Bureau regarding both our player and the Ecuadorian footballer, Moisés Caicedo,” the statement concluded.
Otamendi: A pillar of the Messi era
After weathering the heartbreak of three consecutive final losses between 2014 and 2016, Otamendi has evolved into a vital vocal leader within the squad. A close confidant of Lionel Messi, the 38-year-old Benfica defender was an ironman for Lionel Scaloni during the 2022 triumph in Qatar, playing every available minute to help secure the nation’s third star.
The bond between the two veterans was on full display during a recent warm-up friendly against Zambia, where Messi handed the ball to Otamendi to convert a penalty, a symbolic gesture for a player who has often worn the captain’s armband in Messi’s absence. Otamendi has already signaled that the 2026 World Cup will serve as his last games wearing the Argentina jersey, marking the final chapter of a golden era for the Albiceleste.
Nicolas Otamendi (L) and Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina.
Ousmane Dembele posted a video of his former Barcelona teammate Gavi after his goal for Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich.
The match of the week featured Bayern Munich trying to come back from its one-goal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals. In the end, the Germans were left behind as Ousmane Dembélé scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw. That led him to indirectly reference his formerBarcelonateammate Gavi.
While the most recent Ballon d’Or winner has already shown what he can do, proving his level last season with Paris Saint-Germain, he still seems to feel disrespected. Proof of that came in his celebration last Wednesday, when he made the famous silence gesture. But that was not his only message.
Dembélé turned to social media to show his feelings with a video of Barcelona’s Gavi, in which the midfielder responds to critics in a blunt way: “A lot of people think I don’t know how to play football. And they have no f… idea. It’s true. It’s understandable. It’s football. Everyone thinks what they want.”
There was some debate over who was the best player in the world last year. While Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe had strong arguments based on their individual performances, Dembélé won the award backed by team success.
What Dembélé has not done is relax after a fantastic year. Instead, he has kept his level high to lead the team to another Champions League final in its quest to repeat the achievement.
Dembélé has played 19 matches in Ligue 1 and contributed 10 goals. In the Coupe de France, he played two matches and scored once. He also played one match without scoring in the UEFA Super Cup, one match without scoring in the Intercontinental Cup, one match and one goal in the Trophee des Champions, and 12 matches with seven goals in the Champions League, for a total of 36 matches and 19 goals.
The final
Even though Harry Kane’s late goal for Bayern Munich added some suspense to the end of the match, Paris Saint-Germain was the better team in the semifinals. In the other semifinal, Arsenal eliminated Atletico Madrid by one goal to also reach the final against Paris Saint-Germain. The final was set for May 30 in Hungary.
The relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump has often appeared aligned in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, but a new disagreement has suddenly shifted the conversation surrounding the tournament.
The relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump has often appeared aligned in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, but a new disagreement has suddenly shifted the conversation surrounding the tournament. With the competition just 34 days away, the debate around accessibility and affordability has now become impossible to ignore for the governing body and the national team supporters hoping to experience soccer’s biggest stage in person.
As excitement builds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA has continued promoting the tournament as the most ambitious World Cup ever staged. Yet behind the scenes, frustration over ticket pricing has steadily intensified, particularly among supporters shocked by the soaring costs attached to group-stage matches and even standard seating options.
Reports surrounding ticket costs have dominated headlines in recent weeks. Supporters discovered that seats for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles were climbing beyond four figures on official and resale platforms, creating immediate backlash online and among fan organizations.
According to The Guardian, some Category 3 tickets for the match were listed at $1,120, while premium seats for the final reportedly approached $11,000 at face value. On FIFA’s resale marketplace, some listings for the final even reached astronomical prices that stunned fans across the soccer world.
View of the World Cup trophy.
The Guardian also noted that FIFA introduced dynamic pricing for the World Cup for the first time, allowing prices to fluctuate according to demand. The system, commonly used in American sports and entertainment, has become one of the tournament’s most controversial features.
Donald Trump breaks from Gianni Infantino’s position
While FIFA president Infantino had repeatedly defended the pricing structure, Trump unexpectedly offered a very different perspective during an interview with the New York Post. His comments quickly gained traction because of how closely he has been associated with FIFA during preparations for the tournament. “I did not know that number. I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you,” Trump said after learning about ticket prices for the United States opener.
The comment places him in direct contrast with Infantino, who has repeatedly defended FIFA’s pricing model. The FIFA president has argued that ticket values reflect market demand in a highly commercialised sports environment, particularly in the United States.
President Donald Trump speaks alongside FIFA Gianni Infantino during a meeting with the White House Task Force.
“We have to look at the market — we are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market rates,” Infantino explained during a recent FIFA Conference appearance.
The contrast between the two positions creates an awkward moment for FIFA. Trump has frequently appeared alongside Infantino throughout preparations for the tournament, including public appearances connected to travel initiatives and fan access programs.
FIFA defends its strategy despite backlash
Infantino has continued defending FIFA’s approach despite mounting criticism. The governing body argues that demand for tickets has reached unprecedented levels, with hundreds of millions of requests already submitted for the tournament.
The FIFA president also emphasized that resale markets contribute heavily to inflated pricing. According to him, selling tickets too cheaply would simply allow third parties to profit by reselling them at far higher amounts. “In the U.S. it is permitted to resell tickets as well,” Infantino said. “So if you were to sell tickets at the price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Still, many supporters remain unconvinced by that explanation. Critics have pointed out that the tournament was historically viewed as an event accessible to broad communities rather than only corporate clients or wealthy travelers.
Comparisons with the 2022 tournament in Qatar have also intensified scrutiny. The most expensive ticket for the 2022 final reportedly cost around $1,600, far below the top-tier figures now being discussed for 2026.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks about the 2026 World Cup with U.S. President Donald Trump
While established stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will attract global attention one last time, the 2026 World Cup will also spotlight a new generation stepping into the spotlight with their national team.
While established stars like Lionel Messiand Cristiano Ronaldo will attract global attention one last time, the 2026 World Cup will also spotlight a new generation stepping into the spotlight with their national team. Among them are Lamine Yamal for Spain, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard for Norway, all expected to feature prominently as their national teams aim to make deep runs.
But FIFA is now reportedly preparing a brand-new feature that could make the 2026 tournament feel even more historic. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up as a generational shift, where rising stars and late bloomers share the same stage. La Roja will rely heavily on Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, while France brings depth through Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Desire Doue.
England’s hopes are tied to Cole Palmer and Marc Guehi, while Portugal looks toward Joao Neves as a midfield cornerstone. Brazil continues its tradition of producing elite talent, with Endrick and Estevao seen as the latest heirs to a long legacy of attacking brilliance. However, the biggest talking point emerging from FIFA’s preparations is the introduction of a “Debut Patch” system for players appearing in their first World Cup match.
According to ESPN journalist Luiz Carlos Largo, “players competing in their first World Cup will wear a special patch on their jerseys,” a feature designed to highlight newcomers on soccer’s biggest stage. This means every debutant will carry a visible marker during matches, making it easy for fans to identify who is experiencing their first tournament appearance.
Lamine Yamal of Spain reacts during an international friendly match between Spain and Egypt
The system has been described as a simple but striking way to connect supporters more closely with individual player journeys. The idea comes as part of FIFA’s broader commercial partnership shift toward Fanatics, which will eventually take over trading card production. “The idea is to spotlight rookie athletes in the planet’s biggest tournament,” the report explained, underlining the intent behind the feature.
How the system will actually work
The Debut Patch will be attached to a player’s kit for their first-ever World Cup appearance, and once the match is over, it will be removed and preserved. It will then be stored as part of collectible trading cards under FIFA’s new licensing structure.
Although the full trading card partnership with Fanatics begins in 2031, the patches will already appear at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This early introduction is designed to build a long-term archive of match-worn memorabilia.
“Players making their first World Cup appearance will wear a special ‘Debut Patch’ on their jerseys,” the reliable Footy Headlines confirmed as well, adding that it transforms a simple kit detail into a collectible football artifact.
For many players, a World Cup debut becomes the defining memory of their entire career. FIFA’s new initiative appears designed to celebrate that exact moment: the first walk onto the pitch, the national anthem, and the realization of a lifelong dream.
That emotional aspect could become especially meaningful for players like Haaland and Odegaard, who have spent years carrying Norway’s hopes of returning to the tournament. It could also make Yamal’s first World Cup appearance even more iconic, given the extraordinary expectations already surrounding the teenage sensation.
Elsewhere, several players are preparing for long-awaited debuts after painful setbacks in previous tournaments. Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo missed Qatar 2022 through injury, while Colombia star Luis Diaz was denied a World Cup appearance after his country failed to qualify.
Erling Haaland (left), Lamine Yamal (center), and Martin Odegaard (right)
Michael Carrick asked for clarity on his Manchester United future.
The way things are expected to end at Manchester United was something almost no fan would have predicted a few months ago. Under Ruben Amorim, the team could not find enough consistency after a poor season the year before, and everything changed when the club appointed Michael Carrick as interim manager.
Results improved significantly from the start, with the team looking much better against the Premier League’s top sides. Their form continued to the point where they secured a Champions League spot, which brought his future into question.
Carrick said: “Clarity is important. We’ve finished strong, put ourselves in a good position and the situation of my role and what it looks like moving forward, I think it’s just the natural time. It was always spoken about towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season.”
Carrick is not in a hurry
There were some doubts around Carrick when he was hired to manage his former club. However, an incredible change in attitude from the players led to a run of performances that lifted them to third.
Amorim was fired from his Manchester United role in January (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
What the team has done has been so impressive that no club has earned more points since Carrick took charge, with a notable rise in the table featuring 10 wins, including victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, but the manager is not rushing his decision.
Carrick said: “At this stage it’s just putting the boys in a place to finish the season strongly and then, as I’ve said all along, I’m calm about it. It’ll get sorted out when it’s going to get sorted out. It’s out of my hands, so we’ll see what happens.”
The final matches
Carrick staying on as manager is not confirmed yet, even though he may have earned it, so the three remaining matches of the season could be his last with the club. Manchester United are set to face Sunderland (A), Nottingham Forest (H) in what could be his final match at Old Trafford, and Brighton (A).
With Spain’s squad announcement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, Real Madrid are at risk of losing a 92-year-old record.
Real Madrid are enduring one of their poorest seasons in decades. Having already failed to win the UEFA Champions League, Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey, they could also be eliminated from the La Liga title race this weekend. That context may also lead to the loss of a historic FIFA World Cup record once Spain’s final squad is confirmed.
Real Madrid are in serious danger of having no players included in Spain’s roster for the 2026 World Cup, something that has never happened before. Since the national team’s first appearance in the tournament at Italy 1934, Los Blancos have always had at least one player representing Spain at the World Cup.
Luis de la Fuente must submit a preliminary list of between 35 and 55 players by May 11. Then, no later than June 1, that group must be trimmed down to the final 26-man roster that will compete in North America.
At the moment, the only Real Madrid player who appears to have a realistic chance of making Spain’s squad is Dean Huijsen. The center back has been part of De la Fuente’s call-ups since 2025, although physical issues affected his standing within the team to the point that his place is not currently guaranteed.
Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid.
The other Real Madrid player who could have competed for a spot at the World Cup is Dani Carvajal. In fact, he — alongside Marco Asensio — was one of only two club representatives in Spain’s squad for Qatar 2022. However, recurring injury problems have limited him to just one international appearance since September 2024, and his latest injury — a fracture in the distal phalanx of the fifth toe on his right foot suffered in early May — has effectively ruled him out of contention.
The Real Madrid players who represented Spain at the World Cup
Although Real Madrid have always had players included in Spain’s World Cup squads from 1934 through 2022, the number has varied depending on the era. The lowest total came at Brazil 1950, when midfielder Luis Molowny was the club’s lone representative.
By contrast, some of Real Madrid’s most successful eras coincided with large contingents of players representing Spain. The legendary teams of the late 1950s and early 1960s reached their peak at Chile 1962, when seven Real Madrid players were called up by Spain. The same number also made the squad for Mexico 1986, including Emilio Butragueno.
Real Madrid will still have many representatives at the World Cup
Even if Spain ultimately have no Real Madrid players in their roster, the club will still be heavily represented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup through players from other national teams.
Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga all appear certain to be included in France’s squad, while Vinicius Junior is expected to represent Brazil. They would join Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), David Alaba (Austria), Antonio Rudiger (Germany), Jude Bellingham (England), Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Arda Guler (Turkey) and Brahim Diaz (Morocco).
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.
Cristiano Ronaldo reached on Thursday 100 goals in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, prompting comparisons with Lionel Messi and his current record in the MLS.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s prolific scoring form has shown no signs of slowing since his arrival at Al Nassr, as the legendary forward just hit the century mark in Saudi Pro League play. As Ronaldo joins an elite circle of goalscorers to reach the 100-goal milestone in the kingdom, the feat naturally reignites the debate with his longtime rival, Lionel Messi, and where the Argentine stands in his own quest for 100 MLS goals.
The strike didn’t just cement Al Nassr’s status at the top of the table; it marked Ronaldo’s 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League. Since his debut on January 22, 2023, against Al Ettifaq, the Portuguese icon has reached the century mark in less than four seasons, needing just 105 appearances to do so—an absurd scoring rate that averages nearly a goal per game.
The statistical breakdown of Ronaldo’s march to 100 SPL goals is a masterclass in consistency:
2022-23 season: 14 goals in 16 games.
2023-24 season: 35 goals in 31 games and Golden Boot winner.
2024-25 season: 25 goals in 30 games and Golden Boot winner.
2025-26 season: 25 goals in 25 games (current campaign).
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates scoring against Al Shabab.
According to Transfermarkt, Ronaldo now sits 6th on the all-time Saudi Pro League scoring list, trailing legends like Omar Al-Somah and Nasser Al-Shamrani. Remarkably, if Al Hilal managed to snatch the title away from Al Nassr this season, Ronaldo could become the only player in league history to score 100 goals without ever lifting the domestic trophy.
Tracking Messi’s record in MLS
Ronaldo and Messi both exited the European stage within a seven-month window, Ronaldo to Al Nassr in December 2022 and Messi to Inter Miami in July 2023. However, the Argentine maestro has logged significantly fewer minutes stateside, missing a total of 29 MLS matches due to a combination of nagging injuries, international duty, and load management.
To date, Lionel Messi has notched 58 goals in 63 MLS appearances for the Herons, leaving him 42 goals shy of the century mark in league play. In his most recent outing against rivals Orlando City, Messi celebrated his 100th official appearance for the Miami franchise across all competitions, bringing his total club tally to 86 goals.
When could Messi join the 100-goal club?
While Ronaldo hit his milestone with just two fixtures remaining in the Saudi campaign, Messi’s path is complicated by the upcoming 2026 World Cup. However, if the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner maintains his current torrid pace, the “century” remains well within his sights.
With 58 goals in 63 league games, Messi is averaging 0.92 goals per contest. At that clip, he would likely need roughly 46 more matches to find the 42 goals required. With 23 regular-season games remaining for Inter Miami in 2026, Messi is on a trajectory to potentially hit the 100-goal milestone sometime during the 2027 MLS season.
Lionel Messi (L) #10 of Inter Miami CF and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Al Nassr.
In an exclusive interview, Neil Cox discusses his rise from Scunthorpe to Aston Villa, his infamous fallout with Fabrizio Ravanelli, and coaching Montserrat during World Cup 2026 qualifying.
He’s already built a legacy on the pitch, but now, Neil James Cox is constructing a legacy on the touchline. Born on October 8, 1971, Neil Cox joined Scunthorpe United’s academy in 1985 and ascended through the ranks before eventually making his first-team debut in 1990. It didn’t take long for him to make his presence felt, with Aston Villa coming calling and giving them a club-record outlay of £400,000 as well as 2,000 new seats at Glanford Park in order for Scunthorpe to adjust to English football’s new post-Hillsborough rules. After receiving a call from Scunthorpe assistant manager Bill Green about the transfer on a Sunday night, Cox was on a flight to Hong Kong to join Villa in training.
“It was quite funny, because I signed for Aston Villa on a Monday. I traveled down on a Monday, and on Tuesday, I was back in training, and we flew into Hong Kong with the first team,” stated Cox in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview.
“Obviously, it was the middle of the season, and Aston Villa had been knocked out of the FA Cup early, so they had a spare two weeks and flew to Hong Kong. Obviously, I had gone from being a Scunthorpe boy who had been playing in the local leagues, very, very low-key, to traveling to Hong Kong to play two games in front of 100,000 people. It was completely strange, but in those two weeks, I got to know players like David Platt, Paul McGrath, Kent Nielsen, Tony Daly—some really top players who really looked after me. On that trip, I got taught how to behave, how to do things properly, how higher-end players look after themselves, and how they make sure they do everything right. I think that two weeks away was a settling learning curve for me that helped me.”
Cox seamlessly transitioned from the English fourth tier to the top flight, making 60 appearances for Villa and emerging as a key figure at right back and center back. He was able to take part in both the First Division as well as the newly formed Premier League, as well as helping them beat Manchester United in the 1994 Football League Cup Final, ending a 12-year trophy drought.
After guiding Villa to greatness at Wembley, Cox left Birmingham and became the first player to break the £1 million transfer fee mark for Middlesbrough, where he surpassed expectations and earned praise from the likes of Troy Townsend. He quickly established himself as an integral figure for Boro’s defense, guiding them to the First Division title and making it to the 1994–95 First Division Team of the Year, before helping them consolidate their presence in the Premier League.
The spring of 1997 proved to be a rollercoaster for Middlesbrough, who lost to Leicester City in the League Cup Final before taking on Chelsea in the FA Cup Final. Cox was unable to participate, however, after getting into a heated altercation with teammate Fabrizio Ravanelli over the Italian’s fitness prior to the game and being dropped on the morning of the final.
Ravanelli lasted just 24 minutes before begging to be subbed off, having previously claimed that he was fit, whilst Chelsea prevailed 2-0. Shortly after, Boro were docked three points for failing to fulfill a fixture following a flu outbreak in the squad and were relegated to the second tier. Cox eventually decided to leave for Bolton Wanderers in 1997, where he led them to the verge of promotion only to lose to Watford. Six months later, Cox made the move to Watford for £500,000, where, after suffering relegation and being dropped to the reserves, he would insert himself into the Hornets’ defense due to an injury crisis.
“Watford was a strange one, because obviously, Colin Todd got the sack, Sam Allardyce had come in at Bolton, and I was out of contract at the end of the season, and he had 4 or 5 months left. Big Sam says, ‘We need some money, and Watford had made an offer to you, do you want to go down and speak to them?’ I went to speak to Graham Taylor, who I knew really well from the Scunthorpe side, because he’s a Scunthorpe lad, same as I am, so we did know each other a little bit. I went down there, they offered me a long-term contract, and I just thought it was something that, with Bolton not offering me a new deal, as players, you’re just a bit wary of where the next contract’s going to come from, so I jumped on the opportunity to go play for Watford. I knew it would be a tough, tough ask: they started the season well in the Premiership, but they were just on a little bit of a slide, and they had no money to invest in the team. It was going to be a tough move, and I just thought it was something that was advancing me a little bit to go to big clubs that had just got promoted to a team that was struggling, probably made me a better player and stronger personality-wise… that’s why I went.”
Having forged a rock-solid pairing in central defense with Filippo Galli and made 246 appearances for the Hornets, Cox headed to Cardiff City, where he spent a season before dropping down from the second tier to the third tier with Crewe Alexandra.
He retired in 2008 and transitioned into coaching with non-league side Leek Town, although he briefly came out of retirement and played four matches for the club due to a spate of injuries. Cox then reunited with ex-teammate Neal Ardley as the assistant manager at League Two side AFC Wimbledon, where they achieved promotion to League One during their six-year spell, followed by a spell at League Two side Notts County.
After nearly eight years as Ardley’s #2, Cox took charge of Scunthorpe United, where he narrowly managed to eke out safety before getting the sack in November 2021. Cox then reunited with Ardley at National League outfit York City before deciding to team up with Lee Bowyer as an assistant coach with the Montserrat national team. He’s spent the past eight months residing in West Yorkshire alongside his daughter, his daughter’s boyfriend, and his granddaughter, recharging his batteries and gearing up for yet another chapter in his coaching career.
“It was brilliant to work for Montserrat. I still lived in the UK, and it was like any World Cup games, you play some at home, some away, but we played all our games away. Some of the lads that turned up for Montserrat never played football at all; they didn’t even play on a Saturday or a Sunday for anybody. They worked for British Rail, or they worked for somebody else, and you just had to get them together, and then they played for their country.
“We had to organize ourselves defensively, because we didn’t have much quality going forward. There were a lot of non-league players, but we did really well for a team. We traveled all the way around the world from the UK; Lee and I worked hard to go watch players as much as we could, but we just had to get together. We really only had 22 players to pick from, and if some of them were injured, every time we went on World Cup duty, we only had 2 games to play with 15 players, which was difficult. We went to El Salvador, we went everywhere to play these football games with this little team, this little country, but that was passionate about their football.”
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Dušan Vlahović’s future has become a controversial topic, despite ongoing renewal talks with Juventus. After negotiations were reportedly paused, the Serbian striker is now said to be open to accepting a backup role at Barcelona.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Dušan Vlahović’s future has been a major topic, as his contract expires in June. Despite his numerous injuries, Juventus FC have attempted to renew his deal, but talks have reportedly stalled. With this in mind, the Serbian striker has reportedly decided to prioritize a move to Barcelona, becoming open to a backup role in order to secure his signing as a free agent.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dušan Vlahović has decided to freeze his contract renewal with Juventus. Despite being open to reducing his salary to around €7 million per season, both parties have failed to reach an agreement due to issues related to commissions and signing bonuses. As a result, the Serbian striker has decided to prioritize a move to Barcelona, accepting a secondary role as a backup to Julián Álvarez if the transfer materializes.
Far from the Blaugranas being Vlahović’s only option, he has reportedly also offered himself as a backup to Harry Kane at Bayern Munich. Therefore, the striker’s future is far from decided, as it depends on whether either club makes a move for his signing. However, neither side has taken concrete steps for the Serbian yet, prioritizing the completion of other operations first. Because of this, the Vecchia Signora still have a chance to fight for his renewal.
After a highly inconsistent season in front of goal, Barcelona have reportedly decided to prioritize the signing of a world-class striker, with Julián Álvarez and João Pedro emerging as the chosen targets. Therefore, they will look to complete the arrival of one of those two forwards first, leaving the potential signing of Dušan Vlahović in the background, depending on the possible departure of Ferran Torres, something that still appears far from clear.
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring a goal.
Dusan Vlahovic’s injuries and inconsistencies spark concern
Dušan Vlahović has failed to establish as a major star at Juventus. Although he made a huge impact at Fiorentina as a prolific goalscorer, the Serbian has not managed to recover that level over the past few seasons. Moreover, he is coming off a season filled with injuries, missing 24 matches with the Vecchia Signora. For this reason, his free-agent arrival raises serious doubts among Europe’s top clubs.
Despite being considered a major market opportunity, the Serbian star is reportedly demanding a salary of €7M per season along with a signing bonus. Because of this, Vlahović would become one of the highest-paid players at whichever club he joins, despite not coming off his best seasons. In addition, Dušan has also failed to prove as a player capable of consistently performing at a top European club, as his inconsistency at Juventus raises serious doubts.
With this in mind, Barcelona might opt to re-sign Ferran Torres as a backup, as he has proven capable of making an impact on the team. Similarly, Bayern Munich might look for a player with Bundesliga experience. For this reason, Dušan Vlahović doesn’t have many good options on the market, leaving his potential move to AC Milan as a strong possibility—or waiting for one of his two preferred clubs to sign their star players first and then consider bringing him in.
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus warms up prior to the Serie A match.
Three days before their showdown against Barcelona, Real Madrid are still monitoring Kylian Mbappe’s situation closely.
Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off this Sunday in a new edition of El Clasico, a match that could go down in history if Los Blaugranas secure either a win or a draw that clinches the La Liga title. Against that backdrop, Kylian Mbappe’s availability remains uncertain, something that could strangely end up benefiting Los Blancos.
The French forward missed Real Madrid’s last match, a 2-0 victory over Espanyol last Sunday in La Liga. The absence was due to a muscle injury, leaving him questionable for El Clasico. It’s still unclear whether he will be available and, if so, whether he would start or come off the bench.
However, despite what might initially seem obvious, Real Madrid may actually be better off without their star player fully involved. Statistics show that in the last six matches in which Real Madrid had Mbappe in the starting lineup, they managed to win only once.
That could simply be viewed as evidence of the struggles experienced by Alvaro Arbeloa’s side this season rather than an issue specifically related to the French forward, if not for another revealing statistic: with Mbappe absent or coming off the bench, Real Madrid won seven of their last eight matches.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s record with and without Mbappe
Hampered by different physical issues since late 2025, Kylian Mbappe has missed several Real Madrid matches in recent months. The team initially struggled without him to the point of being eliminated from the Copa del Rey, but later appeared to find a formula for success even without their biggest star.
The last eight matches without Mbappe in the starting lineup include victories over Manchester City in both legs and one against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, as well as wins against Celta Vigo, Elche, Atletico Madrid and Espanyol in La Liga. The only blemish on that run was the March 2 loss to Getafe.
On the other hand, when the French star started matches, results were far less convincing. Real Madrid lost both matches against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, in addition to a La Liga defeat against Mallorca. They also drew against Real Betis and Girona. The only victory during that stretch with Mbappe in the starting lineup came on April 21 against Alaves.
How have Real Madrid replaced Mbappe?
Given Mbappe’s recurring injury absences throughout the year, Alvaro Arbeloa has been forced to look for solutions to replace him. The most obvious option was Gonzalo Garcia, the backup center forward available on the roster, and he has indeed been one of the alternatives used by the coach.
However, in most cases Arbeloa opted for a different approach: moving Vinicius Junior into a more central attacking role instead of his usual position as a left winger, giving him the freedom to occupy spaces as he saw fit. In many of those matches, the Brazilian star was also partnered in attack by Brahim Diaz.
While still drawing interest from the Saudi Pro League, reports position Mohamed Salah in the MLS, with San Diego FC’s ownership pushing for his signing.
Mohamed Salah has emerged as one of the most compelling figures of the upcoming summer transfer window after officially announcing his departure from Liverpool. While the Saudi Pro League has long been considered his most likely destination, reports suggest the Egyptian icon could still land in Major League Soccer, specifically with San Diego FC, fueled by the direct influence of the club’s ownership.
With his exit from Anfield imminent, the 33-year-old—who turns 34 in June—has become the subject of an intense tug-of-war between the Middle East, MLS, and top European suitors. While rumors of an American move had recently cooled, the league’s newest franchise remains remarkably well-positioned to pull off a blockbuster signing that would send shockwaves through the sport.
According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, San Diego owner Sir Mohamed Mansour has not closed the door on bringing Salah to Southern California. The Egyptian talisman, a lock for the 2026 World Cup, is expected to negotiate a mutual contract termination with Liverpool, allowing him to hit the open market as the most coveted free agent in world football.
However, a potential deal faces a significant philosophical hurdle regarding San Diego’s long-term vision. Mansour admitted to Jacobs that a move for the veteran “isn’t really within our model,” which prioritizes youth development. Indeed, per Transfermarkt, SDFC currently boast the 12th youngest roster in MLS, with an average age of just 25.5.
Sir Mohamed Mansour, founding partner and chairman of San Diego FC.
Despite the age gap, Jacobs reports that Mansour is personally pushing to make the deal a reality. While the Saudi Pro League views Salah as a crown jewel to capture the massive Egyptian market, an MLS move would represent another seismic power play for the league, adding one of the greatest Champions League winners in history to its ranks.
Are San Diego in a position to push for Salah?
The on-field reality for San Diego is currently bleak. After a respectable debut season in 2025, SDFC has plummeted to 13th place and crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, currently mired in a miserable nine-game winless drought (0-6-3). Amidst this tailspin, Salah is increasingly viewed as the potential savior capable of resuscitating a dying campaign.
The roster dynamics are equally complicated. Currently, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and Danish winger Anders Dreyer occupy the club’s Designated Player slots, but Lozano has been frozen out of the squad. Manager Mikey Varas recently confirmed that following a high-profile confrontation during the 2025 MLS Playoffs, there is “no turning back” for the Mexican star, who continues to train away from the first team.
Tactically, however, the fit is far from seamless. Salah is a natural right winger, the exact position occupied by Dreyer, arguably the team’s most consistent performer since their inception. While Salah could transition to a central striker role, Marcus Ingvartsen‘s reliable form makes that a tough sell. Ultimately, adding Salah’s firepower might be a luxury San Diego can’t afford if they don’t first address a backline and midfield that have been leaking goals all season.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match.
Federico Valverde denied the reported fight with Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni with a long post.
The mood in the dressing room has not been good after a season without trophies. That led to a confrontation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, leaving the Uruguayan out of Real Madrid’s squad for Sunday’s match against Barcelona.
Valverde was taken to the hospital to get stitches after the incident. Tensions had already surfaced the day before, but things got worse on Thursday. There was no longer any point in trying to hide what had happened.
In a long post on his Instagram account, Valverde wrote: “During the argument, I accidentally hit a table and cut my forehead a little, which required a routine trip to the hospital. At no point did my teammate hit me, and I did not hit him either. I understand it may be easier for you to believe that we got into a fight or that it was intentional, but that did not happen.”
The repercussions of the incident
The issue between teammates was serious enough that the club had to speak publicly. They did so with a statement: “Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the incidents that occurred this morning during the first team’s training session, it has decided to open disciplinary proceedings against our players Valverde and Tchouameni.”
Tchouameni was the other player (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Acknowledging that they were going to investigate the matter was one step, but they also released the medical report that ruled Valverde out of El Clasico.
The statement said: “After the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a cranioencephalic trauma. Valverde is at home in good condition and will need to rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by medical protocols for this diagnosis.”
Full message from Federico Valverde on his Instagram
Yesterday I had an incident with a teammate during a training-ground play, where the wear and tear of competition and the frustration make everything feel bigger.
In a normal locker room, these things can happen and are settled between us without it coming to light. Clearly, there is someone behind this who is quick to spread the story, added to a season without titles where Madrid is always the target and everything gets magnified.
Today we had another disagreement. During the argument, I accidentally hit a table and cut my forehead a little, which required a routine trip to the hospital.
At no point did my teammate hit me, and I did not hit him either, although I understand it may be easier for you to believe that we got into a fight or that it was intentional, but that did not happen.
I feel that my anger with the situation, my frustration at seeing that some of us are reaching the final stretch of the season with our last bit of strength, giving everything we have, has taken me to the point of arguing with a teammate.
I am sorry. I am truly sorry because the situation hurts me, and the moment we are going through hurts me. Madrid is one of the most important things in my life and I cannot be indifferent. The result is an accumulation of things that end in a meaningless fight, damaging my image and leaving room for doubt, for inventing, defaming and adding to an accident. I have no doubt that any friction we may have off the pitch stops existing, and if I have to defend him inside a stadium, I will be the first.
I was not going to speak until the end of the season. We were eliminated from the Champions League and I kept the anger and resentment to myself. We wasted another year and I was not in the mood to make posts on social media when the only face I had to show was on the field, and I feel I did so. That is why I am perhaps the saddest of all, and it hurts me to go through this situation that prevents me from playing the next match because of medical decisions, since I always went to the end, to the very last consequences, and it hurts me more than anyone not to be able to do so. I am at the club’s and my teammates’ disposal to help with any decision they consider necessary.
Christian Pulisic explains how he approached his Milan debut, dealing with the current crisis, his experience at Chelsea and preparing for the USA’s World Cup. ‘I plan on scoring goals.’
The USMNT striker was given the rare honour of being the cover star of Time magazine, as the country gears up for co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next month.
In a series of interviews, he comes across as serious and focused on his career almost to a fault, with friends and teammates urging him to loosen up.
Pulisic wants to shut critics up
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts after seeing his team concede a third goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Pulisic was one of the first Americans to really make a name for himself in Europe, at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and now Milan, but also faced a great deal of criticism.
“When people say that it wasn’t a successful time, it is interesting to me, because I feel like that’s how everyone’s career kind of goes,” said Pulisic of his Chelsea spell.
“It’s not just constantly soaring up.”
He made an immediate impact at Milan after the move in 2018, scoring on his debut in the 2-0 victory over Bologna.
“I didn’t do so much thinking and listening to all types of instruction,” says Pulisic. “I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m just gonna go play.’”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan is challenged by Ardian Ismajli of Torino during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This attitude has served him well so far, but it has all gone wrong in 2026, failing to score a single goal in all competition for the Rossoneri or the USMNT.
“I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.”
Yet when he does reflect on previous difficult moments, such as when he was left out of the Gold Cup squad last June, it becomes evident why the current form has been so frustrating.
“That time was difficult for me, because normally I can shut people up with my play. That’s what I’ve done my whole career. I’m in my offseason, so like people are just talking about me, and I can’t just go freaking score and shut them up.”
He has been playing consistently, but not scoring or shutting people up.
“Going at the goal, creating attacking actions, for me, that’s why I play the game,” he noted when discussing his approach.
“You obviously have to do all the other parts, defend and run, different things. That’s fine and all. But what gives me joy and excitement is creating ways to score, and scoring goals and finishing them.”
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Christian Pulisic #10 of United States warms up before the international friendly match between United States and Ecuador at Q2 Stadium on October 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Pulisic insists he believes America could win the World Cup, but has no intention of making any promises.
“That’s just not how I work. But I can sit in my bed at night and picture holding up the World Cup trophy. I did that as a kid. I’m not going to stop. You have to believe. Why not?”
Inter are expected to reward Cristian Chivu for winning the Scudetto in his first season, offering him a new contract to 2028 with improved wages.
The 45-year-old could not really have asked for a better debut season on the Nerazzurri bench, as he marched them to the Serie A title with three rounds to spare, and is now preparing for the Coppa Italia Final against Lazio on Wednesday.
He was appointed last summer with just days to get ready for the Club World Cup after Simone Inzaghi decided to walk away, and inherited a squad that ended the previous campaign empty-handed.
Chivu appreciated by Inter
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu and Federico Dimarco celebrate after being confirmed as Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Real Madrid will not sell Kylian Mbappe in the summer transfer window, despite controversy over the France international striker’s trip to Italy while recovering from a hamstring injury. Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Guys, I would not exaggerate with this. “For sure, it’s not the best moment between Kylian […]
With Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni now at the center of a major internal controversy, concerns are growing over how the situation could affect the team during the most decisive stage of the season.
The atmosphere around Real Madrid has reportedly reached breaking point just days before El Clasico. With Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni now at the center of a major internal controversy, concerns are growing over how the situation could affect the team during the most decisive stage of the season.
What initially appeared to be a heated disagreement inside training has rapidly escalated into a crisis that has shaken the dressing room. Reports from Spain suggest tensions have been building for days, while club officials are now scrambling to restore order ahead of the clash against Barcelona.
According to The Athletic, the problems between Valverde and Tchouameni began during a previous training session earlier in the week. The disagreement allegedly centered around accusations that details from an earlier argument had been leaked to the media.
The situation apparently intensified when the Uruguayan arrived at training and refused to shake his teammate’s hand. That moment immediately created a hostile atmosphere around the session, with teammates noticing tension throughout the day.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure as Real Madrid coach is expected to end this summer.
Spanish outlets Marca and Diario AS have both also claimed the pair exchanged aggressive challenges during training, while arguments continued both on the pitch and inside the dressing room afterward. Several teammates reportedly attempted to calm the situation, but emotions eventually boiled over.
The incident that shook the dressing room
The confrontation reportedly turned physical after training had ended. Diario AS claims Tchouameni eventually lost patience after repeated accusations from Valverde and reacted by throwing a punch during the argument.
The report also states the French midfielder’s blow caused Valverde to fall backward, with the Uruguayan then suffering a serious cut after hitting his head on nearby furniture. The injury reportedly left him dizzy and briefly unconscious before he was taken to a hospital for treatment and stitches.
Club officials reportedly reacted immediately after learning what had happened. General manager Jose Angel Sanchez allegedly called an emergency meeting with players at the training ground, while senior executives began discussing disciplinary measures.
Real Madrid midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Real Madrid considering severe consequences
As the situation worsened, attention quickly shifted toward the possible consequences awaiting both players. COPE journalist Melchor Ruiz claims on X (formerly Twitter) that the club has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against Valverde and Tchouameni.
According to those reports, Real Madrid could apply its internal disciplinary regulations, which contain several serious punishments for incidents involving violence or misconduct between teammates. According to COPE, Los Blancos’ internal rules include:
Serious offences: suspension from activity, salary deduction, and bans ranging from 3 to 10 matches
Very serious offences: suspension, salary deduction, bans from 11 to 20 matches, and even complete contract termination
Referee Jose Munuera shows a red card to Federico Valverde of Real Madrid
El Clasico preparation descends into disorder
The timing of the incident could hardly be worse for the Spanish giant. With El Clasico approaching, the squad already faces enormous pressure following a difficult campaign and growing frustration among supporters.
It has also been said that there are wider dressing-room divisions involving other members of the squad. Tensions surrounding coaching decisions, player relationships, and disappointing results have reportedly contributed to an increasingly fractured environment behind the scenes.
The controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe has also added to the noise surrounding the club in recent weeks. Spanish media even claimed fan frustration has intensified amid fears that another trophyless season may be approaching.
For manager Alvaro Arbeloa, the situation now presents a massive challenge. Keeping the squad mentally focused before facing Barcelona may prove just as important as any tactical preparation.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid finds itself in the middle of one of the most chaotic dressing-room stories in recent memory, with Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni at the center of escalating tensions that have spilled from the training ground into the hospital and now into club-wide disciplinary action. The situation comes just days before El Clasico, while […]
Real Madrid finds itself in the middle of one of the most chaotic dressing-room stories in recent memory, with Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni at the center of escalating tensions that have spilled from the training ground into the hospital and now into club-wide disciplinary action. The situation comes just days before El Clasico, while the duo’s physical altercations have placed Real Madrid in crisis mode, and it does not look good for the club’s stability heading into the biggest fixture of the season.
At the same time, attention has also turned toward Barcelona, who appear to be enjoying the contrast across Spain’s biggest rivalry. The Catalan club’s latest social media activity, paired with the turmoil at the Bernabeu, has added another layer of intrigue ahead of El Clasico.
The trouble reportedly began during a heated training session at Valdebebas, where an argument between Valverde and Tchouameni quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. According to multiple reports, what started as verbal accusations turned into repeated clashes over two consecutive days.
The tension reached a breaking point when Valverde allegedly refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand before training, accusing him of leaking details of their previous altercation. “Valverde reportedly accused Tchouameni of leaking details of Wednesday’s fight to the press,”Diario AS’ report noted, highlighting how quickly trust inside the squad deteriorated.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde of Real Madrid.
What followed was a training session filled with hostility, rough challenges, and constant verbal exchanges, with teammates forced to step in repeatedly to prevent further escalation.
Dressing room explosion and hospital emergency
The most serious incident occurred after training, when the confrontation continued inside the dressing room. Witnesses described a “very serious” altercation that escalated beyond control, involving multiple players trying unsuccessfully to separate the pair.
Tchouameni eventually lost his temper, striking Valverde, who fell and suffered a head injury after hitting a table. “The Uruguayan was taken to hospital after an accidental blow… opening a cut on his head,” according to RMC Sport, with medical staff later confirming stitches were required.
Valverde was reportedly briefly unconscious and later required a wheelchair for transport within the training facility before being taken for further treatment. He was later released after medical checks, but the incident left a visible mark both physically and emotionally on the squad.
Barcelona’s message and the timing of El Clasico
While Madrid’s problems dominated headlines, Barcelona quietly posted a message on social media that many fans immediately interpreted as a subtle dig at their rival’s situation.
The Catalan giant shared a team image accompanied by the caption: “One big family.” The timing of the post instantly sparked debate online, especially given the ongoing reports of conflict inside the Madrid camp ahead of El Clasico.
Supporters across social media quickly connected the message to the chaos unfolding at Valdebebas. Many interpreted the post as Barcelona emphasizing the unity inside its own dressing room while Madrid reportedly struggles with internal fractures.
Although the Blaugrana did not directly reference Valverde, Tchouameni, or Real Madrid in the post, the message quickly gained traction among fans. The contrast between the atmospheres surrounding the two clubs could hardly have been more noticeable.
Aurelien Tchouameni (L) and Federico Valverde (R) of Real Madrid.
Independiente Medellin receive Flamengo on Matchday 4 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Viewers across the USA can follow the match live, with full details available here, with kickoff times and broadcast or streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Independiente Medellin vs Flamengo on US television and via legal streaming:
Group A takes center stage with a high-stakes clash between two sides chasing very different objectives as the standings begin to tighten. Flamengosit on top with seven points after a draw against Estudiantes, but there’s no room for complacency as they look to build momentum and take another step toward securing qualification.
On the other side, Independiente Medellin enter with four points and everything to play for, knowing a win could dramatically reshape the table and pull them level with the leaders. With both teams fully aware of what’s at stake, expect an aggressive, result-driven performance where every moment could prove decisive.
More details on how to watch
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To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Carabobo face River Plate on Matchday 4 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage. Viewers in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the essential information on kickoff time and broadcast or streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Carabobo vs River Plate on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Carabobo vs River Plate
WHAT
Copa Sudamericana
WHEN
8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Thursday, May 7, 2026
WHERE
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Everything is up for grabs in Group H as Carabobo look to shake up the standings against a surging River Plate side that has collected 7 of a possible 9 points to open the campaign. River enter this matchup with momentum and a chance to tighten their grip on the top spot.
Meanwhile, Carabobo see this as a golden opportunity to close the gap and turn the group into a wide-open race. With first place hanging in the balance and both teams bringing plenty of urgency into the contest, expect a high-intensity battle that could define the rest of the group stage.
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Real Madrid confirmed Federico Valverde was ruled out for El Clasico against in Barcelona in La Liga.
In a week that was supposed to focus on Real Madrid’s effort to stop Barcelona from clinching La Liga on Sunday, the attention shifted to an internal issue. The result: Federico Valverde has been ruled out of El Clasico after his reported altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni.
Real Madrid said on their official website: “After the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with cranioencephalic trauma. Valverde is at home in good condition and will need to rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by medical protocols for this diagnosis.”
There were rumors yesterday about a disagreement between the midfielders, which was described as an issue during training. However, a new incident took place today involving both players. That leaves the team with one more absence, with Valverde also giving up the captain’s armband.
Real Madrid investigate the case
Real Madrid confirmed they are investigating the situation internally with a statement: “Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the incidents that occurred this morning during the first team’s training session, it has decided to open disciplinary proceedings against our players Valverde and Tchouameni.”
Tchouameni was the other player involved (Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
The report of the altercation came as a surprise, since this is not normally how these situations unfold. Disagreements can happen, but the frustration apparently escalated to the point of a physical confrontation, which has now ruled out an important player for the club’s biggest match.
Their statement also said the sanctions should be known later: “The club will provide updates on the resolutions of both proceedings once the corresponding internal procedures have been completed.”
The match
Barcelona are 11 points ahead of Real Madrid in the title race, so even a draw would hand their rivals the La Liga title with just three matches left after El Clasico. The match was scheduled for Sunday at Camp Nou.
Davide Bartesaghi admits it is ‘my dream to stay at Milan for as long as possible’ and reveals a surprising Rafael Leao gift. ‘This is a magnificent club.’
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Jonathan David of Juventus is challenged by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It was a different Milan when you were there, so many champions and a different atmosphere. I started watching Milan play a little later than that,” confessed Bartesaghi.
He recently signed a new contract that runs to June 2030 and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Paolo Maldini as a one-club man.
“It is my dream to stay at Milan for as long as possible, this is a magnificent club. I have a passion for Milan, the history speaks for itself.”
Bartesaghi is a left-back, but he took centre-stage in last season’s Supercoppa Italiana triumph, beating Inter 3-2.
“It was totally unexpected, but we still believed we could do it. That was my first trophy, one of those moments I will never forget. Moving from the youth team to the senior squad was indescribable, a dream come true. I know that I have to keep going and do far more than I did this season. I hope many more kids can experience this in future.”
Despite their stuttering recent form that has them clinging on to third place in Serie A, he insists the mood in the dressing room is still positive.
“We must always be respectful for the older players, be eager to listen and learn, but also have your say, not just stay silent.”
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“After I scored a brace against Sassuolo, Rafael Leao congratulated me, then the day after he gave me a huge framed picture of my celebration.
“Alexis Saelemaekers is the funniest teammate, Mike Maignan the most serious. The most severe coach I had was Sergio Conceicao, my favourites are Allegri and Pioli.”
Lautaro Martinez assures he doesn’t see any good reason to seek a transfer now or in the future. ‘I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home.’
Every summer there are reports of the world’s biggest clubs showing an interest in the Argentina international, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Lautaro Martinez only has eyes for Inter
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Each year, the suggestion is immediately shot down by the player, his agent, and the Nerazzurri, so is there never even the slightest temptation?
It might be easy to say this after winning the Serie A title, on track for the Coppa Italia, and the Capocannoniere crown, but there is far more to it than just what happens on the field.
“My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible.
“I achieved so many personal and team targets here.”
This commitment saw him rewarded with the captain’s armband, as he has scored 173 goals in 372 competitive appearances in the Inter shirt since joining in 2018.
While they ended last season empty-handed, El Toro never wavered from the idea of rebuilding with Inter and looking to the future.
Antonio Cassano has given Gian Piero Gasperini some surprising advice after the Claudio Ranieri row. ‘He has a weak squad, he should leave Roma and go to Milan.’
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures from the touchline during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Knowing what the atmosphere is like at Roma, if things were to go badly next season, everyone would turn on Gasperini and it would be totally reversed.
“The Friedkin family need to give him a decent squad. In these years, Roma never went beyond fifth place, and if they try to build a team around Paulo Dybala, then they’ll get nowhere.”
Ranieri claimed that Gasperini was by no means the first choice for the job last summer, even though he had to leave Atalanta first, and insisted that the coach had given the all clear to players that were later flops.
“As soon as problems emerge, the fans will say Ranieri was right,” added Cassano.
“I would advise Gasperini to leave, if he puts himself on the market, he could go to Milan. He’s had eight exceptional months dealing with a really weak squad.”
Max Allegri’s future at Milan is far from clear and they are currently in third place, but back within reach of Roma for those Champions League spots.
Udinese defender Oumar Solet has been heavily linked with Inter and Newcastle United, but it’s now reported the asking price has been set at €25m.
The 26-year-old has been very impressive so far this season at the Bluenergy Stadium, adding three goals and an assist in 32 Serie A appearances from central defence.
Solet ready for next move
UDINE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Oumar Solet of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Friuli on February 15, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
He had been snapped up as a free agent by Udinese in January 2025, after a contract dispute with RB Salzburg, having come up through the Stade Lavallois youth academy.
Newcastle United sent scouts to view him in action over the last few weeks, while Inter have been pursuing him for quite a few months.
The Nerazzurri’s interest might also depend on the fate of Alessandro Bastoni, because if the Italian is sold to Barcelona, then Solet would be a suitable replacement in the back three.
Italy Under-21 international Michael Kayode thinks he has cracked why English football moves at a higher tempo after moving to Brentford and has no Juventus regrets. ‘The training is much tougher in Italy.’
EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Jeff Ekhator of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal with Michael Kayode and Luca Kaleosho during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The 21-year-old came up through the youth academies at Juventus and Fiorentina before earning his €18m move to Brentford and the Premier League in January 2025.
He made 41 appearances for the Bees so far this season, contributing one goal and two assists from right-back, and is a regular for Italy at Under-21 level.
Kayode enjoying life at Brentford
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Michael Kayode of Brentford during the Premier League match between Everton and Brentford at Hill Dickinson Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
How has he dealt with the differences between Italian and English football?
“Here you train 4-5 times a week, then you rest a lot more. Perhaps this is why people think English football has a higher tempo, because you only train as much as you need to, then feel fresh both physically and mentally once you play the game.
“It gives you more time to spend with your loved ones. Besides, the training sessions are almost all 11 against 11, we rarely spend that much time focusing on tactics. It’s about taking men on.”
Kayode looked back on his career path and a move that might’ve been devastating to a young player, when he went on loan to Gozzano and Juventus didn’t want him back.
“I might seem crazy, but I don’t regret it at all, because the fact Juve dumped me did give me the strength to reach this level. We were around 60 kids in that group and only 2-3 now play at professional level. Gozzano gave me the chance at age 16 to play against older opponents, Serie D is very different to a youth team.
“I loved being at Fiorentina, Alberto Aquilani was a great coach, both tactically and as a person. Vincenzo Italiano called me into the senior squad and his mentality is incredible, he always wants you focused.
“One day, he started me against Genoa, I didn’t think it was possible! I really did not expect that at all. I owe him so much, he wanted me to always have the hunger to keep improving.”
Brazilian defender Wesley has done quite well for AS Roma, and Arsenal are interested in securing his signature.
The 22-year-old has been a key player for the Italian club, and he’s expected to play a key role for Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian national team in the upcoming World Cup as well.
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Wesley has been a star for Roma
He is highly rated across Europe, and clubs like Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring him from the Premier League as well. On the other hand, La Liga clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona have taken note of his performance, according to Calciomercato.It.
It will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Arsenal could use more depth in the right back department, and the Brazilian could prove to be an upgrade on Ben White. He has been a reliable defender in Italy, and he is quite impressive going forward. He could add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack.
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The opportunity to join the UEFA Champions League finalists will be exciting for him. Arsenal are close to winning the Premier League title as well. It would be a huge step up for Wesley, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. It could allow him to consistently fight for major trophies.
Manchester City, Newcastle, and Tottenham also have the financial muscle to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see where the 22-year-old ends up eventually.
With multiple clubs keen on him, Roma will expect a bidding war to recoup as much as possible from his departure. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can win the race for his signature.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Elche defender, David Affengruber, at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has been outstanding for the Spanish club, and a report from Estádio Deportivo claims that half of Europe is chasing the player. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United follow up on their interest with an official proposal to sign him.
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Man United could use David Affengruber
They need more depth in the defensive unit, and the 25-year-old would be a quality signing. He is still a relatively young player with a bright future, and Manchester United could help him improve further.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. It would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Clubs like Atletico Madrid are also monitoring his progress. It remains to be seen where he ends up. He has shown his quality at Elche, and this is the right time for him to move on to a bigger club where he can fight for trophies.
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Manchester United recently agreed on a contract extension with Harry Maguire, but they need a long-term replacement for him. Players like Matthijs de Ligt have also struggled with injuries. Adding more depth to the defensive unit would be a wise decision.
He has a contract with the Spanish club until 2027, and Manchester United would have to pay €20 million for him. They have the resources to afford him and the deal could prove to a bargain if he manages to adapt to English quickly.
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Real Madrid confirm Federico Valverde blow
Real Madrid have now confirmed that he has suffered a traumatic brain injury and he will be sidelined for the next two weeks.
The statement read: “Following tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Valverde is at home in good condition and will have to remain at rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by the medical protocols for this diagnosis.”
Valverde will miss the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona. Apparently, the situation escalated between the two players after a rough tackle from the French international during training. Following this, he apologised to Valverde. However, the Uruguayan International was unwilling to accept the apology and responded with crunching tackles in training.
The situation between the two players eventually spiralled out of control, and they were involved in a brawl later on.
It has been a disappointing season for Real Madrid so far, and the situation seems to be going from bad to worse on and off the pitch. Both players are now expected to miss the upcoming clash against Barcelona, and it will be a huge blow for the capital club.
Real Madrid are currently second in the league table, 11 points behind Barcelona with four matches remaining. The defending champions will look to seal the title with a positive result against their rivals when the two teams meet on Sunday.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Ian Subiabre from River Plate.
The 19-year-old winger has done quite well for the Argentine outfit, and he has attracted the attention of multiple clubs recently.
According to a report from Soy del Millo, the two Premier League clubs are monitoring his progress, and they could look to make a move in the summer.
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Ian Subiabre set for summer move?
Another report from Soy del Millo confirms that the player’s agent is looking to secure a move for his client in the summer, and River Plate is expecting substantial offers soon. They could look to sanction his departure for a fee of around €8-13 million.
Chelsea and Tottenham certainly have the financial muscle to afford Subiabre, and he could prove to be an excellent long-term acquisition. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be hard to turn down for him. Regular exposure to English football could bring out the best in him and help him fulfil his potential.
The 19-year-old could add creativity, pace, unpredictability, and goals to the Chelsea attack. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have been underwhelming this season, and Chelsea needs more quality on the flanks.
On the other hand, Tottenham will need to add more depth going forward. They have looked quite underwhelming so far this season.
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Ian Subiabre in action for River Plate (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
The 19-year-old would be a superb long-term investment for both clubs. The asking price is quite reasonable, and the deal could look like a bargain in future. He has the technical attributes to develop into a quality Premier League attack with the right guidance.
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Man United ramp up efforts to sign Mateus Fernandes
According to reports via TEAMtalk, Manchester United are ready to make an effort to get the deal done. They need more control in the middle of the park, and the 21-year-old is a hard-working player who will help out defensively as well.
West Ham United is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they will need to secure safety there to keep their best players at the club.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese midfielder will want to compete at a higher level, and the opportunity to play for Manchester United could be exciting for him.
Clubs like PSG are monitoring his situation as well, but Manchester United are ready to move quickly to get ahead of rivals in the transfer race. Manchester United director of football, Jason Wilcox, is ready to intensify his efforts to sign the 21-year-old in the coming weeks.
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They have secured a return to the Champions League, and they will want to fight for trophies next season. They will need to plug the gaps in their squad during the summer transfer window.
The midfield is clearly in need of improvement. They have not been able to control games, and they will need to do better against top teams in the UEFA Champions League next season. They are looking at multiple midfield players, and Fernandes is one of the names on their wishlist.
Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni were involved in a fight on Thursday, prompting Real Madrid to release a statement on the matter.
Real Madrid found themselves at the center of attention on Thursday after Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde were involved in a fight that reportedly ended with the Uruguayan midfielder being taken to the hospital. Following the incident, the club broke its silence.
“Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the incidents that occurred this morning during the first team’s training session, it has decided to open disciplinary proceedings against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni,” the Spanish side announced on Thursday.
Reports from Marca and Diario AS, among other Spanish media outlets, have reconstructed the sequence of events that led to the altercation between the two players. Heated arguments on Wednesday reportedly raised tensions between them, which then escalated further during Thursday’s training session.
Official Statement
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 7, 2026
After refusing to greet Tchouameni, Valverde reportedly made several hard tackles on his teammate during practice. That led to another confrontation that turned physical, forcing the Uruguayan midfielder to be taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The consequences of the Valverde-Tchouameni fight
The interruption of Thursday’s training session due to the fight between the players is not the only consequence Real Madrid have suffered. The violent altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni will also have significant short-term sporting repercussions for the club.
“Following tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a head injury,” the club announced in another statement published on its official website. “Valverde is recovering at home in good condition and will need to remain at rest for between 10 and 14 days, in accordance with the medical protocols established for this diagnosis.”
That means the Uruguayan midfielder will not be available for Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona, a match in which Real Madrid will be fighting to keep their slim La Liga title hopes alive. He will also miss the following match against Real Oviedo.
Real Madrid midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro league during Al Nassr's 4-2 win over Al Shabab.
Al Nassr traveled to face Al Shabab on Thursday, May 7, for Matchday 33 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign. With the match still in the balance, Cristiano Ronaldo effectively iced the game while simultaneously writing his name further into the history books by reaching the 100-goal milestone in Saudi league play.
The visitors came out firing as Joao Felix opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute before doubling the lead in the 10th, courtesy of a brilliant feed from Abdulrahman Ghareeb. Yannick Carrasco managed to pull one back for Al Shabab in the 30th minute following a stunning solo run, briefly reigniting hope for the home side before the Portuguese icon took center stage.
The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when Sadio Mane gathered a long ball from Felix and whipped a low, dangerous cross into the area. After expertly losing his marker, Ronaldo met the ball with a clinical, first-time left-footed strike to extend the Al Nassr lead to 3-1.
The strike served as his 26th goal of the current campaign and his 100th overall in the competition since his landmark arrival in December 2022. Reaching the century mark in less than four seasons is yet another testament to the enduring clinical edge and massive impact the legendary forward has maintained in Saudi Arabia.
While Ali Al-Bulaihi narrowed the gap for the hosts in the 80th minute, Joao Felix put the game to bed in stoppage time, completing his hat trick with a composed penalty in the 98th minute to finalize the 4-2 scoreline. The win push Al Nassr to 82 points through 32 games, extending their lead to five points over Al Hilal, who still hold a critical game in hand.
Ronaldo: A persistent menace in the 25-26 SPL
Al Nassr have looked dominant throughout the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season under head coach Jorge Jesus, with Ronaldo remaining a vital piece of the puzzle despite turning 41 last February. While he may be a step behind in the Golden Boot race this year, the veteran striker continues to be a tactical nightmare for opposing backlines across the league.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against EVERY team in the league this season 🐐💛 https://t.co/f24qhQdqDS
According to a milestone highlighted by Al Nassr’s official social media accounts, Ronaldo has now scored against every single team in the Saudi Pro League during this 2025-26 campaign. Though he was held off the scoresheet in the previous 3-2 home victory over Al Shabab back on January 17th, his strike today ensured he completed the “full set,” marking another impressive feat in his storied Saudi tenure.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso suffered an injury that could put his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the USMNT at risk.
With just 35 days remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USMNT are entering the final stages of their preparation for the tournament. Against that backdrop, they could be facing an unexpected setback following an injury suffered by Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso.
“Johnny Cardoso suffers a high-grade sprain in his right ankle,” the Spanish club announced through its official social media accounts. The report on the club’s official website added that the midfielder “was unable to complete Thursday’s training session after suffering a blow.”
Atletico Madrid also outlined the next steps following confirmation of the injury: “He will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym, and the progress of his recovery will determine his return to competition. We wish you a speedy recovery, Johnny. You’ll come back stronger.”
The injury represents a major blow for Los Colchoneros, who are now unlikely to have Cardoso available for the remainder of the 2025-26 La Liga season. Atletico Madrid still have four matches left to play before May 24, beginning with Saturday’s clash against Celta Vigo.
Johnny Cardoso suffers a high-grade sprain in his right ankle.
He will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym, and the progress of his recovery will determine his return to competition.
Beyond the concerns Atletico Madrid may have regarding Johnny Cardoso’s absence, it is clear that the USMNT are the side most worried about the situation. The injury could not have come at a worse time: on May 11, teams must submit their preliminary squads of between 35 and 55 players, which will later be trimmed down to 26 no later than June 1.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11, when Mexico and South Africa play the opening match at Estadio Azteca. The USMNT will make their debut one day later against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
That leaves Mauricio Pochettino with very little time to evaluate Johnny Cardoso’s availability. The midfielder will almost certainly be included in the preliminary roster set to be announced next week, but his recovery over the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he earns a spot in the final World Cup squad.
Cardoso’s recent history with the USMNT
Despite being an important player for Atletico Madrid, Johnny Cardoso has struggled recently to secure a regular role with the USMNT. In fact, he has appeared in only one of the team’s last 11 matches under Mauricio Pochettino: in March of this year, when he played 45 minutes in the loss to Belgium.
The head coach has recently given preference to other defensive midfielders. Tyler Adams remains one of the top options, although he missed several USMNT matches due to the knee injury he suffered with Bournemouth late in 2025. Other midfielders who have filled that role include Tanner Tessmann, Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, Cristian Roldan and James Sands.
The Saudi Pro League title race has taken another dramatic turn, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr closely monitoring developments surrounding rival club, Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Saudi Pro League title race has taken another dramatic turn, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr closely monitoring developments surrounding rival club, Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly. As the season approaches its decisive stretch, attention has shifted toward the Senegal international’s condition and what it could mean for both the domestic campaign and the international stage.
Al-Hilal had been counting on Koulibaly’s leadership and defensive stability during the closing weeks of the season. However, recent updates have created growing uncertainty around the experienced center-back, especially with several crucial matches still to play.
Koulibaly’s injury reportedly occurred during training several weeks ago, and his recovery has progressed more slowly than initially expected. Medical staff have continued to monitor the defender closely, but signs increasingly point to a prolonged absence. The Senegal international is now expected to miss the remainder of the season, including major domestic fixtures and the King’s Cup final, as per Saudi journalistAhmed Al-Ajlan.
The timing has been particularly difficult for Al-Hilal, which is still fighting to challenge Al-Nassr for the top spot in the league table. His absence has already ruled him out of multiple important fixtures, including the highly anticipated clash against Ronaldo’s side and the King’s Cup final.
Kalidou Koulibaly of team Al-Hilal FC celebrates scoring
That development has naturally drawn attention in Riyadh, given how significant every point and every match has become in the title battle. Losing a player with Koulibaly’s experience during this stretch represents a major setback for Al-Hilal’s defensive structure.
Boost for Cristiano Ronaldo’s title push
From a competitive perspective, Koulibaly’s absence may benefit Ronaldo’s side in the Saudi Pro League race. Al-Hilal now faces key matches without one of its most reliable defensive figures, including the highly anticipated clash against Al-Nassr. That development could alter the balance in a title battle already defined by fine margins.
The defender’s leadership has often helped stabilize the team during difficult moments, particularly in high-pressure encounters. Without him, the defensive structure loses experience, communication, and composure. Those qualities become especially important late in the season when every point carries championship implications.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr
Koulibaly’s 2026 World Cup status revealed
As concern around the injury intensified, attention naturally turned toward the international picture. Koulibaly’s availability for the 2026 World Cup has now become a growing worry for Senegal, with uncertainty surrounding whether he will fully recover in time for the tournament.
The defender remains central to Senegal’s ambitions on the global stage, not only because of his performances but also because of his authority inside the dressing room. His role as captain makes him irreplaceable in many respects, especially during major tournaments where experience often proves decisive. Supporters are therefore anxiously awaiting updates on his rehabilitation.
Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal reacts
While medical staff remains cautiously optimistic, no firm timeline has been established regarding his full return. The coming months are expected to determine whether he can regain match fitness and rhythm before the competition begins. For Senegal, the uncertainty itself is deeply unsettling.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left), Karim Benzema and Kalidou Koulibaly (right)
The pressure is beginning to rise around Christian Pulisic as Milan enters the final stretch of the Serie A season with little margin for error. Luka Modric and coach Massimiliano Allegri are also watching the situation closely.
The pressure is beginning to rise around Christian Pulisic as Milan enters the final stretch of the Serie A season with little margin for error. Luka Modric and coach Massimiliano Allegri are also watching the situation closely, with growing fears that missing out on Europe’s biggest competition could reshape the entire direction of the club next season.
Milan spent most of the campaign comfortably inside the top four, but a difficult run of form has suddenly reopened the race. The Rossoneri have managed only one victory in their last five league matches, allowing rivals to close the gap at the worst possible moment.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the consequences of failing to qualify for the Champions League could extend far beyond disappointment on the pitch. The report suggests the club may face major sporting and financial changes if they are forced into the Europa League instead. The growing concern inside San Siro is that the current project was built around Champions League action.
Allegri returned with the expectation of rebuilding Milan into a title contender over multiple seasons, but those plans may now be in danger. “Without the Champions League, Milan’s firepower on the transfer market would be reduced by around €100m [$117m],”La Gazzetta dello Sport explains. That financial setback could affect recruitment plans, contract renewals, and even the future of some of the squad’s biggest stars.
One of the most important names linked to the uncertainty is Modric. The Croatian veteran arrived with hopes of helping the Red and Blacks compete for trophies, but the report claims his future may depend heavily on whether the club secures a place in next season’s Champions League.
What it would mean for Modric’s future
The possible consequence that has now emerged is that Modric could leave Milan at the end of the season if the club fails to finish in the top four. His current contract reportedly contains an extension option until 2027, but that extension would only happen if both the player and the club decide to continue together.
Sky Italy previously reported that Modric would stay only if Milan qualifies for the Champions League and Allegri remains in charge. That combination now appears far from guaranteed with only a few matches remaining.
Luka Modric of AC Milan.
At 40 years old, the Croatian superstar is still viewed as one of the leaders in the dressing room, but he reportedly wants assurances that the club can remain competitive. Missing out on Europe’s elite competition would make it harder for the club to strengthen the squad in the summer.
Waht it would mean for Allegri’s future
Allegri’s future is also becoming a major talking point around Milan. His current contract reportedly includes an automatic extension until 2028 if the club qualifies for the Champions League, but failure to reach that target could completely alter the situation.
“The chances of him staying without top four would drastically reduce,”Gazzetta stated. There is also speculation that the Italian national team role could become available, potentially giving Allegri another option if Milan’s project stalls.
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on
The uncertainty surrounding the coach creates another layer of instability. Milan’s management had hoped to build continuity around Allegri, but the final weeks of the season may now determine whether that plan survives.
Could it affect Pulisic?
For Pulisic, the situation carries major importance as well. Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding his contract renewal, the American international remains one of the club’s most trusted attacking players and someone Milan still sees as central to the future project.
“The management are fully aware of his value and what he can contribute,”La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests in another report, adding that Pulisic is “almost certain” to remain. However, the financial implications of missing the Champions League could still force difficult decisions across the squad.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan.
What’s more, Milan may need to reduce wages or even sell valuable players to balance finances. Names such as Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan, and several recent signings have all been mentioned as possible assets that could generate important transfer income if required.
Christian Pulisic (left), Massimiliano Allegri (center), and Luka Modric (right)
Real Madrid are starting to realise how important Carlo Ancelotti was to the club, as it’s reported the Italian quashed the tension that erupted today in a brawl that sent players to the hospital.
The situation was so bad that it’s claimed Valverde was thrown into a table, where he hit his head and was knocked unconscious, taken to hospital for tests and stitches.
This was just 24 hours after the same two teammates reportedly clashed in training, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa seemingly unable or unwilling to intervene.
Ancelotti kept Real Madrid egos in check
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 24: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, is lifted in the air by the players after the team’s victory following the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 24, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The Italian provided an authority and experience of dealing with big egos, still the only coach in history to have won all five major European League titles.
With the Merengues, Ancelotti won three Champions League trophies, two editions of LaLiga, three European Super Cups, three editions of the Club World Cup, two Copa del Reys and two Spanish Super Cups.
Only now that he has moved on to a new role with the Brazil national team can Real Madrid truly appreciate his man-management skills.
Real Madrid’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti and players celebrate after the UEFA Super Cup football match between Real Madrid and Atalanta BC in Warsaw, on August 14, 2024. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty Images)
“It is a job with a lot of power and responsibility. I can choose what time I train, who I put in, but in the end, it is a relationship between people,” said Ancelotti.
“That is the most important aspect. Sometimes I ask the players, ‘who are you’ and they tell me ‘I am a player.’ And I tell them ‘no, you are a person who plays football.’
“I try to have a relationship with them on a personal level as well as a professional one, because that way you can get better performance from the professional. It is not easy because the player always wants to play. And 11 do it, but 15 go to watch the game.
“But if you manage to have a good personal relationship with them, this helps you to work better. You have to be honest with people.”
There are growing reports that Milan are very close to finalising personal terms with Leon Goretzka, who will be a free agent from Bayern Munich.
The veteran midfielder has long been in their sights as a potential reinforcement who can bring valuable experience to a side that already has Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot.
He turned 31 in February and is available as a free agent from July 1, when his current contract with Bayern Munich will expire.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern Munich in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Every month, the Lega Serie A assigns a trophy for the best young player who made a real impact in the Italian top flight, and this time it will go to Atta.
Impressive Atta shines for Udinese
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 18: Arthur Atta of Udinese and Alessandro Circati of Parma in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Friuli on April 18, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
The 23-year-old joined Udinese in 2024 on loan from Metz, making the move permanent a year later for €8m, and has gone from strength to strength this season.
AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has done quite well in the French league this season, and Liverpool is interested in securing his signature.
They are looking to add more physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park, and the Senegal International has impressed with his athleticism and defensive capabilities, according to TEAMtalk.
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Lamine Camara could help Liverpool
The Senegal International has the attributes to succeed in English football, and he could be a very useful acquisition for Liverpool. It remains to be seen whether they submit an offer for him at the end of the season.
Improving the midfield unit seems to be a priority for Liverpool, and they are looking at multiple players.
Camara is a young player with a lot of potential, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge and move to the Premier League. Regular football in England could bring out the best in him and help him fulfil his potential. Liverpool is among the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies and achieve his ambitions.
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Lamine Camara in action for Monaco (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
If Liverpool can sign him for a reasonable amount of money, it could prove to be a wise investment for them. The player has all the attributes to succeed in England and develop into a star in future.
Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister have been linked with moves away from the club at the end of the season, and Liverpool might need to invest in multiple midfielders this summer. It remains to be seen who they end up signing.
Despite Bayern Munich being eliminated by PSG, Harry Kane still managed to score in the match. With this goal, the English striker equaled a Champions League knockout stage scoring record that Cristiano Ronaldo had held outright for several years.
Harry Kane has become as one of the best players in the world. Not only has he emerged as Bayern Munich’s top scorer, but he is also structurally vital to the team, playing an important role in build-up play. While the German side were eliminated by PSG in the Champions League semifinals, the Englishman once again stepped up as a goalscorer, allowing him to equal a knockout stagescoring record that Cristiano Ronaldo had previously held on his own.
After scoring in the closing minutes against PSG, Harry Kane matched Cristiano Ronaldo by becoming only the second player to score in six consecutive Champions League knockout matches. With this, the Englishman caps off the best season of his professional career, having scored 14 goals in the competition and 55 in all competitions, making him the favorite to win the European Golden Boot.
Under Vincent Kompany, Kane has managed to elevate his attacking impact, becoming the most complete striker in the world. As he is not a naturally explosive athlete, the Englishman frequently drops into midfield or deeper areas. Because of his freedom of movement, he appears constantly in dangerous areas, often unmarked in front of goal, as his continuous movement prevents defenders from maintaining a strict one-on-one marking assignment.
Despite his outstanding form, Harry will not be able to finish as the competition’s top scorer. Due to Bayern’s elimination, he remains one goal behind Kylian Mbappé, who is near to win the award with 15 goals. Because of this, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to stand as the ultimate benchmark of the Champions League, having finished as the tournament’s top scorer on multiple occasions while also winning the title, something Kane was unable to achieve this season.
Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich
Harry Kane still trails Cristiano Ronaldo in Champions League goals
Harry Kane has established as one of the greatest English strikers of all time. Not only has he maintained remarkable consistency throughout the years, but he has also elevated his impact since joining Bayern Munich. Despite this, he has yet to build a defining legacy in the Champions League, remaining without the trophy and still a considerable distance behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring record in the competition.
Before his move to Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo become as the all-time top scorer in Champions League history, scoring 140 goals in 183 matches. Right behind him is Lionel Messi with 129 goals in 163 matches, followed by Robert Lewandowski with 109 goals in 144 appearances. Harry Kane currently appears in tenth place, with 54 goals in 70 matches, as his many years at Tottenham Hotspur limited his opportunity to build even greater numbers in the competition.
Although Harry Kane is only just inside the top 10 all-time Champions League scorers, he is the only English player in that ranking. Wayne Rooney sits far behind with 30 goals in 85 matches, remaining the closest Englishman but still at a significant distance. Because of this, the Bayern Munich striker has already made history in the competition, but he may need to strengthen his legacy further by winning the trophy, something Bayern will aim to achieve next season.
Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde provided the latest flashpoint in Real Madrid’s chaotic season finale, with reports surfacing that the Frenchman sent his Uruguayan teammate to the hospital following a training ground clash ahead of El Clasico.
Real Madrid‘s dressing room has descended into chaos in the days leading up to El Clásico against FC Barcelona on Sunday. The latest flashpoint involves Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, with reports claiming the Uruguayan was taken to the hospital on Thursday following a physical altercation between the two players.
According to Diario AS, the two players clashed again on Thursday in an even more serious incident, with teammates once again forced to intervene. The confrontation left Valverde requiring hospital treatment to receive stitches for a gash, and he was reported to have left in a wheelchair due to dizziness.
The Wednesday tensions carried over into Thursday when reports indicated that Valverde refused to acknowledge Tchouameni with a greeting. Marca then reported that things escalated further during training, with the Uruguayan making hard tackles over the Frenchman, who accussed of leaking details of the previous day’s incident to the press. Tchouameni’s response to that accusation is said to have triggered the physical confrontation that followed.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid to take action over Valverde and Tchouaméni
Despite both midfielders being expected to start in El Clasico, the club has moved swiftly to address the situation. Fabrizio Romano has reported that president Florentino Perez will be pursuing disciplinary measures against both Valverde and Tchouameni in response to the events of recent days.
A formal disciplinary file has been opened on each player, with both a financial penalty and a suspension expected to follow. With only four La Liga games remaining in the 2025-26 season, there is a realistic possibility that neither Valverde nor Tchouameni will feature again for Real Madrid this campaign, starting with Sunday’s Clasico.
Will Friday’s training session go ahead?
The week at Real Madrid had already been turbulent before this latest development, with Kylian Mbappe’s Italian getaway drawing criticism and Antonio Rüdiger reportedly striking Alvaro Carreras, who addressed the incident publicly on social media. The Tchouameni-Valverde saga has now pushed the situation to a new level, prompting intervention from within the squad itself.
According to Cadena Cope, a number of Real Madrid players asked head coach Alvaro Arbeloa to cancel Friday’s training session in order to prevent any further flare-ups between the conflicting parties. Arbeloa has reportedly rejected that request, insisting on proceeding with preparations for the Barcelona match and expecting all players to report to the Valdebebas training complex as scheduled.
Aurelien Tchouameni (L) and Federico Valverde (R) of Real Madrid.
He scored just six goals with three assists in 32 competitive games, and was rarely chosen in the starting XI, even during an injury crisis of strikers.
Milan put Nkunku on the market
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Christopher Nkuku of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, a meeting with agent Zahavi confirmed that Milan are eager to sell after just one season, especially as they are also looking at another forward represented by the same agent, namely Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.
In truth, around €30m would suffice to make their money back, but the Rossoneri hope Nkunku can get a better figure on the market this summer.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan inflates a balloon as he celebrates with teammates after scoring to give the side a 2-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
He is a France international with two goals in 18 senior caps, though his last game for Les Bleus was back in November 2025.
It is no secret that Arsenal need more quality on the flanks, and the 25-year-old could transform them. He will add explosive pace and trickery in the final third. Kvaratskhelia has 18 goals and 10 assists this season, and he would be a massive upgrade on Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard.
He was linked with a move to the Premier League during his time at Napoli as well. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
Arsenal are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to join them can be exciting for most players. However, the Georgian is already playing for one of the biggest teams in the world, and he regularly wins major trophies. He has no reason to switch clubs in the summer, and it would take an exceptional proposal from Arsenal to convince the player.
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Mamadou Sangare would be a handy option
Sangare will add physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park, and his arrival would allow Ryan Gravenberch to operate with more freedom. The Netherlands International has had to operate in a defensive midfield role, but he thrives with more freedom as a central midfielder.
Sangare has won possession more times (194) than any other player in Ligue 1 this season. He also ranks first for ground duels won (154), first for possessions won in the final third, second for tackles and interceptions, and second for successful dribbles per 90.
Convincing the young midfielder to join Liverpool will not be difficult. It would be a step up for Sangare, and he will want to join a bigger club in the summer. Liverpool have the financial muscle to get the deal across the line as well.
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The 23-year-old Mali International has seven goal contributions in all competitions as well. He could develop into an all-round midfield star for Liverpool with the right guidance. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. The player has a contract with the French outfit until 2030, and they could demand a premium for him.
He has the physicality and the athleticism to succeed in the Premier League, and he will look to hit the ground running in English football if the move goes through.
It has been a disappointing season for Liverpool, and they need to plug the gaps during the summer transfer window. Adding more steel to the midfield unit will be a priority. It will be interesting to see if they can sign the 23-year-old in the coming weeks.
Antonio Cassano met with Lionel Messi in Miami and the two discussed the Argentine star’s retirement plans.
As Lionel Messi gets closer to deciding whether he will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he is also approaching his 39th birthday. Against that backdrop, he recently received a visit from Antonio Cassano in Miami, where the two spoke about the future of the Argentine forward’s career.
“He spent an hour and 40 minutes with me and my family. We talked about many things. He treated me in a way I never expected. He’s the only person that, when I see him, I can’t speak, I can’t say anything,”Cassano said on the Viva El Futbol podcast while recalling his meeting with Messi just one week ago.
The former Italy forward did not hesitate to express his admiration for the Argentina legend. “Leo, do you even realize that you are the greatest player the history of soccer has ever seen?” Cassano asked him. “Antonio, whether I’m the No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, No. 10 or No. 15, what difference does it make to me?” the Inter Miami star replied.
“It changes nothing for me. I don’t listen to whether I’m first, second or third. I have passion and love for soccer,” Messi added before revealing his plans for the final stretch of his professional career: “I can play three or four more years. I do it for the love of soccer, I enjoy it.”
The anecdote shared by Antonio Cassano offers an important clue about the direction Lionel Messi’s career could take over the next few years. At club level, it is already known that he signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through December 31, 2028.
That guarantees, at minimum, that he will complete the current MLS season and play at least two more after that. By then, Leo will be 41 years old. However, if he follows through on his current plan to play “three or four more years,” he could still have room to extend his professional career even further.
At international level, the picture appears less clear. With no official confirmation regarding his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it seems difficult to imagine his time with Argentina lasting much longer beyond next year. But the same feeling emerged after his own comments following the title in Qatar in 2022, and yet he remained part of the squad for nearly four more years.
Who is Antonio Cassano?
Lionel Messi’s legendary status is clear to soccer fans around the world. Still, it becomes even more evident when other stars openly express their admiration for the Argentine forward.
Antonio Cassano admitted he felt nervous in Messi’s presence, something that may come as a surprise considering he himself was a soccer star for years. After shining with AS Roma in the early 2000s, the former Italy forward joined Real Madrid in 2005. Later in his career, he also played for other European giants such as AC Milan and Inter Milan.
During his professional career, Cassano shared the pitch with stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Francesco Totti, Gabriel Batistuta and Paolo Maldini. Even so, no player left a greater impression on him than Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi and Antonio Cassano met in Miami last week.
Kylian Mbappé appeared set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a muscle tear. However, the French forward now seems increasingly likely to face Barcelona, as Real Madrid star reportedly passed his medical examinations successfully.
Amid a disappointing season for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé has still managed to establish as one of the best forwards in the world. However, a muscle tear initially appeared to bring his season to an end, weakening the scoring side. After several weeks on the sidelines, the French striker could now be ready to face Barcelona. As per a recent report, he has reportedly passed medical tests, nearing him to a return on field.
According to Abraham P. Romero, via El Mundo ES, Kylian Mbappé has passed the tests carried out by Real Madrid. Not only did he complete part of the group training session, but he also performed individual work, gym sessions, and physiotherapy exercises. Following these positive developments, the French forward could be ready to play against Barcelona, either as a starter or from the bench, providing a major boost to the team’s attack.
Kylian Mbappé is facing heavy criticism. Despite this, he has remained a key figure in the attack, scoring 41 goals in 41 matches and standing as the team’s top scorer this season. However, his lack of chemistry with Vinicius Jr. has raised serious doubts over whether bringing him back immediately is the best option, or if they should instead rely on Gonzalo García, who appears to have a stronger understanding with the Brazilian star, who is already in full physical condition.
Despite the growing doubts, Mbappé’s presence for Los Blancos could be completely decisive, as Vinicius Jr. has shown he is capable of adapting his game and contributing creatively. Far from being an easy match, they are chasing a crucial victory to prevent Barcelona from clinching the LaLiga title in El Clásico. Because of this, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa could indeed count on his presence, whether as a starter or from the bench.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid runs with the ball while under pressure from Ricardo Rodriguez of Real Betis.
Real Madrid’s Álvaro Arbeloa still face six key absentees vs. Barcelona
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have faced a major problem: Injuries. Neither under Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa did the team manage to improve in this area, with several key players ruled out for long stretches of the campaign. Although Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappé now appear set to join the squad that will face Barcelona, Los Blancos still have six major absences that could significantly affect the team.
Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be unable to rely on Arda Güler, Éder Militão, Rodrygo Goes, Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy, as all are dealing with serious injuries. Because of this, the team will be forced to make adjustments to the rotation, likely repeating the lineup that impressed against RCD Espanyol, with only Mbappé and Courtois remaining as doubts. Nevertheless, much of the hope is placed on Vinicius Jr., who arrives in excellent form.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the warm up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match.
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Andrea Cambiaso is a player in demand
According to a report from TuttoJuve, the two English clubs have recently expressed interest in signing the player, and he could cost around €50 million. However, the valuation could drop if Juventus failed to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign.
It is no surprise that Liverpool is keen on the Italian international. Andrew Robertson will leave the club at the end of the season, and they need to replace him properly. Milos Kerkez has done well in recent months, but they cannot depend on the Hungarian to play every game next season. They need more quality at left back, and Cambiaso would be an excellent addition.
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At Tottenham, he could prove to be an upgrade on Destiny Udogie. The Italian has been underwhelming for the north London club, and it will be interesting to see if they can sign his compatriot to replace him. However, they must secure Premier League safety in order to attract the 26-year-old. Cambiaso will not want to play in the second division next season.
The asking price is quite high for a left back, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool or Tottenham decide to pay up. They might look to sign him for a more reasonable amount. They need to improve multiple areas of the team in the summer, and spending around €50 million on a left back might be difficult.
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For now, an internal club suspension is the most likely and immediate course of action, but it seems the pair also face uncertainty over their futures this summer, according to AS.
The France international is a top player on his day, and it could be worth gambling on him, though one imagines his disciplinary issues could now put clubs off.
The context behind Aurelien Tchouameni injuring Federico Valverde
Speaking to CaughtOffside today, Spanish football expert Ruairidh Barlow provided his insight into how this madness at the Bernabeu all ended up unfolding.
“The Valverde-Tchouameni tension is not something that we have heard about before this week, but it is symptomatic of a volcanic dressing room right now,” Barlow told us.
“In that specific incident, after a fight on Wednesday, Valverde reportedly refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand, which led to another training session of intense tackles, and culminated in the fight.
“More widely, it’s just the latest incident in a number of feuds ongoing. As many as six players are supposedly not talking to manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio and Dani Carvajal have all fallen out with Arbeloa, and the latter’s frustration led to an injury to a youth player after a rash tackle.
“In the past week, we’ve heard about Kylian Mbappe getting angry at a member of the coaching staff, and Antonio Rudiger getting physical with Alvaro Carreras too.
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“On the whole, the consensus is that this is the product of a dressing room that has been without leaders for some time, and without a manager to impose authority. With President Florentino Perez backing his stars over managers, and doing little to curb their behaviour himself, the lack of discipline has descended into the chaos we’re seeing this week.”
Should Man United and Liverpool still pursue Aurelien Tchouameni transfer?
United could do with strengthening in midfield this summer, so the interest in Tchouameni makes sense.
On his day, the 26-year-old is up there with the top defensive midfield players in Europe, so he could be ideal to help the Red Devils fill the gap that will be left by Casemiro when he leaves at the end of his contract this summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, also have some issues in midfield after a frustrating season, with Tchouameni perhaps an upgrade on Ryan Gravenberch.
The Frenchman’s physical presence and work rate could also afford more protection to a defence that has really leaked goals this season, with the ageing Virgil van Dijk perhaps now needing more of a shield in front of him to keep the team more solid.
Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the Champions League final after playing out a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their semi-final against Bayern Munich, progressing 6-5 on aggregate. Having extended their advantage through Ousmane Dembele’s third-minute strike, Luis Enrique’s side took a different approach than they did in last week’s 5-4 win at […]
Despite the recent defeat against Al Qadisiya, Al Nassr travel to face Al Shabab looking to move closer to the Saudi Pro League title. To achieve this, fans are closely monitoring Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability, as he could make the difference with his goalscoring ability.
Al Nassr have established as one of the best teams in the Saudi Pro League, standing out for their powerful attack. However, the recent defeat against Al Qadisiya raised serious doubts about their chances of winning the league title. Nevertheless, Jorge Jesus’ team now face Al Shabab, aiming for a convincing victory. To achieve this, fans are closely watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability, as his goalscoring ability could prove decisive.
After avoiding injuries and suspensions, Cristiano Ronaldo is in full fitness. Because of this, head coach Jorge Jesus will start the Portuguese forward, as he arrives in strong form and could make the difference once again. Sitting six goals away from the top scorer spot in the Saudi Pro League,he could look to begin another strong scoring run, especially with Julián Quiñones in excellent form and threatening to take that distinction away from him.
Coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr will once again turn to João Félix as his ideal attacking partner, as the Portuguese forward has become a cornerstone of the squad. Not only he creates space for Ronaldo in the final third, but he also poses a scoring threat with his ability to strike from distance. Meanwhile, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman will also start, with their pace and dribbling may play a key role in securing a crucial victory.
Al Shabab are now winless in their last four matches. Despite having stars such as Yannick Carrasco and Yacine Adli, they have failed to maintain strong consistency. Alongside this, head coach Noureddine Zekri has not managed to provide defensive solidity, with the team conceding five goals in their previous match. Because of this, they could struggle against Cristiano Ronaldo’s team’s attack.
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring
Al Shabab lineups vs Al Nassr
Following their disappointing winless run, Al Shabab head into the clash against Al Nassr with major expectations. Head coach Noureddine Zekri will be without Mohamed Harbush, Carlos Júnior, and Ali Al-Asmari due to injuries. In addition, Abderrazak Hamdallah will miss the match through suspension, further complicating the team’s hopes. Despite this, Yannick Carrasco and Yacine Adli will look to make the difference in attack, standing as the team’s biggest hopes.
Despite the recent defeat, Al Nassr have still shown themselves to be one of the best teams in the Saudi Pro League. However, head coach Jorge Jesus will be without Raghid Alaa Najjar, Mubarak Buainain, and Sami Al-Najei due to injuries. Even so, he still has his biggest stars available, with Cristiano Ronaldo remaining the undisputed leader. Facing a fragile defense, they could have the perfect opportunity to shine.
Al Shabab take on Al Nassr in a Matchday 33 showdown of the 2025/2026 Saudi Pro League. Fans can follow every moment with full kickoff schedules and broadcast information, including where to watch on TV and streaming platforms across the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Al Shabab vs Al Nassr on US television and via legal streaming:
The margin for error is gone for Al Nassr, which saw its once-comfortable cushion shrink to just two points following a 3-1 stumble against Al Qadsiah. Now, with the title race tightening, all eyes turn to Cristiano Ronaldo and an Al Nassr squad that knows perfection from here on out may be required to secure the crown.
Standing in their way is an unpredictable Al Shabab side still hovering near the relegation picture, desperate to grab points and stabilize its season. With both clubs carrying plenty at stake—one chasing a championship, the other fighting for security—this clash shapes up as a high-intensity showdown.
More details on how to watch
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Jorge Jesus revealed the details on how, prior to turning Cristiano Ronaldo's coach at Al Nassr, his move to the Brazil national team collapsed.
Jorge Jesus was once the frontrunner to lead the Brazil national team toward the 2026 World Cup long before Carlo Ancelotti entered the frame, but the deal ultimately fell through despite an initial agreement. Now, the Portuguese tactician is opening up about the domino effect that cost him the Selecao job and led him to become Cristiano Ronaldo’s coach at Al Nassr.
Following a historic stint with Flamengo from 2019 to 2020, Jesus left an indelible mark on Brazilian soccer. With the national team desperate for a high-profile leader after failing to reclaim South American dominance, he was viewed as the ideal candidate. While still helming Al Hilal in 2024, negotiations intensified, and by December, Jesus had verbally accepted the federation’s proposal.
In an interview published Wednesday by the Portuguese outlet Record, Jesus shared striking details about the pursuit: “The Vice President met with me, accompanied by a lawyer, at a hotel in Lisbon. They put me on a video call with Ednaldo Rodrigues, the President of the CBF, who offered me the highest national team coach salary in the world. They were prepared to pay 11 million euros to terminate my contract with Al Hilal.“
By March, Jesus had decided to skip the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the season to prioritize taking the Brazil job in May. The official appointment was set to follow his run in the AFC Champions League Elite, a plan he had already disclosed to Al Hilal stars Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves as he prepared for his departure from the Saudi giants.
Jorge Jesus coach of Al Nassr.
When Dorival Junior was dismissed in late March, the CBF president pressured Jesus to join immediately: “I told him that, as we had agreed, I would travel after the AFC Champions League final, not before. But he responded sharply: ‘I don’t understand your hesitation, with all due respect. What is Al Hilal? I don’t even know it. And you’re hesitating between this club and the best national team in the world, a five-time world champion?’”
Ultimately, the deal imploded due to the legal investigations targeting Ednaldo Rodrigues, which forced the CBF president to resign. By the time Samir Xaud was appointed as the new president in May, the federation shifted its focus to Carlo Ancelotti, leaving Jesus, who had already moved on from Al Hilal, without a job and empty-handed.
Jorge Jesus and his record-breaking run at Al Nassr
The veteran coach’s impact was instantaneous, as he quickly became one of the most statistically successful managers in Al Nassr history. According to data from Transfermarkt, Jesus currently boasts a staggering 2.56 Points Per Match (PPM) average, the highest mark of any coach in the club’s history with more than five games on the sidelines.
Through 45 matches at the helm, his record stands at 38 wins, one draw, and just six defeats. More importantly, Jesus has Al Nassr positioned to potentially sweep the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Two, a feat that would finally end Cristiano Ronaldo’s high-profile trophy drought in Saudi Arabia.
Head coach Jorge Jesus (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Al Nassr.
Luis Suarez addressed to the media the struggles Inter Miami are going through in the 2026 season after Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets' retirements.
Inter Miami in 2026 has been a shadow of the team that lifted the MLS Cup in 2025, with the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets leaving a void that has proven difficult to fill. Luis Suarez has now spoken candidly about the struggles the club has faced in the wake of the Spanish duo’s departures.
Suárez himself had a limited role under former head coach Javier Mascherano but has found more consistent playing time under new boss Guillermo Hoyos. Despite that, the team as a whole has been unable to find its footing, falling at the first hurdle in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and continuing to underperform in MLS despite a busy winter transfer window.
When asked about the impact of Alba and Busquets’ absence in his media session on Wednesday, Suarez was direct: “There are many tactical and technical nuances that we shouldn’t dwell on by saying, “if they were here or not.” They aren’t here anymore; unfortunately, they were two very significant losses. Our build-up play used to go through Busi or Jordi, and even our attacking runs came from Jordi. They are missed, but we knew months ago that they wouldn’t be here and that we had to create a different approach, a different game.“
Suárez’s words are backed up by the numbers. According to SofaScore, both Busquets and Alba led Inter Miami in passes completed per game and long balls during the 2025 MLS season. Their influence in the attacking phase was equally significant, with Alba finishing his time at the club as the second-highest assist provider in the franchise’s history with 33, making the creativity gap left by their departures all the more glaring.
Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami celebrates with Sergio Busquets #5 and Jordi Alba #18.
Turning to the team’s current struggles, Suárez pointed to the youth and inexperience within the squad as a key factor. “There are matches where it works out well for us, others where it doesn’t, and we have to be prepared for the difficult moments we experience in certain games. We have to work and keep improving because there are many young players who still have a lot to improve on, and that’s why we are here training every day—to get better.“
The Inter Miami front office brought in Sergio Reguilon and David Ayala as the designated replacements for Alba and Busquets respectively, but both have struggled to cement their place in the lineup. Noah Allen and Yannick Bright have ultimately logged the most minutes in those positions, and their inability to replicate the quality and experience of the departed veterans has been a significant drag on Miami’s ability to build and create through the thirds.
Suárez on Inter Miami’s troubling home record at Nu Stadium
One of the most alarming trends of the season has been Inter Miami’s failure to win at Miami Freedom Park, now officially known as Nu Stadium. After three straight draws at their new home, the stunning 4-3 collapse against Orlando City last weekend added another painful chapter to what has become a genuinely troubling record on their own turf.
Asked whether the team’s home struggles stem from the pitch conditions or the psychological adjustment of moving to a new stadium, Suarez dismissed both explanations:” I don’t think that’s it. Many of the boys probably go in thinking that we finally have to win. But of course, then you get into the match like we did the other day and you say, ‘this is it.’ And this is a demonstration of how strong and competitive the league is.”
After acknowledging the brutal self-reflection that followed such a deflating defeat, Suarez set his sights on delivering a home victory against the Portland Timbers on May 17. “Now we have to face the next two away matches, and afterward, give our fans a victory here at home, which is what we all want,” he concluded.
Sergio Busquets (L), Luis Suarez (M), and Jordi Alba (R) of Inter Miami.
Telemundo announced the inclusion of Valdano, Zamorano, Bedoya, Salcido, Lugano and Córdoba to its 2026 World Cup coverage team.
Networks are announcing their lineups for 2026 World Cup coverage. Telemundo is one of them, having secured the participation of legends like Jorge Valdano, Iván Zamorano, Alejandro Bedoya, Carlos Salcido, Diego Lugano and Iván Córdoba for its Spanish-language team.
Most major brands have followed the recent trend of pairing journalists with a strong group of players who use their personal experience to help fans better understand the sport.
This list features a wide range of voices ready to share their stories and perspectives during the tournament. Several countries are represented, with the six players coming from different places to provide the best coverage possible.
Valdano headlines the group of players
While all six players have the credentials to analyze matches, Valdano stands out because he was part of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning team, captained by Diego Maradona.
Bedoya was the only active player included in this group (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Zamorano also looks like a strong addition given his experience in major matches during his time at Real Madrid. Albeit the Chilean did not achieve as much success with the national team, he remains a respected reference.
Lugano may have a lower profile, but he was the leader of Uruguay’s team that reached the semifinals in 2010, while Córdoba was a standout at the club level and represented Colombia on its 2001 Copa América title-winning team.
The Concacaf representatives
This competition gives South American countries an edge over the CONCACAF nations. However, they are also well represented. Bedoya was part of the 2014 World Cup squad and played in all four matches the United States took part in. Salcido’s experience with Mexico includes three World Cup appearances.
The group of six former players joins a list of major names. A well-known manager like José Pekerman leads a group of former players that includes a historic Mexican player like Andrés Guardado, a 2000s Real Madrid icon like Guti, former Manchester United player Antonio Valencia and Panama’s well-known Dely Valdés.
France legend Thierry Henry made a bold claim positioning Lionel Messi’s Argentina ahead of Les Bleus and Spain in the contention for the 2026 World Cup.
With the 2026 World Cup now less than 40 days away, debate over the tournament favorites is heating up. Thierry Henry has weighed in with a bold take, placing Lionel Messi‘s Argentina alongside France and Spain as the leading contenders for the competition set to be held in North America.
France, Spain and Argentina currently occupy the top three spots in the FIFA rankings in that order, reflecting the standing of three of the most formidable national teams heading into the tournament. While questions about Argentina’s aging roster might tempt some to relegate them to a tier below, Henry is not among those inclined to do so.
Speaking to Marca at a Samsung event in London, Henry was emphatic about giving Argentina the respect the defending champions deserve: “First, you have to show a lot of respect to Argentina, as they are the defending champions. They are still a solid team and they have Messi wearing the number 10.“
Henry and Messi shared a dressing room at FC Barcelona between 2007 and 2010, winning the historic Sextuple together in 2009 before Henry moved on to MLS. With the Argentine star set to turn 39 during the tournament, his former teammate still believes the Albiceleste have more than enough to remain a genuine threat on the world stage.
Thierry Henry of France walks past the World Cup trophy following the defeat in the 2006 World Cup final.
After paying tribute to his former teammate, Henry offered his assessment of the other two frontrunners. “Then there is us, France; we have a great national team and we have reached the last two finals. And then there is Spain. It amazes me that no matter which players they have, the team always plays the same way: that same attractive style, and it is very difficult to take the ball away from them,” he added.
With Messi turning 39 during the tournament, Kylian Mbappe currently 27 and Lamine Yamal set to turn 19 in the middle of the competition, three distinct generations of world-class talent will be on display in North America. Henry also spoke about Yamal and highlighted France’s remarkable consistency, having reached four of the last seven World Cup finals, expressing quiet confidence ahead of the 2026 edition.
Henry and the other teams to watch
While Argentina, Spain and France stand out as the clear frontrunners, the expanded 48-team field with a Round of 32 adds a significant layer of unpredictability, giving a wider range of nations a realistic path to the final stages and making it harder than ever to discount the rest of the field.
When asked about other nations worth watching, Henry singled out Portugal and made a point of mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo: “I love Portugal’s midfield: João Neves, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes… with Nuno Mendes and others at the back… and up front they have the monster (Ronaldo). I think that team has to be respected.“
With Portugal arriving as reigning UEFA Nations League champions, Henry also cast his eye further across the field. “Additionally, there is England, the potential awakening of Brazil, Norway, Senegal, the new Germany. The truth is that in a World Cup, many things can happen, and it depends on injuries, the brackets, and so on,” he concluded, leaving the door open for several nations to spring a surprise in North America.
Thierry Henry (L) and Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina.
Thierry Henry suggested a nickname for this Arsenal team if they win the Champions League.
Arsenal sealed their place in the final after narrowly beating Atletico Madrid in England. While they wait for the match against Paris Saint-Germain to decide the winner, Thierry Henry proposed a nickname for the team if they win the Champions League in a conversation with Bukayo Saka at CBS Sports.
Henry said: “I wish you all the best because we couldn’t do it, and I hope you will be able to do it. If you guys do it, if you manage to go on and win the title, I don’t want to jinx you, you will be known as the ‘Unforgettables’, we were the ‘Invincibles’. Go and get that.”
The name Henry proposed was clearly directed at the famous Arsenal team that won the Premier League under Arsène Wenger, called the Invincibles as they are the only club to win the trophy without losing a single match.
Arsenal want revenge
The other important reference from Henry’s statement refers to the part where he said, “because we couldn’t do it.” Those Arsenal teams were historic as they featured the Frenchman, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires among many legends.
Saka decided the match with a goal (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Their only missing title was the Champions League, which they could not win even though they were a dominant team for almost a decade. Even if they were close a few times, there was one year when it slipped away by a very small margin.
It was the final against Barcelona in 2006, the year they had their best chance to win. They scored first through a Sol Campbell header, but Jens Lehmann’s red card made things harder. Samuel Eto’o tied it before Juliano Belletti scored the decisive goal.
The final
Arsenal was the first team to reach the final, as they played on Tuesday, with the other spot confirmed the following day. The tie Paris Saint-Germain secured in Germany against Bayern Munich sealed the aggregate score at 6-5 in their favor. This match has been set for May 30 in Hungary.
Although Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni have been mentioned as potential targets for Real Madrid, the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a complication.
Pending official confirmation, it appears certain that Real Madrid are set to look for a new manager to replace Alvaro Arbeloa once the season ends. High-profile names such as Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni have been linked with the role, but for all of them, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be an obstacle.
“Real Madrid do not view it favorably if their new coach is involved in the World Cup,” Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday. “They want the new manager focused from day one on planning for next season, and that seems difficult if he is at the World Cup.”
Indeed, the FIFA tournament could complicate planning for the Spanish side’s roster rebuild. The European club season will end in late May, at which point players will join their respective national teams to compete in North America 2026.
Meanwhile, club managers will continue working on preseason planning and shaping their squads, both in terms of outgoing transfers and new signings. However, with the World Cup running through July 19, that timeline could prove problematic for certain candidates.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure as Real Madrid coach is expected to end this summer.
Real Madrid reportedly interested in several World Cup coaches
Since their UEFA Champions League elimination against Bayern Munich dealt a decisive blow to Arbeloa’s tenure, speculation about Real Madrid’s next manager has dominated headlines worldwide.
Among the many rumored candidates, several are currently coaching national teams that will compete in the World Cup. Didier Deschamps is set to step down from France this summer after 14 years in charge, making him a logical candidate for Los Blancos given his success and strong relationship with Kylian Mbappe.
Mauricio Pochettino is another name frequently mentioned, especially considering he has previously been linked with Real Madrid. However, his future with the USMNT remains uncertain and could depend on the team’s performance at the World Cup.
With lower odds but still part of the conversation are Lionel Scaloni and Julian Nagelsmann. The Argentina coach’s contract expires this summer, although reports suggest there is interest in extending it into another World Cup cycle. Meanwhile, Nagelsmann remains under contract with Germany through UEFA Euro 2028.
Other options for Real Madrid
If reports prove accurate and Real Madrid rule out coaches involved in the World Cup, their options would become more limited. Jose Mourinho could remain a strong alternative despite being under contract with Benfica. A similar situation applies to AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri.
Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni.
Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni reportedly turned into the protagonists of yet another confrontation at Real Madrid.
The atmosphere within the Real Madrid locker room has reached a boiling point as the 2025-26 season nears its conclusion, with the club staring down a trophyless campaign and less than a month of play remaining. Fresh reports of internal friction have surfaced, this time featuring midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni as the central figures in a heated training ground dispute.
According to a Wednesday report from Marca, Valverde and Tchouameni engaged in a volatile confrontation that nearly devolved into a physical altercation. The incident took place during a high-stakes training session at Valdebebas as the squad prepares for Sunday’s El Clasico against FC Barcelona.
The Spanish outlet noted that the spark between the Uruguayan and the Frenchman was a hard foul during a practice drill. What began as a verbal argument quickly escalated to shoving, and the tension reportedly followed both players into the locker room after the session was dismissed by the coaching staff.
This incident is just the latest in a series of cracks forming within the squad, following a reported clash between Alvaro Carreras and Antonio Rudiger just days ago. Carreras attempted to downplay that event on social media, claiming it was a “specific matter with no relevance that has already been solved” and insisting his relationship with the rest of the roster remains “really good.”
Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid warming up.
However, the dysfunction appears to extend beyond just the players. The Athletic recently revealed that Kylian Mbappe was involved in a separate altercation during training, where he allegedly hurled insults at an assistant coach serving as a referee during a scrimmage. This suggests a systemic breakdown in discipline that goes well beyond typical late-season fatigue.
With the next El Clasico set for Sunday, May 10, Real Madrid find itself in a precarious position where anything less than a victory would see Barcelona clinch the La Liga title. While the 2026 World Cup looms on the horizon for many of these stars, the rising internal conflicts have raised serious questions about who will remain part of the project when the next campaign begins.
Jose Mourinho: The chosen one to unite the squad?
The Real Madrid roster is expected to undergo a massive overhaul this summer, driven largely by a perceived lack of leadership and an inability to manage the massive egos within the dressing room. The club’s traditional Spanish core has all but vanished; following the departures of Sergio Ramos and Nacho Fernandez, current captain Dani Carvajal is now expected to exit as his contract nears its expiration.
This exodus of veteran leadership has left a vacuum that current manager Alvaro Arbeloa has struggled to fill. Without a strong “Spanish core” to anchor the locker room, the combination of immense pressure and on-field failure has left the squad’s world-class stars without a common ground or a clear sense of direction.
With the atmosphere turning toxic, a trend that began to surface late in the Xabi Alonso era and accelerated under Arbeloa, the board is reportedly searching for a transformative figure to restore order. This has positioned Jose Mourinho as the primary candidate for the job; the “Special One” is viewed as a leader of men who can prioritize personality management and psychological discipline to stabilize a roster currently at war with itself.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde of Real Madrid.
Toluca will host LAFC for the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, venue, kickoff time, and how to watch or stream the match live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Toluca vs LAFC on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Toluca vs LAFC
WHAT
CONCACAF Champions Cup
WHEN
10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT • Tuesday, February 3, 2026
With only a one-goal margin separating the sides, everything remains on the line as the series heads to Mexico for the decisive second leg. Tolucawill look to capitalize on their home-field advantage and the energy of their supporters as they aim to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes alive.
In the opening matchup, Los Angeles FC showed resilience and efficiency, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win that gives them a slight edge but far from breathing room. With the aggregate score still within reach for either side, expect a high-intensity battle where every moment could prove decisive.
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Harry Kane matched Lionel Messi’s single-season UEFA Champions League goal mark, although Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the top.
On Wednesday, Bayern Munich drew 1-1 against Paris Saint-Germain and were eliminated in the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a 5-4 defeat in the first leg. Harry Kane scored Bayern’s goal, allowing him to match a mark set by Lionel Messi, though he still falls short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
His goal against PSG was Kane’s14th in this edition of theChampions League. It marks his best-ever performance in the competition and places him among a select group of players to reach that total in a single season.
The England star now shares a spot on the all-time list with Lionel Messi and Jose Altafini. The Argentine star also scored 14 goals in the 2011-12 Champions League with Barcelona, while the Italian-Brazilian did so with AC Milan in 1962-63.
However, they all remain behind Cristiano Ronaldo. With Real Madrid, he surpassed that total in three different editions of the tournament. His best performance came in 2013-14, when he led Los Blancos to the title with 17 goals. Two years later, he repeated the feat with 16 goals, and in 2017-18 he once again won the title after scoring 15 goals.
Harry Kane scores his 14th goal in 13 #UCL games this season but it is not enough for Bayern Munich 💔 pic.twitter.com/680Mvz3JUH
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 6, 2026
That same total has also been reached by the other two players in the top five. Karim Benzema won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2021-22 after scoring 15 goals, while Robert Lewandowski hit that mark in 2019-20 with Bayern Munich.
Players with the most goals in a single Champions League season:
1- Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid – 17 goals (2013-14)
2- Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid – 16 goals (2015-16)
3- Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid – 15 goals (2017-18)
3- Robert Lewandowski – Bayern Munich – 15 (2019-20)
3- Karim Benzema – Real Madrid – 15 (2021-22)
6- Jose Altafini – AC Milan – 14 (1962-63)
6- Lionel Messi – Barcelona – 14 (2011-12)
6- Harry Kane – Bayern Munich – 14 (2025-26)
Bayern Munich make history
Despite their Champions League elimination, Harry Kane’s goal helped Bayern Munich strengthen their place in another historic ranking. The attacking trio of Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz ranks among the most prolific in soccer history.
With 102 combined goals, Bayern’s stars sit fifth among the highest-scoring attacking trios of all time. On Wednesday, they matched Barcelona’s 2011-12 trio, when Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Hernandez scored the same number.
Only two attacking trios rank above them. One is the legendary Barcelona trio of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, which holds the top spot with 131 goals in 2015-16, second place with 122 in 2014-15, and fourth place with 110 in 2016-17. Third place belongs to Real Madrid’s 2011-12 trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema, who combined for 118 goals.
Arsenal and PSG are meeting in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final, with everything set for the date and venue to happen.
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League is heading toward its climax, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain set to meet in the final for the right to be crowned the kings of European football. With national teams already beginning their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, both clubs have their sights firmly set on the date and venue for the showdown.
The 2026 Champions League final is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. ET. The clash between Arsenal and PSG will bring the curtain down on the 71st edition of European club football’s premier competition, and the 34th since it was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League.
UEFA has selected the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary as the venue for the final. The stadium, named in honor of legendary striker and former Real Madrid icon Ferenc Puskás, previously hosted the UEFA Europa League final in 2023, but this will be the first time the Champions League final has come to the Hungarian capital.
The Puskás Aréna was officially inaugurated as Hungary’s national stadium on November 15, 2019, following the demolition of the original Ferenc Puskás Stadium in 2017. Regarded as one of the most architecturally striking venues in Europe, it will welcome approximately 67,000 fans for the defining night of the continental season.
A general view of the Puskas Arena during the UEFA Europa League final in 2023.
Will there be extra time and penalties in the 2026 Champions League final?
If the score remains level after the regulation 90 minutes, the match will proceed to extra time, played over two 15-minute periods. Should neither side be able to break the deadlock in that additional time, the Champions League trophy will be decided by a penalty shootout.
PSG carry the weight of defending champions
PSG booked their place in the final after a thrilling two-legged semifinal against Bayern Munich, prevailing 5-4 in Paris in the first leg before a 1-1 draw in Germany to advance. Should Luis Enrique’s side lift the trophy in Budapest, they would become only the ninth club in history to win the Champions League in back-to-back seasons, the first since Real Madrid, who claimed the trophy in three consecutive editions between 2016 and 2018.
Arsenal chasing history
Arsenal secured their spot with a 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium against Atletico Madrid after a 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano, advancing to the final for the first time since the 2005-06 season, when they fell 2-1 to FC Barcelona at the Stade de France in Paris. That remains the Gunners’ only Champions League final appearance, and the chance to finally lift the trophy they have never won is now within reach.
Victory over PSG would add even more layers to the occasion. Arsenal would become the 25th club to lift the Champions League, and the 10th to do so while going through the entire competition unbeaten, a feat they are also on the verge of achieving in the Premier League this season.
Declan Rice of Arsenal and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain.
Lionel Messi's character was put as an example by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.
The number of virtues Lionel Messi has on the field is countless. His talent can only be compared with that of a few players in the history of the sport, but he also has a distinctive character. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente hailed the Argentine with some kind words.
De la Fuente said: “You don’t have to try to convince someone you are a good person. Be one. Sacrificing yourself for the person next to you is being a good person in football. That’s how greats are. Messi is a great player and a great person. Those who are that way can give you more than someone else who may have more qualities but isn’t like that.”
This statement was part of many interesting quotes from De la Fuente, who spoke with the media in a press conference where he introduced his new book entitled “La vida se entrena cada día” (life is trained every day), in which he details the journey of his sporting life to the present time.
De la Fuente on Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams
While the idea behind this event was to present his book, there was obviously much curiosity about how the Spain manager sees topics like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Yamal should recover from a muscle injury (Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The main thing to avoid for the manager are injuries, which raise some doubt about the participation of these players, who have dealt with issues and are clearly important pieces when they are at their best.
De la Fuente said: “Yamal and Williams are very important players to us, but the rest are too. I hope and I’m sure they’ll be recovered. I’m convinced they are all going to be healthy.”
De la Fuente on Dani Carvajal
Last week was unfortunate for the manager, with another player getting injured. Dani Carvajal sustained a fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe on his right foot, as Real Madrid detailed, but he may not be out for too long.
De la Fuente said: “Carvajal is an important figure in our dressing room. I spoke to him. What he has is not severe, but he needs time. He knows the decision I make comes from normality. We would all celebrate if he were at his level. Myself first.”
Messi was hailed by De la Fuente for his character
Botafogo host Racing Club on Matchday 4 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage. Viewers in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the essential information on kickoff time and broadcast or streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Botafogo vs Racing Club on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Botafogo vs Racing Club
WHAT
Copa Libertadores
WHEN
8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Wednesday, May 6, 2026
WHERE
Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT
It’s shaping up as a pivotal Group E showdown with major postseason implications, as Botafogoenters in control after collecting seven of nine possible points to sit atop the standings, knowing another three points would all but secure a spot in the knockout round.
Racing Club, meanwhile, find themselves under greater pressure with four points through three matches, needing a victory to pull level with the Brazilian side and keep pace in a tightly contested race that also includes Caracas, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash with everything on the line.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Botafogo vs Racing Club and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
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Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Gianni Infantino left a sarcastic comment about the 2026 World Cup ticket prices that wasn't applauded by fans.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the main topic for fans is the high ticket prices. Some matches have astronomical prices, which is not a problem for FIFA president Gianni Infantino because people are still buying them. At a recent event, he even made an unfortunate joke.
Infantino said: “We are in a market where entertainment is the most developed in the world. That’s why we must apply market prices. If some people put on the resale market, some tickets for the final at $2m, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2m. It doesn’t mean that somebody will buy these tickets. And if somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2m I will personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience.”
This came in response to what was recently seen on the institution’s official website. The site showed four tickets for the final for sale at a price of two million dollars each. While the product on the field could be great, the prices are keeping some people away.
Infantino on the World Cup of 48 teams
The most notable change this World Cup will see compared to every edition since France 1998 is the number of teams, which was increased from the usual 32 to 48 in a decision that created many logistical issues.
Infantino made the change to 48 teams (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
This time there may be even more matches with huge differences as weaker teams are going to be participating compared with past editions, but the president raised the topic to suggest he would like more champions.
Infantino said: “We don’t want investors to invest in just one place. We want real competition because that’ll help everyone grow. I want 50 countries to be world champions from the 211 that FIFA groups.”
Infantino on the United States’ lack of success
The FIFA president spoke at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. His comments were also directed at the lack of success in soccer that the United States has.
Infantino said: “The United States is the number 1 country in the world in practically everything it does: finance, economy, everything. I don’t understand how it can settle for being number 20 in the world’s number 1 sport.”
Santos star Neymar spoke publicly about his incident with Robinho Jr.
Neymar was at the center of attention following his altercation with Robinho Jr during a Santos training session, in which the 34-year-old star struck and insulted his teammate, prompting an internal club investigation. A few days later, the situation has cooled down, and now those involved have shared their explanations.
“It was a misunderstanding, a reaction, and I crossed the line,” Neymar admitted during an interview with ESPN on Tuesday. “He’s a kid I care about a lot, very deeply. I apologized right away, we talked in the locker room and understood each other… This had to be resolved internally, not the way it happened.”
These remarks came after Santos’ 1-1 draw against Recoleta FC in Paraguay on Matchday 4 of the Copa Sudamericana group stage. Neymar scored his team’s only goal, as they remain bottom of Group D, though still with a chance to advance with two matches remaining.
“These things happen in football,” Neymar said about his clash with Robinho Jr. “Anyone who plays football knows it happens. Fights, arguments of all kinds. That’s football. I’ve argued with friends before. I’ve had fights in the locker room many times, and everything stays there.”
Reconciliation between Neymar and Robinho Jr appears complete
According to reports, the conflict between the Santos players occurred on May 3 during a training session, when Neymar felt that Robinho Jr was mocking him after dribbling past him. The former Barcelona star reacted with a punch, a kick, and several insults.
However, after acknowledging his mistake and apologizing, the situation appears to have been resolved between the two, to the point that they celebrated together in Paraguay. When Neymar scored Santos’ opener in Tuesday’s match against Recoleta FC, he embraced Robinho Jr, showing that their relationship has been repaired.
What did Robinho Jr say about his conflict with Neymar?
After the Copa Sudamericana match, Neymar was not the only one to address the incident that took place days earlier during Santos training. “He was man enough to admit his mistake, and I was man enough to sit down and talk. The apology is accepted,” Robinho Jr said.
However, the young forward also made clear how painful the episode was for him. “I was hurt because he’s been my idol since I was a kid. The first gift he gave me was a jersey when I was eight, and I cried a lot,” Robinho Jr said.
While Al-Nassr continues to build its project, the presence of a global icon like Ronaldo adds a unique layer to every decision surrounding his family. At the same time, the rising profile of his son has drawn attention far beyond the Middle East.
The spotlight has once again turned toward Cristiano Ronaldo and his son as questions grow louder about what comes next in the young forward’s career. While Al-Nassr continues to build its project, the presence of a global icon like Ronaldo adds a unique layer to every decision surrounding his family. At the same time, the rising profile of his son has drawn attention far beyond the Middle East.
Across Europe, several elite institutions are quietly monitoring the situation, sensing an opportunity to secure one of the most talked-about young prospects in the game. The Riyadh outfit, however, remains hopeful that the story could unfold closer to home, where a historic father-son partnership has been imagined. That possibility has fueled speculation for months, turning a developmental decision into a global headline.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has followed a path that mirrors his father’s journey, moving through some of the most competitive environments in youth soccer. From early spells in Italy to time in England, and now in Saudi Arabia, his development has been shaped by exposure to different styles and expectations. The 15-year-old’s performances at youth level have consistently stood out, reinforcing the belief that his potential is real rather than symbolic.
Statistics databases highlight his impressive scoring record and adaptability, traits often associated with his father’s early years. He has already represented Portugal‘s U-15 and U-16 national teams, further strengthening his credentials on the international stage. That combination of pedigree and performance has made him a compelling target for clubs seeking long-term investment.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. in action for Portugal U-16
The dream of playing alongside his father
The idea of Cristiano Ronaldo lining up with his son in the same team has generated enormous excitement. As per Globoesporte, the Saudi side has explored the concept as part of a broader sporting and commercial vision, one that would resonate far beyond the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo himself has previously expressed a desire to share the field with his son, especially given his remarkable longevity at the highest level. With the Portuguese star still competing at 41, the timeline for such a moment has felt increasingly realistic. However, behind the emotional appeal lies a more complex decision about development, pressure, and long-term ambition.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
The reported key decision revealed
As the situation unfolds, Globoesporte suggests that Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. may prioritize a move to Europe over the chance to play alongside his father at Al-Nassr. This decision appears to be driven by a desire to test himself in more competitive environments and continue his development within elite academies.
The Sun further notes, “Ronaldo Jr wants to play on Europe’s biggest stage, with Real Madrid, Bayern, Inter, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain all circling,” the report states. “The youngster has his heart set on returning to the UK or Madrid.”
The pull of European soccer remains strong, especially for a player aiming to build a career at the highest level. Competing in those environments could offer the structure and exposure needed to refine his game.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. scored a hat-trick for Al Nassr, then performed his father’s iconic “SIUUU” celebration.
Family influence and external pressure of the last name
Behind the scenes, there are differing perspectives shaping the outcome. While Cristiano Ronaldo has openly expressed his desire to one day share the field with his son, there are concerns within the family about the intensity of the spotlight. The balance between opportunity and protection has become a key factor in the decision-making process.
“His family is wary of the crushing media spotlight that will naturally try to compare him to his dad,” the report adds. The club in Saudi Arabia continues to offer stability and a controlled environment, something that cannot always be guaranteed in Europe. Yet the allure of competing against the best young players on the continent remains difficult to ignore.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo Jr (right)
All eyes remain fixed on Santos as the situation continues to unfold, with Neymar and Robinho Jr. at the center of a controversy that has drawn widespread attention.
All eyes remain fixed on Santos as the situation continues to unfold, with Neymar and Robinho Jr. at the center of a controversy that has drawn widespread attention. The club has found itself navigating a delicate moment, where internal discipline, public perception, and on-field ambitions all intersect. Neymar’s presence alone ensures that any incident carries added weight, especially with the Brazil national teampicture still in the background ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The issue began during a heated training session at the Peixe’s facility, where emotions reportedly boiled over between the experienced forward and the emerging youngster. What happened quickly spilled beyond the pitch, prompting strong reactions from within the club and across the wider soccer community.
Santos’ manager, Cuca, addressed the situation firmly, saying, “What happened there (in training) is not cool… We can’t sweep it under the rug! Nobody is right in this story, and the one who loses is Santos!”
In the immediate aftermath, Neymar moved quickly to contain the fallout by issuing a public apology. Speaking candidly, he admitted his reaction crossed a line, stating, “I ended up overreacting.” He later added more context, explaining, “Soon after it happened, we apologized; we talked in the dressing room and came to an understanding.”
Neymar Junior of Santos
Robinho Jr. also confirmed that the matter had been addressed, offering a calmer perspective. “It’s normal, everyone makes mistakes. I’m a human being like all of us; I could have made a mistake too,” he said, signaling that reconciliation had been reached on a personal level.
The club investigation and what could follow
Despite the apology and apparent reconciliation, the club has continued its internal investigation into the altercation. Santos has gathered testimonies, footage, and accounts from those involved, highlighting how seriously it is treating the matter behind closed doors.
According to Diario Do Peixe, disciplinary measures are being considered, with the club’s leadership weighing its options carefully. While the exact outcome was initially unclear, it has since emerged that a financial sanction could be imposed, potentially affecting Neymar’s salary depending on the final decision.
While the public reconciliation offered relief, attention has now shifted to the club’s internal response. Santos is said to be considering disciplinary action that could see the 34-year-old veteran fined between 10% and 30% of his salary, depending on the outcome of the investigation. This potential measure highlights the seriousness with which the club is treating the matter.
Neymar of Santos celebrates after scoring with Robinho Junior.
World Cup implications loom in the background
The timing of the incident adds another layer of significance, with the international calendar approaching. Neymar’s ambitions to represent the national team once again depend not only on his fitness and form but also on maintaining professionalism within the squad environment.
UOL claims that the Selecao’s staff is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, aware that harmony within the group is essential. This episode, while resolved on the surface, could still shape perceptions ahead of key selection decisions.
Just over a month before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Luis Suarez sent a message to the Uruguay national team.
Uruguay are one of the 48 teams set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer in North America. They are entering the final stretch of their preparations and, in that context, received a message from Inter Miami star Luis Suarez.
“Obviously, as a Uruguayan, I would never say no to the national team,” Suarez said this Wednesday during a press conference in Miami, shared on X by reporter Jose Armando. “Right now, it’s about continuing to work. Like I said, I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up.”
These remarks come a year and a half after Suarez announced his retirement from international soccer. He last played for Uruguay in September 2024, when he started in a 0-0 draw against Paraguay during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
The Inter Miami forward also addressed the reasons behind his decision to step away from international duty. “At the time, I stepped aside because I felt it was time to make room for younger players,” said Suarez, who turned 39 in January 2026.
Luis Suárez reitera su mensaje para la selección uruguaya.
Suarez was involved in controversy with Uruguay coach Bielsa
Beyond the sporting reasons Suarez cited for leaving the Uruguay national team in 2024, there were also off-field issues that contributed to his departure. In particular, his relationship with head coach Marcelo Bielsa was under the spotlight.
“Several players held a meeting to ask the coach to at least say good morning—he wouldn’t even greet us,” Suarez said in an interview with DSports Uruguay in October 2024. “There were situations during the Copa America (2024) that came up and that hurt… I preferred to stay quiet out of respect for the national team.”
Now, a year and a half later, tensions in Uruguay have eased to the point that other players who had issues with Bielsa have returned and are expected to be considered for the 2026 World Cup, such as Agustin Cannobio.
In that context, Suarez revisited those controversies this Wednesday and was self-critical. “I said things I shouldn’t have said. It wasn’t the right moment, and I’ve already apologized to those I needed to,” the forward admitted.
Uruguay’s attacking options
With 143 caps, 69 goals and 39 assists between 2007 and 2024, Luis Suarez is one of the most important players in the history of the Uruguay national team. He won the 2011 Copa America and played in four World Cups, most notably helping Uruguay to a fourth-place finish in South Africa 2010.
Now at 39, the striker is clearly past his peak, but he remains an intriguing option given his experience and quality. Since his international retirement, Uruguay have struggled to find a player to take over the center forward role.
Over the past year and a half, the national team have played 16 matches without Suarez. In six of those, Darwin Nunez started as the striker, likely the strongest option Uruguay have in that position. However, the former Liverpool forward failed to score in those appearances. Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Viñas and Luciano Rodriguez are the other forwards tested by Bielsa.
Luis Suarez played for Uruguay between 2007 and 2024.
Will this season, loaded with underwhelming results, prove just a bump in the road for relegation-threatened Spurs? Can the North Londoners, under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, finish somewhere near the top of the table the next time around? Former midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes they can. ”If we stay up with Roberto De Zerbi, […]
Arsenal have booked a place in the Champions League final after beating Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final clash on Tuesday. They will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in Budapest on May 30th, but winger Bukayo Saka, the scorer of the only goal against Atletico at the Emirates, does not […]
While the Liga MX playoffs are still being played, Javier Aguirre has taken the determination to exclude all players who don't report to Mexico's training camp from the 2026 World Cup squad.
Javier Aguirre will lead Mexico into the 2026 World Cup on home soil, but the upcoming international window has already sparked a fresh controversy for El Tri. With several called-up players currently competing in the Liga MX playoffs, the Mexican Football Federation has issued a stark ultimatum: report to the national team camp or be left off the World Cup roster entirely.
On April 28, the Mexico national team published a list of 20 Liga MX-based players summoned for the pre-tournament training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The camp, set to open on May 6, precedes friendly matches against Ghana on May 22, Australia on May 30, and Serbia on June 4.
The controversy erupted almost immediately, as several clubs are still involved in high-stakes competitions. Toluca requested a special exemption due to their CONCACAF Champions Cup second leg on May 6, while Chivas de Guadalajara’s ownership went a step further after the request, pulling five of their called-up players from the national team camp entirely to ensure they were available for the Liga MX quarterfinals against Tigres.
Mexico federation’s ultimatum
The second legs of the Liga MX Clausura quarterfinals are scheduled for May 9 and 10, and every competing club wants their best players available for a shot at advancing. The clash between the domestic postseason and the national team’s preparation schedule came to a head this week, prompting the federation to draw a firm line.
The Mexican Football Federation released a pointed statement on Wednesday outlining the terms of the camp: “As published this past Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Mexico National Team’s training camp for the three preparatory matches against Ghana, Australia, and Serbia—and for the World Cup—will begin this Wednesday, May 6, at 8:00 PM, with the 20 Liga MX players called up by head coach Javier Aguirre.“
The closing lines of the statement left no room for ambiguity. “All players must report to the Centro de Alto Rendimiento in Mexico City. Per instructions from the coaching staff, any player who fails to report to the camp today will be excluded from the World Cup,” the federation added.
The decision has ignited the debate about whether Liga MX-based players benefit more from playoff experience or national team preparation, particularly at a time when their European counterparts are still in the middle of their own club seasons. The final World Cup roster is set to be announced on June 1, following the Ghana and Australia friendlies but before the final tuneup against Serbia, and the full fallout from the standoff between the federation and the clubs is still playing out.
Although Bayern Munich once again demonstrated their offensive prowess, they were eliminated from the Champions League by PSG. Their defensive struggles, combined with Ousmane Dembélé’s scoring prowess, secured PSG’s second consecutive appearance in the tournament’s final.
Bayern Munich and PSG once again delivered a great spectacle in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. While the German side dominated possession, the French side remained solid defensively and quick on the counterattack. Combined with Bayern’s defensive issues under Vincent Kompany and Ousmane Dembélé’s strong scoring form, it secured a second consecutive final for Luis Enrique’s team in what has been an ideal season.
Paris Saint-Germain put in another brilliant performance, particularly on the defensive end. Led by standout performances from Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, they consistently shut down Luis Díaz and Michael Olise. In addition, Vitinha once again led the team, playing a key role in allowing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to shine once more, driving Konrad Laimer crazy on the right wing and giving a pass to Ousmane Dembélé for the winning goal.
In the absence of Serge Gnabry, head coach Vincent Kompany once again placed his trust in Jamal Musiala, aiming for him to link up with Luis Díaz and Michael Olise by creating space or delivering key passes. However, he was quite limited, allowing both wingers to be tightly marked by Marquinhos and Pacho. In addition, Bayern Munich once again struggled with space in behind, as Laimer and Josip Stanišić were completely outplayed by the French side.
Even though the German side put a strong performance in creating space, PSG’s defensive solidity proved decisive and ultimately determined the result. In addition, Kompany made the necessary adjustments, but they came too late to turn things around, a costly mistake that limited his team’s potential. Alongside this, the French side managed to slow the game down in the second half, taking away any real chance of a comeback.
Dembélé’s goal stolen spotlight from Harry Kane’s latest strike
Just minutes before the match got underway, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played a pass into midfield that was received by Fabián Ruiz. After controlling the ball, the Spaniard delivered a through pass back to the Georgian, who beat Dayot Upamecano for pace, reached the byline, and sent in a superb cross toward Ousmane Dembélé. Showing his top form, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner finished first-time, beating a stunned Manuel Neuer.
PICKING UP RIGHT WHERE WE LEFT OFF 😤🔥
Ousmane Dembélé fires PSG in to the lead after just 2 minutes and 20 seconds 💥 pic.twitter.com/orFfaDK5ZM
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 6, 2026
After Kim Min-Jae, Lennart Karl, and Alphonso Davies got on field, Bayern Munich regained their best form and creating more clear chances. Following a pass from Joshua Kimmich to Alphonso Davies, the Canadian controlled the ball and played a short, precise pass to Harry Kane. Brilliantly, the Englishman controlled it first-time and turned to score. However, the effort proved in vain, as Dembélé’s goal ultimately decided the match, giving PSG the edge on aggregate.
Harry Kane scores his 14th goal in 13 #UCL games this season but it is not enough for Bayern Munich 💔 pic.twitter.com/680Mvz3JUH
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 6, 2026
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring a goal.
Following a contested first leg, Bayern Munich and PSG are gearing up for one of the most important matches of the UEFA Champions League semifinals second leg. While the German side has no key absences, the French side is dealing with a significant absence, forcing changes to the starting lineup.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are coming off one of the most exciting matchups in theChampions League. With no significant gap in the aggregate score, the tie remains wide open, which could push both teams to adopt an attacking approach, especially with their key stars in top form. However, Achraf Hakimi’s absence will force changes for PSG, something the German team could look to exploit as they make their own tactical adjustments.
Despite not dominating possession, head coach Luis Enrique managed to make his team highly effective on the counterattack. With Vitinha and João Neves pulling the strings, the star trio of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué received clear opportunities to exploit the German side’s defense. However, they could face serious defensive issues with Warren Zaïre-Emery at right-back, as Hakimi’s absence will be difficult to cover.
Unlike the French side, head coach Vincent Kompany has no new absences in his squad, and he has even recovered Lennart Karl, Tom Bischof, and Raphaël Guerreiro. Despite this, Bayern Munich will not make many changes to their starting lineup, with only the inclusion of Konrad Laimer. In addition, the attacking trio of Luis Díaz, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise is in top form, so they are once again expected to be the main protagonists.
Both Bayern Munich and PSG have made it clear that they will not adjust their attacking approach. As a result, the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg is expected to be highly competitive and full of goals. Consequently, strong defensive strategies will take on a key role, as they could prove decisive in securing victory.
Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain is challenged by Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich confirmed lineups vs PSG
Although Bayern Munich are one goal down on aggregate, they will not make major changes to their starting lineup, as the team performed very well. However, head coach Vincent Kompany has opted for Konrad Laimer instead of Alphonso Davies, who did not stand out much in the first leg. In addition, high expectations are placed on Olise and Díaz, who could once again break through PSG’s defense, looking to provide goals or assists for Kane.
Considering this, Bayern Munich will lineup as follows: Manuel Neuer; Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Konrad Laimer; Aleksandar Pavlović, Joshua Kimmich; Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Luis Diaz; Harry Kane.
PSG confirmed lineups vs Bayern Munich
Paris Saint-Germain arrive as clear favorites to defeat Bayern Munich and reach the UEFA Champions League final. However, head coach Luis Enrique is still dealing with the significant absences of Lucas Chevalier and Achraf Hakimi. As a result, the French side will rely on Warren Zaïre-Emery at right-back, while keeping the rest of the lineup unchanged. Ultimately, hopes are placed on Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Doué, who already stood out in the first leg.
With this in mind, PSG will play as follows: Matvey Safonov; Warren Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Desiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Luis Diaz of FC Bayern München and Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain.
Gianni Infantino sent a request to Lionel Messi just over a month before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Uncertainty still surrounds Lionel Messi regarding his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While he has been part of Argentina’s entire cycle over the past four years, he has yet to confirm whether he will play in the tournament set to take place in North America this summer. In that context, Gianni Infantino shared a message.
“Let it not be Messi’s last—let him play one, two, three more, because he always brings us so much joy!” the FIFA president said in an interview with Clarin, one of Argentina’s most prestigious newspapers, after attending this week’s 29th Annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, California.
Infantino’s wish, of course, lacks any real foundation. Messi will turn 39 during this World Cup and, if he takes part with Argentina, it is clear it would be his sixth and final appearance. By 2030, Leo will already be 43 years old, and his professional career will almost certainly be over.
The FIFA president also expressed high expectations for Argentina’s performance in the tournament. “They will play very well, that’s for sure,” Infantino said, while also encouraging fans from the South American country to travel and support their national team.
Messi could become the first player to play in six different World Cups
“Argentina’s fans are spectacular,” Infantino said. “They should come and enjoy it because they are already world champions. So they should enjoy the World Cup, every match. It’s going to be a celebration!”
Messi must make a decision soon
With no public statement yet from Lionel Messi regarding whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup, the first indication is expected next week. By May 11 at the latest, each of the 48 participating national teams must submit a preliminary list of between 35 and 55 players under consideration for the tournament.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni will almost certainly include Messi, unless the forward explicitly informs him of a decision not to be part of the squad. Then, by June 1 at the latest, the preliminary list must be trimmed down to the final 26-player roster that will travel to North America.
Infantino promotes soccer’s growth in the United States
Gianni Infantino also discussed the financial and commercial impact the World Cup is expected to have. “A quarter of the world will be playing over 39 days across three different countries and in 500 official venues,” he explained. “Those who were previously interested in investing only looked at Europe. Now they are looking at other parts of the world.”
He also emphasized how soccer needs to become a bigger phenomenon in the United States. “Seventy percent of the football business is generated in Europe, and the United States accounts for only about five percent… I don’t understand how they can be satisfied being No. 20 in the No. 1 sport in the world,” the FIFA president said. “MLS are doing a great job. It’s true that Messi is playing here, but one player alone is not enough.”
What initially appeared to be a disciplinary matter within European competition has evolved into something far more significant for both club and country.
The fallout from a heated Champions League night continues to ripple through the game, with Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior at the center of a controversy that has now reached the global stage. What initially appeared to be a disciplinary matter within European competition has evolved into something far more significant for both club and country.
The controversy began during a Champions League fixture on 17 February, when Prestianni was accused of using homophobic language toward Vinicius Junior. The confrontation escalated after Vinicius scored, with reports stating the Benfica player covered his mouth while speaking to the Brazilian forward.
UEFA later confirmed the punishment, stating that Prestianni had admitted to “homophobic conduct”, while a separate allegation of racial abuse was not proven after investigation. The match briefly halted as the referee activated anti-discrimination protocols, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body handed down a six-match suspension on 24 April, with a portion of the ban suspended for two years. One match was already served during the second leg of the tie, while the remaining games were distributed across European competitions.
A UEFA regulation cited in the case states that discriminatory behavior can lead to “a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time”, underlining the severity of such offences. However, Prestianni’s sanction was set at six matches after the final ruling, with mitigating factors considered during the process.
FIFA steps in and expands the ban
The case took a major turn when FIFA accepted UEFA’s request to extend the suspension worldwide. This decision means the punishment now applies beyond club soccer and into official international competitions, including the World Cup.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on SL Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to have worldwide effect,” a FIFA spokesperson confirmed. The sanction is based on Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, ensuring consistency across global competitions.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is challenged by Gianluca Prestianni of SL Benfica.
What it means for the World Cup
The global extension of the ban directly affects Argentina’s tournament plans, as Prestianni would miss the national team’s opening two World Cup matches if selected. Argentina, a national team with strong depth in attacking positions, now faces uncertainty over whether the winger will be included at all.
He has only one senior cap for La Albiceleste, which makes his selection increasingly unlikely despite earlier call-ups during friendly matches. Thus, the combination of limited international experience and a suspension affecting major fixtures places his World Cup hopes in serious doubt. Coaches often prioritize availability and reliability in tournament selections, especially in high-pressure environments.
ianluca Prestianni of Benfica speaks towards Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
In response to similar situations, FIFA has moved quickly to tighten regulations. A proposal aimed at discouraging players from hiding their speech during confrontations has now been approved at the highest level of the sport’s rulemaking body.
The International Football Association Board has given competitions the authority to issue a red card to players who cover their mouths while insulting opponents, marking a significant shift in how such incidents are handled. The timing of this decision has only intensified the spotlight on Prestianni’s case.
Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica speaks towards Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.
The noise around Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior continues to grow, but this time the spotlight shifts toward the bench, where Jose Mourinho has quietly re-entered the frame.
The noise around Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior continues to grow, but this time the spotlight shifts toward the bench, where Jose Mourinho has quietly re-entered the frame. At Real Madrid, the idea of a dramatic reunion is no longer distant speculation, and the club once again finds itself weighing familiarity against the demands of a new era.
The situation has developed quickly, with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo suggesting that initial contact has already taken place between the Portuguese coach and the Spanish giant. Despite previous denials, the tone has changed, and conversations now appear to be moving toward something more concrete. What seemed unlikely only weeks ago is now firmly on the table.
The club has been navigating a challenging period, with concerns over physical decline and a rising number of injuries shaping internal discussions. Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Monhas indicated that around 120 injuries across the last two seasons have raised alarms, prompting questions about preparation, workload, and long-term planning.
This context has made the idea of a strong managerial figure more appealing. Within Los Blancos, there is a growing belief that restoring authority and structure could be just as important as tactical innovation, especially with a squad built around elite attacking talent.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, congratulates Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid for scoring.
Mourinho’s conditions begin to surface
As talks have reportedly progressed, details of Mourinho’s expectations have begun to emerge, offering insight into how he views a potential return. According to multiple reports, the 63-year-old coach is not prepared to step into the role without clear guarantees that align with his philosophy.
Ramon Alvarez de Mon has added that the Portuguese is not approaching the opportunity as a symbolic reunion but as a structured project built around control and authority. The key conditions reportedly include a two-year contract, the installation of his own coaching and fitness staff, and full authority over squad decisions, including player exits and tactical control.
The experienced boss is also said to want autonomy over internal management, limiting external influence from the board. In reports attributed to ESDiario, it was claimed that the current Benfica manager even held a video meeting with his former club’s officials, during which he reiterated that he would only return if granted “guarantees” regarding the sporting structure and internal decision-making.
Mourinho could leave Benfica
Vision built on control and structure
The broader message behind these conditions is clear. Mourinho reportedly believes that Real Madrid requires structural changes rather than surface-level adjustments, pointing to deeper issues within the club’s current setup.
As the report suggests, he wants direct communication with the medical department and a streamlined relationship with the hierarchy. This would limit external voices and create a more centralized decision-making process, something he has valued throughout his career.
Mourinho managed Arbeloa at Real Madrid
Additionally, he is said to be concerned about the impact of commercial obligations, including pre-season tours. Managing player fitness and avoiding unnecessary strain appear to be priorities if he is to take charge.
One of the most striking aspects of the reported demands involves potential changes to the squad. Mourinho is believed to want the freedom to reshape the team, even if that means making difficult calls on several players. Estimates suggest that up to seven players could be moved on if they do not fit his vision.
Kylian Mbappe (left), Jose Mourinho (center), and Vinicius (right)
After shining in the first leg against Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as the favorite to reach the 2025-26 Champions League final. However, head coach Luis Enrique faces a tough challenge, as Achraf Hakimi will not be available, forcing adjustments to the defensive strategy.
Paris Saint-Germain managed to surprise Bayern Munich, securing a solid victory in the first leg that gives them a significant advantage. Although they did not dominate the game, they were more effective, which greatly troubled their opponent. Despite this, head coach Luis Enrique faces a tough challenge, as the aggregate lead is only one goal and he will be without Achraf Hakimi, a highly significant absence.
Achraf Hakimi will not be available for the Champions League semifinals second leg after suffering a right thigh injury in the previous match against Bayern Munich. However, Fabrice Hawkins goes further, reporting that the Moroccan has a hamstring tear, making it one of the most significant possible absences. Despite this, he could still be included in the squad if they secure their place in the final.
In place of Hakimi, head coach Luis Enrique could opt for Warren Zaïre-Emery, who would provide strong balance to the team by consistently supporting the midfield. While the Frenchman has proven to be a world-class player, the absence of the Moroccan will be significant, as he excels both offensively and defensively, making him one of the best in his position. As a result, Désiré Doué may not have the same consistent support he enjoyed in the first leg.
Warren Zaïre-Emery’s emergence as a right-back gives PSG several tactical alternatives. With the Frenchman, the team gains a world-class playmaker, allowing João Neves and Vitinha to contribute more offensively or improving ball progression from the back. However, the 20-year-old is not a defensive specialist, so he could struggle against Luis Díaz, potentially affecting the team’s stability against a powerful opposing attack.
PSG star Achraf Hakimi and Warren Zaire-Emery.
PSG rely on Marquinhos and Willian Pacho to restore stability
Achraf Hakimi has established as one of the most important attacking full-backs in the world. However, his absence will likely be felt even more on the defensive side, as he is a key component in PSG head coach Luis Enrique’s system. With Désiré Doué dominating the flank, the absence of the full-back may be less noticeable in attack. In order to maintain defensive balance, Marquinhos and Willian Pacho remain the most important players.
Throughout the season, both defenders have shown they can sustain the team’s defensive structure, excelling in one-on-one duels. In addition, Warren Zaïre-Emery does not tend to push forward as much as the Moroccan, so his defensive presence will be crucial, although he will need support from Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. Alongside this, Vitinha could also drop deeper to reinforce the defensive phase, which will be key against Bayern Munich.
Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League.
Bayern Munich receive PSG in the second leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League semifinals. Check out the kickoff times and full broadcast details, including TV channels and streaming options available across the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Bayern vs PSG on US television and via legal streaming:
Bayern Munich returns to the Allianz Arena facing a razor-thin one-goal deficit after a historic 5-4 loss in Paris. With a place in the Champions League final on the line, the German champions are banking on their fortress-like home form, where they remain unbeaten in their last 29 European fixtures. Backed by an offense that has scored 116 domestic goals, Vincent Kompany’s squad is poised to deliver an all-out attacking performance to overturn the result and book their ticket to Budapest.
PSG arrives in Munich holding a precarious advantage from a chaotic first leg that defied all defensive logic. Luis Enrique’s side knows their best defense is a potent offense, built around a devastatingly quick counter-attack. While they have a slim lead to protect, the French champions understand that sitting back is not an option against Bayern’s relentless pressure. This second leg is set up as a high-stakes clash where PSG will look to land a knockout blow on the break.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This semifinal pits two of Europe’s most formidable attacking units against each other. Bayern, having already secured the Bundesliga title, can pour all their energy into chasing a treble. Their season has been defined by offensive dominance, becoming one of the first clubs in history to surpass 40 goals in a single Champions League campaign. PSG shares that historic achievement, and while they haven’t clinched their domestic league yet, their transformation into a vertical, fast-breaking machine under Luis Enrique has made them a terrifying opponent.
The tactical battle will be a fascinating contrast of styles. Bayern is expected to control possession and deploy an aggressive high press to suffocate PSG in front of the home crowd. However, this strategy plays directly into PSG’s hands. The speed of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé is tailor-made to exploit the space left behind a high defensive line. The first leg proved neither team could effectively contain the other, setting the stage for another match decided by which offense can be more clinical.
For Bayern, the motivation is clear: leverage their incredible home advantage to secure a spot in the final. Their history of overturning deficits in Munich provides a strong psychological edge. For PSG, the objective is to weather the initial storm and punish Bayern in transition. A single away goal could dramatically shift the pressure, forcing the Germans to score even more and leaving them further exposed at the back. With no draws in 18 historical meetings, this tie is destined for a decisive conclusion.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
History suggests this fixture is an all-or-nothing affair, as Bayern and PSG have never played to a draw in 18 all-time meetings. This trend points toward a definitive result in Munich, with one team advancing decisively. The historical data favors a high-scoring outcome where a winner will emerge without the need for a shootout.
Recent encounters have been electric, defined by goals and drama. The first leg produced an unforgettable 5-4 thriller in Paris. Earlier this season, Bayern secured a 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes during the group stage. Across their last five meetings, the two clubs have combined for a staggering 17 goals, averaging 3.4 goals per match and reinforcing expectations for another offensive spectacle.
The statistics from this season’s Champions League campaign paint a clear picture. Both clubs are the first in history to score over 40 goals in a single tournament run. Bayern has been particularly dominant at home, winning all six of their matches at Allianz Arena and averaging 3.33 goals per game. Meanwhile, PSG demonstrated lethal efficiency in the first leg, converting all five of their shots on target into goals, a trend they hope to continue on the road.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Bayern enters this crucial second leg with a nearly full-strength and well-rested squad, while PSG must contend with a significant defensive injury that could alter their game plan.
Vincent Kompany will be pleased to have no new injury concerns. Key players including Manuel Neuer, Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz were all rested in their last domestic match and are expected to be fresh for Wednesday’s showdown. Their readiness provides Bayern with the firepower needed to mount a comeback.
Conversely, PSG has been dealt a major blow with the absence of star defender Achraf Hakimi due to a hamstring injury. His absence forces a tactical reshuffle, likely pushing Warren Zaire-Emery into a defensive role. This change could make the French champions more vulnerable against Bayern‘s relentless attack.
Bayern Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Stanišić, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Musiala, Díaz; Kane. This lineup is built for maximum offensive pressure. With Harry Kane leading the line after a historic goal-scoring run in the competition, he will be supported by the dynamic and creative trio of Musiala, Olise, and Díaz. The rested core ensures Bayern will have the energy to press from the opening whistle.
PSG Projected XI (4-3-3): Safonov; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Ruiz, Mayulu; Doue, Kvaratskhelia, Dembele. Forced into a defensive adjustment without Hakimi, this formation still prioritizes PSG‘s greatest strength: the counter-attack. The front three of Kvaratskhelia and Dembele possess world-class speed and will be tasked with exploiting any space left by Bayern‘s aggressive press.
More details on how to watch
You can watch theBayern vs PSG live stream on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast, as well as web browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android.
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Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain is challenged by Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich
As Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal push toward the finish line, the balance of power has begun to shift, raising tension across the league.
The Saudi Pro League title race has taken a dramatic twist, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema once again at the center of a growing rivalry between two dominant forces. As Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal push toward the finish line, the balance of power has begun to shift, raising tension across the league.
For much of the season, Ronaldo’s side appeared firmly in control. Now, however, the resurgence of its closest challenger has introduced uncertainty, turning what once looked like a comfortable march toward the title into a high-pressure sprint.
Al-Hilal delivered a crucial 2-1 comeback victory over Al-Khaleej, a result that has significantly tightened the title race. After falling behind early to a strike from Joshua King, the team showed resilience to respond through Sergej Milinkovic-Savic before Sultan Mandash sealed the win late in the match.
The performance was far from straightforward, as Al-Khaleej tested the visitors throughout the contest. Still, the final outcome ensured that Al-Hilal reduced the gap at the top to just two points, keeping the title dream very much alive. The win came at a perfect moment for the challenger, especially after Al-Nassr suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Al-Qadsiah.
That loss not only ended a remarkable 20-game winning streak but also exposed vulnerabilities that had gone largely unnoticed during their dominant run. Suddenly, the narrative has changed. What once looked like a one-sided race has evolved into a tense duel, with both sides aware that even the smallest mistake could prove decisive.
Benzema’s influence grows
Although Karim Benzema only appeared late in the match against Al-Khaleej, his presence continues to loom large over the title battle. The French forward even found the net in the closing stages, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
His growing influence reflects a broader shift within Al-Hilal, where experience and depth are beginning to make the difference. For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, that adds another layer of pressure as the season reaches its climax.
Karim Benzema of Al Hilal looks on.
When will the title be decided?
Statistically, the margins between the two sides are incredibly tight. Al-Nassr sits on 82 points after 32 matches, while Al-Hilal trails closely with 77in 31 games, as very little separates them with just two games to go.
The defining moment of the season is fast approaching. A direct clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal on May 12 will ultimately determine the Saudi Pro League champion, provided both teams handle their preceding fixtures successfully.
Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal clash on May 12
In that scenario, the stakes are clear. A win for Al-Nassr would likely secure the title. At the same time, a victory for Al-Hilal would cut the gap back to just two points and, with a game in hand, give Simone Inzaghi’s side a realistic opportunity to leapfrog Al-Nassr in the next two games and take control of the title race.
Karim Benzema (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)
Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has brought fresh intrigue to their exits, linking past decisions to their present journey at Inter Miami in a way few expected.
The story of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarezcontinues to echo through soccer, especially as their time at Barcelona remains a defining chapter. Now, former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has brought fresh intrigue to their exits, linking past decisions to their present journey at Inter Miami in a way few expected.
Messi’s departure in 2021 marked the end of a 21-year association with Barcelona, closing one of the most iconic player-club relationships in soccer history. Despite agreeing to a reduced salary, financial restrictions and league regulations prevented the club from finalizing a new contract.
Barcelona officially cited “economic and structural obstacles” when confirming the exit, a moment that stunned fans and reshaped the club’s future. The Argentine’s emotional farewell only underlined how unexpected the situation had become, even for the player himself.
The Blaugrana’s financial crisis played a decisive role, with debts soaring and La Liga’s wage cap tightening dramatically. Even with a 50% pay cut, Messi’s contract could not be registered, as the wage bill exceeded permitted limits.
This situation created what many described as a “registration deadlock,” leaving Barca unable to retain its most valuable asset. The impact was immediate, with analysts estimating a significant drop in the club’s brand value following Messi’s exit.
What Bartomeu revealed
The narrative has taken a new turn following Bartomeu’s recent comments, which shed light on discussions that predated both players’ eventual move to the United States. “There had already been talk of a stint in Miami with both Messi and Luis Suarez,” he revealed to Cadena SER.
This claim suggests that the idea of joining Inter Miami was not spontaneous but part of a longer-term vision, potentially considered even during their Barcelona years. It adds a new layer to how their careers have unfolded since leaving Europe.
Bartomeu also defended his efforts to retain Messi, stating: “I tried to renew Leo Messi’s contract; it was essential to maintain our income level and because we were missing that player who brings a higher level of performance.”
Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Luis Suarez of Barcelona celebrate
Life after Barcelona
Following his departure, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain before eventually moving to Inter Miami, where he has become the face of Major League Soccer. His journey reflects both adaptation and continued excellence, culminating in major achievements, including international success with Argentina.
Suarez followed a different path through European and South American soccer before reuniting with Messi in Miami. Their partnership has once again captured global attention, this time in a growing league seeking international recognition.
Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi #10
Back in Spain, Barcelona has been forced to rebuild, both financially and competitively. The club has undergone major restructuring, reducing debt and investing in a younger squad, though the absence of Messi’s influence remains evident. Bartomeu believes the team could have benefited from keeping the Argentine longer, stating: “One or two more seasons at Barca… would have been very positive.”
Lionel Messi #10 and Luis Suarez #9 of Inter Miami CF
Bukayo Saka grabbed the decisive goal as Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to seal their place in the Champions League final with a 2-1 aggregate victory. Having snapped a seven-game streak without a goal involvement when he scored and assisted against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend, captain fantastic Saka was Arsenal’s hero as […]
After three years from his professional debut at FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal has outperformed Lionel Messi over that same span with record numbers.
Lamine Yamal made his professional debut at FC Barcelona at just 15 years old, and in the time since he has systematically shattered every record of precocity within his reach. Three years on from that historic moment, the numbers he has posted in that span surpass even those of Lionel Messi at the same stage.
Back in the 2022-23 season, coach Xavi Hernández placed his trust in a group of young players as he looked to rebuild Barcelona amid a severe financial crisis. Yamal was among those who emerged during that period, making his debut on April 29, 2023, when he came off the bench in the 86th minute for Gavi in a 4-0 win over Real Betis, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to appear in La Liga at 15 years, nine months and 16 days old.
Three years on from those brief minutes off the bench, that teenager has developed into one of the best players in the world. Still yet to turn 19, with his birthday falling on July 13, Yamal, currently sidelined through injury, will have the chance to make his World Cup debut when the 2026 edition gets underway in North America.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, across Barcelona and the Spain national team, Yamal has accumulated 12,928 minutes of action spread across 176 appearances. His production in those minutes has been equally impressive, totaling 57 goals and 55 assists between club and country.
Gavi of FC Barcelona is substituted off for Lamine Yamal in the game against Real Betis.
Yamal has already finished as runner-up for the 2025 Ballon d’Or behind Ousmane Dembele and claimed the Golden Boy award, but the accolades are only part of the story. His trophy cabinet already includes a Euro with Spain in 2024, two Spanish Super Cups, a Copa del Rey and two La Liga titles, with a third league title looking imminent, a collection that only hints at what may lie ahead in the years to come.
Messi at the same age: a very different starting point
Unlike Yamal, Lionel Messi did not emerge at a club in crisis. When he broke into Barcelona’s first team, he was surrounded by generational talents including Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o and Deco. His professional debut came on October 16, 2004, at 17 years of age, two years older than Yamal was when he first appeared, and with numbers that the young Spaniard has since surpassed.
Measured against the same milestone of approaching the age of 19, Messi had accumulated just 1,954 minutes across Barcelona and the Argentina national team. His early output was solid rather than spectacular, amounting to 10 goals and six assists in less than two years of professional action.
The gap becomes even more pronounced when matched against Yamal’s specific three-year timeline from debut to present. Over that same stretch, Messi had logged 6,612 minutes across 102 club and international appearances, roughly half of Yamal’s total, contributing 41 goals and 15 assists. While his goals-per-minute ratio was sharper, the overall volume and range of Yamal’s early impact stands in a category of its own.
Al Hilal star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic decided to heat up the Saudi Pro League clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr by calling it a "league final."
Cristiano Ronaldo saw Al Nassr‘s winning streak come to an end at the worst possible time, with three Saudi Pro League games remaining and the title still far from secured. Al Hilal have now closed the gap at the top, and star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has turned up the heat ahead of the showdown with Ronaldo’s side, calling it the “league final.”
While Al Nassr were falling 3-1 to Al Qadsiah, Al Hilal had the opportunity to chip away at the five-point deficit with a home game against Al Khaleej on Tuesday. The hosts fell behind to a Joshua King goal in the 11th minute before Milinkovic-Savic drew them level in the 34th, and Sultan Mandash completed the comeback in the 79th to claim all three points.
Speaking to Thmanyah Sports after the match, Milinkovic-Savic acknowledged the difficulty of the victory while keeping his focus fixed firmly on the prize ahead: “Difficult game against this team, specially here when we play it’s difficult, but we knew from the beginning what we needed to do to win the game and get closer to Al Nassr.”
Before the eagerly anticipated clash with Ronaldo’s side, Al Hilal have the chance to secure their first piece of silverware of the 2025-26 season. On Friday, May 9, the team coached by Simone Inzaghi will face Al Kholood in the King’s Cup final, a fixture that was originally scheduled for April 23.
«مباراة النصر ستكون نهائي الدوري.» 🔵🔥
سافيتش، لاعب الهلال، مع مراسل «ثمانية» بدر رافع @Bader_raf3 🎤
With two potentially season-defining games on the horizon, Milinkovic-Savic was careful to take things one step at a time. “We go game by game. The first stop is the final (King’s) cup, and after I think against Al Nassr will be the final for the league. We don’t think about the derby; first we think for the cup final,” the Serbian midfielder said, though his words left little doubt about just how much the upcoming Derby of Champions means to him.
What remains for Al Nassr in the SPL?
Al Nassr currently sit atop the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League table with 79 points from 31 games, while Al Hilal have closed to within two points on 77 from the same number of matches. The head-to-head showdown between the two sides is scheduled for Al Awwal Park on Tuesday, May 13, though Ronaldo and his teammates have pressing business before then, including the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka on May 16.
First up, Al Nassr travel to face Al Shabab, currently 13th in the league, on May 7. A victory over Al Hilal on the 13th could hand Ronaldo and company the SPL title on the spot, but in the event of a draw or defeat, the championship race will go down to the final matchday, when Al Nassr host Damac and Al Hilal travel to Al Fayha, both on May 21.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (L) of Al Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Al Nassr.
FOX announced their 2026 World Cup coverage with names like Ibrahimovic, Henry, Donovan, Schmeichel, Seedord, Chicharito and Lowe.
The media coverage of the 2026 World Cup looks to be crowded with huge names at FOX Sports. This list of legends includes Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thierry Henry, Landon Donovan, Peter Schmeichel, Clarence Seedorf, Chicharito Hernández and Rebecca Lowe among the main names.
Their presence is part of a group of analysts that are going to work from the studios. The latest to join the team was Schmeichel, who had a great career as the goalkeeper of the historic Manchester United team that won the treble under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Schmeichel said: “I’m so happy to be joining the FOX Sports team again for this special FIFA World Cup and can’t wait for the opening match on June 11. Between all the fans that will be present and the amazing atmospheres, I’m looking forward to experiencing everything the tournament brings with it and sharing my insights with viewers.”
The live commentary teams
As for the live action that fans are going to hear when watching matches, the teams that are going to have that role have also been confirmed. In total, nine pairings have been announced to call the matches on site.
FOX Sports reported that they are covering 104 matches live in the stadiums, traveling across the three host countries in 16 cities, as the specific assignment remains to be seen when the action gets closer.
The pairings of play-by-play and match analyst are Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves, Derek Rae and Robert Green, Ian Crocker and Danny Higginbotham, Ian Darke and Landon Donovan, Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton, John Strong and Stu Holden, JP Dellacamera and Lori Lindsey, Mark Scott and Cobi Jones, and Tyler Terens and Maurice Edu.
Reporters, at-large and rule specialist roles
To complement the teams, there are even more analysts. The reporters announced are Alex Aljoe, Geoff Shreeves, Jenny Taft, Katie Shanahan and Natalie Gedra. Tom Rinaldi will have the at-large role, while the rule analysts are Dr. Joe Machnik and Mark Clattenburg.
Álvaro Carreras responded to the rumors about a fight with Real Madrid teammate Antonio Rüdiger.
Real Madrid are ending a very poor season with no trophies to show their fans. They are likely to lose La Liga to Barcelona either in next Sunday’s El Clásico or in the next few matches. The problems do not stop there, as there have been rumors about a fight involving Álvaro Carreras and Antonio Rüdiger.
Carreras addressed the issue in the final paragraph of his statement: “About the incident with a teammate, it was about a specific subject with no relevance that has already been solved. My relationship with the entire team is really good.”
The left back also responded to criticism of his professionalism: “In the last few days, insinuations about my professionalism and comments about me that are not true have emerged. My commitment to this club and the managers I have had has been intact since the first day.”
His continuity with the club looks like his priority, as he said: “Since I came back to the club, I have always worked with professionalism, respect and dedication. I fought hard to fulfill the dream of returning home.”
Rüdiger reportedly slapped Carreras
Results have not been ideal for Real Madrid. A club used to winning every match has not been able to replicate its usual success. This led to frustration among the fans, but also among the players.
Rüdiger was involved in many incidents (Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
A report from Spanish radio Onda Cero said that Rüdiger slapped Carreras in a heated altercation during a training session after Real Madrid’s victory over Alavés and before the draw with Betis.
This was one of many reports about misconduct by Rüdiger lately, including a dispute involving him and Josip Stanišić after Real Madrid were eliminated by Bayern Munich. The Athletic also reported an incident involving an unnamed player that led to an apology to his teammates.
Carreras’ numbers with Real Madrid
When Real Madrid made the 50 million euro investment to sign Carreras from Benfica, it was seen as a very good move. However, the left back has not been the same player the club thought they were signing. Carreras played 38 matches and scored two goals, but more importantly, he was never a factor for the team.
Thierry Henry spoke about his expectations for Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
There is no doubt that Lamine Yamal will be one of the main attractions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spanish winger has already earned a prominent place in world soccer and will now aim to achieve the ultimate prize with Spain. A Barcelona legend, Thierry Henry, shared his thoughts on him.
“I’m looking forward to watch the World Cup,”Henry said in a recent interview with Marca. “I hope that Lamine is gonna be there, fresh, and perform, because what you want is to see the best players on that stage, able to perform. Even if I’m not Spanish, you want to see Lamine Yamal there.”
Henry then highlighted a specific trait that stands out to him about Yamal. “We all know he’s an outstanding player. You know what I like about Lamine? I saw something at the Euro that I rarely saw at that age,” the former forward began.
“You guys will not remember, it was against France. He received the ball on the right. He could have gone on the counter, but he told the whole team ‘calm down,’” Henry recalled. “Who does that at 16 years old? You don’t have that that early. I was like ‘Already? You understand? He plays like he’s in his neighborhood. World Cup or not, intensity is the same. He tries to play, he tries to dribble, he takes risks. That’s the type of player you want to see.”
Lamine Yamal suffered an injury during a game between Barcelona and Celta Vigo, on April 22.
Having been a young prodigy himself—a World Cup winner in 1998 at just 19 years old—Thierry Henry was impressed not only by Yamal’s talent on the ball, but also by his understanding of the game and his ability to read what each moment requires.
Lamine Yamal continues his recovery
It is no coincidence that one of the first things Thierry Henry mentioned about Lamine Yamal was his hope that he arrives “fresh” at the World Cup. That is because, at the moment, Spain’s main concern regarding the young winger is that he fully recovers from the muscle injury he suffered with Barcelona just two weeks ago.
In that regard, the latest updates have been positive. With his club season officially over, Yamal is working hard to be in optimal condition for the start of the World Cup. In fact, this Tuesday he shared a story on his official Instagram account showing him training on a stationary bike, a sign that his recovery is progressing well.
🚨🚴🏾♂️ Lamine Yamal begins training on grass and working in the gym.
Henry on the difference between World Cup and Champions League
Having won both the World Cup with France and the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, Thierry Henry is well qualified to compare the two biggest competitions in soccer.
“As I always say, the World Cup is every four years, that’s what makes it extra special. The Champions League is every year, you always have the chance to win it every year,” the former forward explained in the same interview with Marca. “The World Cup is a different game, so I’m really excited.”
Spain star Lamine Yamal and France legend Thierry Henry.
Tigres UANL receive Nashville SC for the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, venue, kickoff time, and how to watch or stream the match live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Tigres UANL vs Nashville SC on US television and via legal streaming:
Tigres UANL head into the decisive second leg on home soil holding a slim 1-0 advantage, but the job is far from finished in this evenly matched semifinal clash. Nashville SC remain within striking distance, fully aware that a single goal on the road could completely shift the momentum and put serious pressure on the hosts.
On the other side, Tigres must balance their lead with urgency to avoid letting the series slip away. With everything still up for grabs and the tension building, this matchup has all the ingredients of a dramatic finish—don’t miss it.
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Vincent Kompany doesn't see Bayern Munich changing much against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals.
Neutral fans enjoyed the Champions League semifinals. A 5-4 goal fest in the first leg put Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Bayern Munich. However, Vincent Kompanyruled out any tactical changes to his team.
Kompany said when asked about tweaking the tactical side of his team: “Answering that question affirmatively would be idiotic. A match like this one is about the players, not the managers. My job is to make them stronger.”
The only thing to focus on should be the details, as the manager said: “It’s about polishing the small details. Players must get better at those things that they have done well during the season.”
Kompany on the playstyle debate
The spectacle shown by these teams a week ago in Paris must remain in the history books, but it is understandable that some people may think a better defensive approach would be more viable.
Kompany wants his team to attack (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
That is not what the manager thinks based on his short experience, especially when looking at what he has done with the German club, so he was quick to push back against those who ask for a more conservative approach.
Kompany said: “Some people ask for more pragmatism, but the most pragmatic thing to do is play to win. To do that, you must score one more goal than your rival. You must think about what these teams have done to get here.”
Kompany gets some players back
For this match, it is important to have as many players ready as possible. While Serge Gnabry has been ruled out with an injury, three players are back with the team. Kompany said Lennart Karl, Raphael Guerreiro and Tom Bischof may be on the bench after they were able to train at full speed again.
Ian Fray, a teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, has been sanctioned by Major League Soccer following comments about the loss to Orlando City.
Inter Miami’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Orlando City last Saturday continues to have repercussions for Lionel Messi’s team. Now, Ian Fray has been fined by Major League Soccer for comments he made after the match.
“Ian Fray has been fined for ‘violating the league’s public criticism policy,’” reporter Jose Armando reported Tuesday in a post on his official X account. “The sanction is financial only.”
The punishment stems from remarks the Jamaican right-back made after the match, taking aim at referee Guido Gonzalez. “I think this referee has something against maybe some of the players on our team. That’s just as simple as that,” Fray said during the postgame press conference at Nu Stadium on Saturday.
However, the Inter Miami defender was quick to clarify that Gonzalez’s performance was not the reason for the result. “We shouldn’t have lost regardless of the referee,” Ian said. “That’s not an excuse, I’m not trying to make that an excuse at all.”
Ian Fray agrega que considera que el árbitro de hoy tiene algo en contra de algunos jugadores de Inter Miami.
Inter Miami have received several MLS sanctions recently
Fray’s case adds to a growing list of Inter Miami players who have been disciplined by MLS in recent weeks. Some of those sanctions stemmed from incidents during matches, while others—like this one—came from postgame actions.
The most recent example involved Luis Suarez, who was also fined by the league for “violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment” after attempting to draw a penalty during a match against New England Revolution.
Earlier this season, Facundo Mura received a fine for a similar incident against Real Salt Lake, while the most severe punishment was handed to Yannick Bright, who received an additional match suspension for racist remarks.
“The captain spoke and gave us a lot of motivational words ahead of the upcoming match,” Fray said about Messi. “He said that this is unacceptable, and it’s something we all completely agree with — this is unacceptable, and it certainly won’t happen again.”
After suffering a muscle tear, Barcelona have been closely monitoring Lamine Yamal’s recovery. They have even reportedly reached an agreement with Spain over the management of the 18-year-old star’s playing time, aiming to ensure he returns to full fitness.
Lamine Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s best players, imposing as the team’s top scorer with 24 goals. However, he suffered a muscle tear that brought his season to an end and raised concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While Spain are planning to call him up, the Blaugrana are pushing for a more cautious approach, reportedly reaching an agreement with the national team over the management of the 18-year-old star’s playing time.
According to Sergi Castillo, via Diario Sport, Barcelona and the RFEF have held several meetings to address Lamine Yamal’s recovery. In an effort to prioritize the 18-year-old star’s health, head coach Luis de la Fuente has promised the Blaugrana that he will manage his minutes and use him as an impact substitute during the group stage, allowing him to build rhythm. With this approach, he could be in full form for the knockout stages.
With Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia as their first opponents at the 2026 World Cup, Spain may not face major difficulties even with Lamine coming from bench. Instead, head coach Luis de la Fuente could opt for Yeremy Pino in the starting lineup, as he has been performing well in the Premier League. However, they will face Uruguay in the third match, which presents a tougher challenge, making the potential involvement of the 18-year-old star potentially decisive.
Even though Lamine Yamal’s injury initially appeared to be quite serious, he has already made notable progress in his recovery. According to Santi Ovalle, a specialist in Barcelona-related news, the 18-year-old star is already training in the gym and back on the pitch, marking significant improvement. Despite this, head coach Hansi Flick will not include him in the upcoming matches, as the club aims for him to fully recover.
Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Lamine Yamal’s heavy workload raises injury fears at Barcelona
Lamine Yamal has been one of Barcelona’s most heavily used players, logging 3,702 minutes. Alongside this, he has endured the most injury-hit season of his career, with four setbacks. Beyond that, the main concern is that the 18-year-old star could arrive at the 2026 World Cup without adequate rest and with a physical condition that raises serious doubts. As a result, he risks suffering further injuries during the 2026–27 season.
Even before his muscle tear, legend Ruud Gullit had already warned that the heavy workload could affect Lamine Yamal, as it did with Pedri and Gavi. After the 2026 World Cup, the Blaugrana may need to grant him more rest than usual or delay his involvement in preseason to help him fully recover physically. In addition, head coach Hansi Flick could look to manage his playing time more carefully throughout the 2026–27 campaign.
Lamine Yamal of Spain applauds the fans as he warms up prior a game.
The club is now within touching distance of the elite tier, with pressure mounting as the season approaches its decisive final stretch and four matches remaining to decide its fate.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s most recent investment, Almeria, continues to push toward La Liga promotion after extending its dominant home form with a record-breaking consecutive victory at home, tightening its grip on a top-two finish in Spain’s Segunda Division. The club is now within touching distance of the elite tier, with pressure mounting as the season approaches its decisive final stretch and four matches remaining to decide its fate.
Almeria’s 4-2 win over Mirandes was more than just another three points; it marked an eighth straight home victory, setting a new club record in the process. That run has included wins over teams such as Leganes, Malaga, and FC Andorra, underlining the consistency that has defined their season.
“The Andalusian outfit have set a new club record, underlining the importance of maintaining their dominance on home soil,” reported Diario de Almeria. The streak began in early February and has turned their stadium into a key foundation for their promotion ambitions.
Mirandes entered the match hoping to disrupt that momentum, but Almeria maintained control and continued their push toward the top of the table. The result ensured they remain firmly in the automatic promotion places.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement adds global attention
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo as an investor has brought additional attention to Almeria’s rise, with his ownership stake of 25% in the club confirmed earlier this year. While he is not involved on the pitch, his association has increased global interest in the club’s progress.
His name continues to be linked with the project as Almeria aims to return to La Liga, where financial and sporting rewards are significantly higher. The club’s upward trajectory has only intensified scrutiny as the season reaches its climax.
Promotion race reaches boiling point
With four games left, Almeria sits second in the Segunda Division with 70 points, just behind leaders Racing Santander on 72. The situation is tight, with Deportivo La Coruna and Las Palmas also closing in behind Los Rojiblancos in a fiercely competitive race. The promotion system is unforgiving: the top two teams go directly up, while those finishing third to sixth must navigate the pressure-filled playoffs.
Almeria currently holds one of those automatic spots, but the margin is razor-thin. The equation is simple but brutal: consistency will decide everything in the final weeks, and even a single poor result could shift the entire structure of the table.
What Almeria needs to secure promotion
While nothing is mathematically decided, the path forward is becoming clearer. A perfect finish would take Almeria to 82 points, which would almost certainly guarantee promotion regardless of rival results. However, realistically, analysts suggest it likely needs between eight and 10 points from its final four matches to stay safe.
That would place the Cowboys in the 78-80 point range, historically strong enough for a top-two finish in this division. Anything below that threshold could open the door for Deportivo La Coruna or Las Palmas to overtake it in the final weeks.
Almeria’s four remaining games in the Segunda Division
The final stretch is unforgiving, with Almeria facing Burgos on May 9, La Palmas on May 16, Gijon on May 24, and Real Valladolid on May 31. These fixtures will test not only quality but mental strength. The upcoming clash with Las Palmas stands out as particularly decisive, given the direct impact it could have on the standings.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Sergio Arribas (right)
After serious issues in front of goal, Barcelona have decided to target Julián Álvarez as a reliable reinforcement. However, given the major difficulties in negotiating with Atlético Madrid, the Blaugrana are reportedly turning to Gonçalo Ramos as an alternative.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have struggled in terms of goal scoring, as Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have both experienced a significant dip in form. In response, Julián Álvarez emerged as the ideal solution. However, Atlético Madrid are not very open to letting him leave, forcing to look for alternatives. As a result, the Blaugranas have reportedly turned their attention to Gonçalo Ramos as a reliable reinforcement in the forward line.
According to TEAMtalk, the Blaugrana have decided to add Gonçalo Ramos as a potential transfer target, following Chelsea’s rejection of João Pedro. Having fallen out of the starting lineup under head coach Luis Enrique, PSG are open to letting the Portuguese forward leave, as Ousmane Dembélé has taken over the starting role in attack. Because of this, the Spanish side may not face many obstacles in securing his arrival.
While Paris Saint-Germain paid €65M + €15M in variables to SL Benfica for Gonçalo Ramos, he has only played 1,532 minutes, in which he has scored 12 goals, falling short of expectations this season. In addition, Ousmane Dembélé’s emergence has pushed him into a secondary role, making his departure a real possibility. The Portuguese striker has proven to be a very complete player, fitting well into Hansi Flick’s possession-based style of play.
Far from being a guaranteed signing, the Blaugrana could be taking a rather uncertain decision. Although he shone at SL Benfica, Gonçalo has not managed to prove as a difference-maker at PSG, making several mistakes in important matches that ultimately relegated him to a bench role. However, Ramos could represent a strong opportunity if he arrives for an affordable transfer fee, as he has already shown his potential and could flourish under head coach Hansi Flick.
Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona saves the shot of Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain.
Gonçalo Ramos raises doubts, while Julián Álvarez guarantees goals
Following numerous inconsistencies in front of goal, Barcelona appear determined to reinforce their attacking line, even being open to letting Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski leave, signalling a drastic change. With this in mind, a potential move for Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid for around €100M had strong consensus, as he is in top form and highly consistent. However, the option of Gonçalo Ramos raises several doubts.
Julián Álvarez has proven to be one of the best forwards in the world, shining with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup and becoming an undisputed starter for Atlético Madrid. Beyond being a goalscorer, he also contributes to collective play, making him compatible with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. It differs from Gonçalo Ramos, as he has struggled to fit in alongside Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé, often remaining a substitute and missing several clear chances.
Alongside Ramos’s inconsistency, PSG may not make things easy for Barcelona to sign the Portuguese striker, and his high cost relative to his performances would also be a deterrent. However, if Barcelona manage to secure his arrival on loan, he could become one of the best options available, similar to what they did with Marcus Rashford, unlocking his potential under Hansi Flick.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid and Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain.
Mauricio Serna, a former player and executive at Boca Juniors, spoke about the possibility of Neymar moving to Argentina.
Neymar is currently at the center of several talking points in the soccer world. His potential return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as his conflicts at Santos with fans and teammates, are among them. Now, speculation about a possible move to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors has emerged—something Mauricio Serna addressed.
“Within the Boca world, anything is possible. In fact, when I was working at the club, some agents used to call me to offer Neymar,” Serna said in a recent interview with Radio Splendid. “We never moved forward. I don’t know if it was real or not, but he’s been offered.”
Serna was a Boca Juniors star as a player in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Years later, when club legend Juan Roman Riquelme became president, he brought him in to join the sporting council, a role the former Colombian player held from 2022 to 2025.
It was during those years that Neymar was first offered to Boca, a period that coincided with the Brazilian forward’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain, his struggles with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and ultimately his return to Santos at the beginning of last year.
Former Boca executive Mauricio Serna.
Serna imagines Neymar at Boca Juniors
In the same interview, Mauricio Serna allowed himself to imagine a scenario in which Neymar actually becomes a Boca player. “Anything can happen. Boca are capable of anything. Who wouldn’t want to see Neymar wearing the shirt of the club they love? It would be beautiful—I’d have to move back to Buenos Aires so I wouldn’t miss a single match,” the Colombian said.
Serna then analyzed Neymar’s current situation, acknowledging that while he is no longer the same player he was at Barcelona and PSG, he remains an important figure: “Even if it’s been difficult for him to regain rhythm and form, he’s one of those players who still brings a smile to soccer fans.”
Neymar’s current struggles
Rumors about a possible move to Argentina have several roots. The first spark came from Neymar’s visit to Buenos Aires last week, when he played with Santos against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana. He received a warm welcome from opposing fans—something that contrasts with his recent experiences in Brazil—and also visited Boca’s training facility, where he met with former PSG teammate Ander Herrera.
Those speculations have grown amid ongoing tensions at Santos that cast doubt over his future at the club. Disagreements with fans unhappy with the team’s performances have been compounded by a reported dispute with teammate Robinho Jr. following an alleged incident in training. All of this comes as Neymar looks to regain top form in hopes of convincing Carlo Ancelotti to include him in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Portuguese icon continues to lead Al-Nassr through a tense title race, yet beneath the surface, a rare and uncomfortable milestone has quietly emerged.
There are nights when even the most dominant careers take an unexpected turn, and this latest chapter involving Cristiano Ronaldo has added a surprising twist. The Portuguese icon continues to lead Al-Nassr through a tense title race, yet beneath the surface, a rare and uncomfortable milestone has quietly emerged.
For much of the campaign, Al-Nassr appeared to have everything under control. A long winning run of 20 matches and a commanding lead had positioned it as the clear favorite for the Saudi Pro League title, with consistency becoming its defining trait. That sense of stability was shaken by a 3-1 defeat to Al-Qadsiah, a result that shifted the momentum of the race.
The loss not only ended an impressive streak but also allowed rivals to close the gap, turning what once felt secure into a genuine battle. Ronaldo came close to changing the narrative during the match, striking the crossbar with a curling effort. Instead, the night belonged to the hosts, who capitalized on defensive lapses to secure a decisive victory.
The consequences of that result have reshaped the title picture. Al-Nassr’s lead has narrowed, with Al-Hilal now firmly back in contention, holding both momentum and a crucial game in hand. A potential title-deciding clash between the two sides looms large, with May 12 circled as a defining moment.
If current results hold, the gap could shrink to just a couple of points, turning that encounter into a high-stakes showdown. Beyond the league, Al-Nassr also has another opportunity for silverware on the horizon. An upcoming AFC Champions League 2 final offers a second route to success, but balancing both competitions only adds to the intensity of the run-in.
Ronaldo’s unexpected statistical setback
The defeat carried an additional layer of significance for Cristiano Ronaldo. It has confirmed an unusual statistic in Ronaldo’s career, one that stands out given his extraordinary record across decades.
The 41-year-old is now winless in four matches against Al-Qadsiah, making it the longest winless streak he has ever had against a single club in his senior career. In a journey filled with victories against the world’s biggest teams, this particular matchup has become a rare exception.
What makes the statistic notable is not just the number itself, but the consistency of the results. Across multiple meetings, Al-Nassr have been unable to secure a win, with Al-Qadsiah repeatedly finding ways to frustrate one of the world’s most decorated players.
The numbers underline just how unusual this situation is. Across hundreds of opponents, very few have managed to consistently deny the Portuguese superstar’s success, making this streak a genuine anomaly in his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts
Ronaldo’s other winless streaks
Ronaldo’s other notable winless streaks against individual clubs are shorter than the current 4 consecutive losses to Al Qadsiah. Most other difficult opponents involve 1-2 matches, often from his early Sporting Lisbon days or cup ties:
Young Boys (Switzerland): 0 wins in 2 matches (both 2-1 losses with Juventus in the 2018-19 Champions League). Ronaldo contributed goals/assists but still lost both.
Leiria (Portugal): 0 wins in 2 matches (1 draw, 1 loss) during his Sporting Lisbon days in 2002-03.
Partizan (Serbia): 0 wins in 2 matches (1 draw, 1 loss) in 2002-03 UEFA Cup with Sporting.
Gil Vicente (Portugal): 0 wins in 2 matches (both losses, combined 4-0) with Sporting in 2002–03.
Lionel Messi’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was expected to bring plenty of trophies as he joined Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, the team did not do much in Europe under Mauricio Pochettino, who explained why they did not work well together during the 2021-22 season in a conversation with The Overlap. Pochettino said: “Messi […]
Lionel Messi’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germainwas expected to bring plenty of trophies as he joined Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, the team did not do much in Europe under Mauricio Pochettino, who explained why they did not work well together during the 2021-22 season in a conversation with The Overlap.
Pochettino said: “Messi wanted to build from the back, slowly, with combinations and passes. Because he has the quality to dribble past one, two, three opponents. But if we played for Mbappé, we could not play for him.”
The manager added more about the French forward’s style of play: “If we were deep and won the ball back, Mbappé looked for space. It was about giving him the ball so he could run. When we played for Messi, Mbappé used to tell me, ‘My ability is to run, but I cannot.’ Neymar wanted to play with the ball.”
The star trio was not a good experience
Domestic trophies are expected at Paris Saint-Germain. They are more of an obligation than a goal, which was reflected in the club’s decision to fire Pochettino after just 18 months in charge. During his time with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé, they only won Ligue 1.
Pochettino managed Paris Saint-Germain for a year and a half (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The main reason for replacing the manager was their performance in the Champions League, the obsession the club had until it finally conquered the competition under Luis Enrique, after losing to Real Madrid in the round of 16 in a tie they controlled for much of the time.
Pochettino had guided the team to the Champions League semifinals in his first year after arriving in January, eliminating Barcelona and Bayern Munich before losing to Manchester City. His trophies with the club were one Ligue 1 title, one Coupe de France and one Trophée des Champions.
Messi, Neymar and Mbappé’s numbers under Pochettino
The trio did not have the best year collectively when they came up against stronger rivals. Their individual numbers also were not as good compared to other seasons. Messi played 34 matches, scoring just 11 goals. Neymar played only 38 matches and scored 13 goals. Mbappé was the best of the three as the younger player, with 46 matches and 39 goals.
Messi, Neymar and Mbappé couldn't play well as a team
Recoleta FC square off against Santos on Matchday 4 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage. Viewers in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the essential information on kickoff time and broadcast or streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Recoleta FC vs Santos on US television and via legal streaming:
Pressure is already mounting for Santos as their Copa Sudamericana run has stumbled out of the gate, collecting just two points from their opening three matches despite the expectations. That slow start leaves Santosin urgent need of a result to keep their knockout-stage hopes within reach, turning this matchup into a must-win scenario.
Meanwhile, Recoleta FC enter with three points and a clear opportunity to strengthen their standing in the group, knowing a win would put them in a strong position moving forward. With both teams chasing a crucial result, this clash has all the ingredients of a high-stakes battle—make sure you don’t miss it.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Recoleta FC vs Santos and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
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Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
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Barcelona SC face Boca Juniors on Matchday 4 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Viewers across the USA can follow the match live, with full details available here, with kickoff times and broadcast or streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Barcelona SC vs Boca Juniors on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Barcelona SC vs Boca Juniors
WHAT
Copa Libertadores
WHEN
8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT • Tuesday, May 5, 2026
WHERE
Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS CONNECT
Matchday 4 brings major stakes in Group D, where the standings have tightened into one of the most competitive battles in the tournament. Barcelona SC enter this clash in a desperate position, still searching for their first win after three matches and knowing that anything less than a victory could effectively end their chances of moving on.
On the other side, Boca Juniors arrive with something to prove after their early surge—two straight wins to open the group—was halted by a loss to Cruzeiro, a result that reshaped the group dynamic. With both teams feeling the pressure for very different reasons, this matchup has all the ingredients of a high-stakes showdown.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Barcelona SC vs Boca Juniors and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
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After a disappointing season, the real impact of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior is being questioned. However, Real Madrid reportedly still consider them undisputed starters and have made them a key condition in selecting the next head coach.
Real Madrid are heading toward two consecutive trophyless seasons, raising serious doubts on their roster. Following this, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to be either dismissed or reassigned at the end of the season, with the club targeting a candidate with extensive experience. However, Los Blancos have reportedly set a clear condition for the next appointment: Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are untouchable.
According to José Félix Díaz via Diario AS, Los Blancos maintain full confidence in Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, seeing them as key figures for the next season. With this in mind, they rule out the departure of any of the three stars. In fact, Real Madrid aim for the next head coach to be capable of extracting the best version of all three within the same lineup, making this a central factor in defining the appointment.
Although Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior being world-class players, they have not managed to shine simultaneously at Real Madrid. While the Englishman and the Brazilian stood out under Carlo Ancelotti, the Frenchman’s arrival changed everything, as his presence directly overlaps with the areas where his teammates shined. Therefore, the next head coach may be forced to adjust the roles of the three, aiming to fit them into the same lineup.
Far from being a simple task, Ancelotti, Xabi, and Arbeloa have all struggled to make them fit together, as Mbappé’s total freedom of movement prevents Jude and Vinícius from fully occupying their natural roles. Because of this, the Frenchman may need to adapt into a centre-forward role in the style of Cristiano Ronaldo, freeing up space for his teammates and could even enhance his own scoring output.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates a goal with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid defense issue could unlock Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have struggled with consistency defensively, suffering multiple injuries and costly defeats. As a result, the efforts of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are often overshadowed, as they concede many goals and are forced to contribute to defensive pressing. Because of this, Los Blancos could strengthen their defensive structure to better maximize their three stars.
Without having to make excessive defensive efforts, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior could focus entirely on the attacking phase, improving their counterattacks and avoiding unnecessary physical fatigue. In addition, their offensive impact could become more evident without constant defensive issues. For this reason, Los Blancos could prioritize strengthening their defense and appointing a world-class coach.
Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
There are moments in a season when everything seems to hinge on one absence, and this is where both Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric find themselves as Milan navigates a tense run-in. The Italian club is chasing stability, yet uncertainty surrounds one of its most influential figures, with developments behind the scenes hinting at a potential late twist before this summer’s 2026 World Cup.
There are moments in a season when everything seems to hinge on one absence, and this is where both Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric find themselves as Milan navigates a tense run-in. The Italian club is chasing stability, yet uncertainty surrounds one of its most influential figures, with developments behind the scenes hinting at a potential late twist before this summer’s World Cup.
Milan’s recent stumble against Sassuolo exposed just how important Modric has become to the system. The 2-0 defeat not only dented its UEFA Champions League hopes but also highlighted a lack of control in midfield, an area usually dictated by the Croatian’s composure and intelligence.
Without him, the Rossoneri struggled to impose themselves, conceding early and losing further ground after a red card disrupted their rhythm. The absence of their experienced playmaker left the side looking disconnected, with few answers to Sassuolo’s tempo and movement.
That defeat has tightened the race for a top-four finish, with rivals circling and pressure building ahead of the final stretch. For a team that once looked comfortable, the margin for error has suddenly disappeared.
The injury that changed the picture
Modric’s setback came at the worst possible time, following a facial injury that required surgery after an aerial collision. Initially, the expectation was clear: his season with Milan was over, allowing him to focus entirely on recovery ahead of international duty.
However, the situation has evolved in recent days, with fresh reports suggesting that the story may not be finished just yet. As confirmed by Antonio Vitiello of MilanNews.it, the midfielder has already returned to the training environment, signaling a determination to remain involved during a decisive period.
Infortunio Modrić da 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙤 🤕🚑 Saelemaekers chiede il 𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙤 per Locatelli 🟥 Poi le scintille che non t'aspetti: Kalulu-Tomori 😳
His presence at the training ground has lifted spirits, even if only symbolically for now. Milan’s staff are carefully monitoring his progress, aware that any decision carries both short-term and long-term implications.
Surprise twist as Modric’s possible comeback window revealed
The narrative takes a dramatic turn in the middle of this story, as reports from Italy point to a potential comeback that few expected. According to multiple outlets, including Sky Italia, La Gazzetta dello Sport, and MilanNews.it, Modric is now targeting a return for the final league match against Cagliari on May 24, possibly wearing a protective mask to manage the injury.
Stamattina alle 10.00 #Modric si è presentato a #Milanello per la prima volta dopo l'operazione.
Nonostante il brutto infortunio allo zigomo proverà a rientrare per l'ultima partita di campionato.
This development changes the entire outlook for the Rossoneri’s closing fixtures. What once seemed like a campaign without their midfield leader could now include one last appearance, offering both tactical value and emotional lift.
There is still caution surrounding the idea, as medical clearance and the player’s own confidence will ultimately decide the outcome. Yet the mere possibility has already shifted the mood within the club.
What it means for Pulisic and Milan
For Pulisic, the situation carries added significance as he has struggled to fit into Milan’s attacking structure ever since the start of 2026. In the first part of the season, American was one of the team’s key performers, and the potential return of Modric could restore balance behind him, easing creative pressure.
Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory after during the Serie A match.
At the same time, Milan’s broader ambitions are tied to this delicate moment. Champions League qualification remains essential, not only for prestige but also for influencing Modric’s future at the club, with contract discussions still unresolved.
The Croatian, now approaching the twilight of his career, is weighing his next step carefully. A return before the season ends would send a strong message about his fitness and intent ahead of what is expected to be his final World Cup.
“Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi has been named to the Major League Soccer Team of the Matchday,” the club announced in a statement published on its official website. “The Argentine earns his fifth Team of the Matchday selection of the campaign after a standout performance in which he contributed to all three Inter Miami goals, recording one goal and two assists.”
The Herons’ first-half advantage was largely driven by the Argentine forward’s performance. On Ian Fray’s opening goal, Messi played the pass to Telasco Segovia, who then delivered the cross. He later assisted the Venezuelan midfielder for the second goal, and in the 33rd minute, he scored the third with a precise finish.
However, Messi’s performance was overshadowed in the second half by another Argentine. Martin Ojeda led Orlando City’s comeback with a hat trick to level the score and then assisted Tyrese Spicer for the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
The honor awarded by MLS to Lionel Messi as part of the Team of the Matchday for Week 11 adds to a growing list of similar recognitions the Argentine forward has earned for his performances with Inter Miami.
In fact, during the 2026 season, Messi has been named to the Team of the Matchday in five of the first eleven weeks. His previous selections came in Matchday 2 (alongside Javier Mascherano, Telasco Segovia, and Mateo Silvetti), Matchday 5 (alongside Gonzalo Lujan), Matchday 6, and Matchday 8.
These honors reflect the Argentine star’s production so far this season. Messi has played in 10 of Inter Miami’s 11 MLS matches in 2026—resting only for the March matchup against Charlotte FC—and has recorded eight goals and one assist.
Inter Miami’s upcoming challenges
Following the tough loss to Orlando City, Inter Miami now have a week to recover both mentally and physically. On Saturday, they will travel to Canada to face Toronto FC in the first of three matches in a one-week span. They will then visit FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, May 13, before returning home the following Sunday to host Portland Timbers.
Despite being named in the matchday squad, Martin Odegaard is not in Arsenal’s starting lineup against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Odegaard is not in Arsenal’s starting lineup against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg at the Emirates Stadium, a decision that has raised eyebrows given the magnitude of the occasion. The tie remains finely poised after a 1-1 draw in Spain last week, with both clubs chasing a place in the final.
The Gunners come into the night knowing that only a win will guarantee progression after a tense first leg filled with controversy and penalties. Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, arrives with the belief it can upset the hosts and reach its first Champions League final in the last 10 years.
The opening match in Madrid ended 1-1, with both sides scoring from the penalty spot in a game defined by fine margins. Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead, while Julian Alvarez equalised for Atletico after a VAR-reviewed handball incident involving Ben White.
Arsenal also had a second penalty decision overturned, leaving Mikel Arteta visibly frustrated. The Gunners now return to London unbeaten in the competition this season, but Simeone’s side remain dangerous in knockout action, particularly when games are tight and physical.
Why Martin Odegaard is not starting
Despite being named in the matchday squad, Martin Odegaard is not fit enough to start after recent injury concerns. The Arsenal captain had been dealing with knee discomfort, which also caused him to miss the weekend’s 3-0 win over Fulham.
While he returned to training and made himself available, the decision was made to start him on the bench rather than risk aggravating the issue. Kai Havertz is in a similar situation after a muscle knock, though both players are available for selection if needed during the match.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal
Arsenal stick with winning momentum as stakes higher than ever
Arteta has opted to keep faith with the same starting XI that impressed against Fulham, prioritizing rhythm and chemistry. Bukayo Saka, who was rested at half-time in that match, retains his place, while Viktor Gyokeres continues up front after scoring twice at the weekend. Myles Lewis-Skelly remains in midfield after an impressive showing, while Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White also keep their places in defence.
The lineup reflects a preference for stability in a match where structure and control could be decisive. With no away goals rule in effect, the winner at the Emirates Stadium will advance directly to the final if the match is decided in normal or extra time, or via penalties if required.
Sporting Cristal play against Palmeiras on Matchday 4 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Viewers across the USA can follow the match live, with full details available here, with kickoff times and broadcast or streaming options.
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Group leadership is on the line as Palmeirasand Sporting Cristal collide in a high-stakes Matchday 4 showdown in the Copa Libertadores group stage, with the Brazilian powerhouse entering just one point off the top and a victory potentially flipping the standings.
Sporting Cristal, currently sitting first with six points from three matches, now faces its biggest test yet against a title favorite widely expected to contend deep into the tournament, setting the stage for a pivotal clash that could reshape the group—don’t miss a minute of this must-see battle.
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Verdict: Home win Best odds: 3/5 Bookmaker: ZetBet Eight days after one of the most astonishing matches in Champions League history, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint‑Germain meet again on Wednesday night as their enthralling semi‑final concludes at the Allianz Arena. PSG arrive in Bavaria holding a slender but dramatic 5–4 advantage from a record‑breaking first […]
Bukayo Saka's rebound goal in the 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid made Arsenal reach the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final stage.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid clashed at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday, May 5, for the second leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League semifinals. Bukayo Saka‘s decisive strike proved to be the only goal of the night, sending the Gunners through to the final in Budapest on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.
The match began with Atletico sitting in a deep 5-4-1 defensive structure, and Arsenal struggled to find any penetration through the lines, failing to register a single shot on target in the opening 43 minutes. The breakthrough finally came in the 44th minute when Leandro Trossard tested Jan Oblak after bringing down a Viktor Gyokeres cross, and Saka was quickest to react to the rebound, slotting home to give Arsenal the lead.
In the second half, Atletico were forced to open up in search of the goal that would level the tie on aggregate and force extra time. Antoine Griezmann threatened with a right-footed effort, and Alexander Sorloth failed to make clean contact with another chance inside the box, but the Colchoneros could not find the breakthrough they needed and the scoreline stood.
With the result confirmed, Arsenal extended their unbeaten run in the 2025-26 Champions League to 14 games, a sequence made up of 11 wins and three draws. The Gunners now turn their attention to the final in Budapest, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, where they will await the winner of the other semifinal between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid will be clashing for the UEFA Champions League semifinals at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal host Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, May 5, for the decisive second leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League semifinals. While both powerhouse clubs are navigating nagging fitness concerns, they are each expected to push their stars to the limit to secure a ticket to the final in Budapest.
The Gunners struck first in the opening leg after David Hancko was whistled for a foul on Viktor Gyokeres inside the area, with the striker clinicaly converting in the 44th minute. However, Atletico showed their trademark resilience, leveling the score after a Benjamin White handball gifted Julian Alvarez a penalty of his own to knot the game.
Following the 1-1 draw at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the tie will be decided in North London. This marks the third meeting between Arsenal and Atletico this season; their first clash came during the UCL league phase, where the Gunners cruised to a dominant 4-0 victory at the Emirates, a result Mikel Arteta’s side will be desperate to replicate.
Injury updates and key returns
A major concern for Atletico Madrid following the first leg was the health of Julian Alvarez, though manager Diego Simeone was quick to downplay the severity of the Argentine’s second-half exit. Additionally, Alexander Sorloth, who missed the first leg due to discomfort, was rested over the weekend and is expected to be at peak fitness for Tuesday’s clash.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid is challenged by Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice of Arsenal.
Los Colchoneros traveled from Spain to England with a 21-man squad, missing only Nicolas Gonzalez and midfielder Pablo Barrios. On a positive note, veteran defender Jose Maria Gimenez has recovered from an injury sustained in early April and is expected to provide a defensive boost from the substitutes’ bench.
On the Gunners’ side, Mikel Arteta confirmed during Monday’s press conference that both Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are fit and available. The most notable absences remain Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber; Merino is sidelined for the remainder of the season, while Timber continues to struggle with ongoing fitness issues.
Confirmed lineups for Arsenal and Atletico Madrid
Arsenal’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): David Raya; Benjamin White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Eberechi Eze, Miles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard. Head coach: Mikel Arteta.
Atletico Madrid’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Marc Pubill, Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Ademola Lookman; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez. Head coach: Diego Simeone.
Martin Odegaard (L) of Arsenal and Antoine Griezmann (R) Atletico Madrid.
Two years after leaving Barcelona, Xavi Hernández appears to have a new professional path. Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Chelsea are reportedly targeting the Spaniard as their top priority for the head coach position.
Xavi Hernández became one of the key architects of Barcelona’s project success, building a promising roster. Although he was dismissed, he was the one who helped develop young players such as Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal. Despite being without a team for two years,Chelsea have reportedly decided to pursue the Spanish head coach as the leader of their sporting project, aiming to build an elite-level team.
According to The Independent, the Blues have decided to prioritize the appointment of Xavi Hernández as their new head coach for the 2026–27 season. Although he has been without a team since leaving Barcelona in 2024, the Spaniard coach is highly regarded for his attacking philosophy and solid results. In addition, the English side believes his time at the LaLiga club provided him with valuable experience to lead this project.
Far from being a straightforward decision for Xavi Hernández, he could have serious doubts about accepting Chelsea’s proposal. Given the club’s instability with managers, the Spaniard might not have the opportunity to build a long-term project, as Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior were not afforded that chance either. If he fails to deliver strong results, he could once again exit through the back door, potentially affecting his career, as happened with Graham Potter.
In case Xavi Hernández manages to build a solid project at the Blues, he could once again reestablish as one of the best managers in the world. However, he would likely need to win the Premier League or the UEFA Champions League. In addition, he could request greater control over transfers, aiming to reshape several areas of the squad with players suited to his dominant, attacking style of play.
FC Barcelona Head Coach Xavi Hernandez interacts with Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
Report: Chelsea also chase Cesc Fabregas as leading coaching candidate
In an effort to restore the competitive direction of their project, Chelsea appear determined to back a coach who excels at developing young talent. While Xavi Hernández seems to be the front office’s top priority, they are also keeping alternatives in mind in case an agreement cannot be reached. As a result, they have set their sights on Cesc Fàbregas, who is impressing at Como in Serie A.
According to CaughtOffside, the Blues believe Cesc Fàbregas would be an ideal solution for the head coach role. After establishing as a club legend, the Spaniard could be tempted to return to the Premier League. However, he has already made it clear that leaving Como 1907 will not be easy, as he is a shareholder in the club and feels strongly connected to the project, although he has always expressed his love for the English league.
Both Xavi Hernández and Cesc Fàbregas stand out in one key area: Developing young players. Because of this, Chelsea are making it clear that their focus is on maximizing the potential of the young players in their squad, something Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior did not manage to achieve. As a result, they are targeting coaches who have already made an impact on youngsters, with Nico Paz and Lamine Yamal standing out as clear examples of this philosophy.
Xavi, Then Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on before the LaLiga EA Sports match.
The possibility of both stars wearing the same shirt once came dangerously close to reality, only for one decisive factor to change everything.
The careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have long been defined by rivalry, but a new revelation suggests their paths could have briefly converged. Long before their iconic battles between Real Madrid and Barcelona, there was a moment when history could have taken a dramatically different turn. The possibility of both stars wearing the same shirt once came dangerously close to reality, only for one decisive factor to change everything.
The summer of 2009 is remembered as a turning point, when Cristiano Ronaldo completed a blockbuster move to Real Madrid, beginning a legendary chapter. However, fresh insight reveals that the deal was far from straightforward and nearly collapsed at a critical stage.
According to former Los Blancos president Ramon Calderon, there was a genuine possibility that Ronaldo could have joined Barcelona instead, creating a partnership with Messi that would have redefined the sport.
Calderon explained that the Blaugrana made a serious push to secure Ronaldo’s signature during that period. “Barcelona offered Cristiano Ronaldo a larger amount. There was a real possibility of him moving to Barcelona and joining Messi,” he said on theYouTube podcast Ingenios, as reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid (R)
The financial aspect of the offer made the situation even more compelling. Barcelona was reportedly willing to outbid Real Madrid, presenting Ronaldo with a lucrative alternative that could have altered his career trajectory. At the same time, Alex Ferguson played a key role behind the scenes. As Manchester United’s manager, he was reluctant to see Ronaldo move to Madrid due to tensions between the clubs.
The decisive moment behind the collapse
The crucial turning point came during discussions about Ronaldo’s next step, when Ferguson attempted to redirect the transfer. “Sir Alex Ferguson… told him at the time: ‘Okay, you will leave, but to Barcelona.’”
It was at this moment that Ronaldo made his stance clear, effectively shaping soccer history. “No, I have reached an agreement with Real Madrid, with Ramon Calderon, and I will go to Real Madrid.”
Sir Alex Ferguson the manager of Manchester United talks with Cristiano Ronaldo
This response closed the door on a potential Barcelona move and ensured that Ronaldo’s long-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid would go ahead, preserving the iconic rivalry between him and Messi rather than uniting them.
Resistance inside Real Madrid and complicated relationship behind the success
Interestingly, even after Ronaldo chose Madrid, the deal still faced internal resistance. Calderon revealed that Florentino Perez, upon returning as president, was initially hesitant to finalize the agreement.
“When Florentino arrived and saw the contract, he did not want to complete the deal. He did not even want to present it… Those around him convinced him that the matter was something crazy.” This hesitation highlights how the transfer was not universally supported within the club at the time, despite its eventual success.
ristiano Ronaldo poses with the trophy as all-time top scorer of Real Madrid CF and president Florentino Perez
Calderon also shed light on the relationship between Perez and Ronaldo, suggesting it was strained from the beginning. “The relationship between Perez and Ronaldo was not good at all from the beginning.”
He went further, recalling the circumstances of Ronaldo’s departure in 2018. “He did not accept the exit either; Perez agreed on the condition that the player bring a cheque worth €100 million [$117m]… and when the player arrived with the cheque, there was no room to back out.”
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF (R)
As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab.
The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as developments off the pitch hand Al-Nassr a potential advantage ahead of a crucial derby. As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab.
The buildup to the Riyadh derby has taken an unexpected turn, with internal conflict at Al-Shabab emerging at the worst possible time. The club now faces questions about squad harmony and readiness, while its rival prepares to capitalize on any instability. For Al-Nassr, the situation presents a timely boost as the club continues its push at the top of the table.
The issue at Al-Shabab did not arise overnight, but it escalated dramatically following a disappointing 5-1 defeat in the league. What began as a disagreement quickly evolved into a wider problem that forced the club’s hierarchy to step in.
At the heart of the controversy was a heated moment between Hamdallah and Carrasco during a match. A disagreement over decision-making on the pitch led to visible frustration, which later continued beyond the final whistle.
il a bien raison jai vu le match du début à la fin malgré la défaite 5-1 je suis rester et j’ai vu un Carrasco horrible et même les journalistes on confirmer que il joue personnelle l’an passé il était blesser et l’équipe était mieux classé il mérite mieux hamdallah pic.twitter.com/lRtZhKNvek
The situation reportedly extended into the dressing room, requiring intervention from staff members to prevent further escalation. What might have been a minor dispute instead turned into a full-blown internal issue, raising concerns about discipline and unity within the squad.
Club responds with firm sanctions
Al-Shabab has, thus, reacted decisively, making it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. According to the Arriyadiyah newspaper, the club imposed a series of disciplinary measures on the Moroccan striker, including exclusion from the upcoming clash against Al-Nassr and suspension from team training for seven days.
Beyond the immediate suspension, questions are now being raised about Hamdallah’s long-term position at the club. Arriyadiyah also goes on to suggest that his future could be in doubt, with the possibility of an early departure not ruled out.
Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al Shabab battling for the ball
This was not an isolated incident, either. SBA Sport has reported ongoing tension between Hamdallah and Carrasco throughout the season, indicating that the clash was the culmination of unresolved issues rather than a one-off disagreement.
While efforts are believed to be underway to resolve the situation internally, the damage may already have been done. The incident has exposed deeper issues within the squad, leaving the club with a difficult balancing act between discipline and stability.
Golden opportunity for Al-Nassr
For Al-Nassr, the timing of this crisis could hardly be better. Facing an opponent dealing with internal disruption, Jorge Jesus and his player have a clear opportunity to strengthen their position in the league standings.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
With Ronaldo continuing to deliver on the pitch with 25 goals this season, the focus now shifts to whether the Knight of Najd can take full advantage of the situation. The absence of a key attacking figure from the opposition may prove decisive in a match where margins are often thin.
Abderrazak Hamdallah (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (center), and Yannick Carrasco (right)
Even though Kylian Mbappé is now the cornerstone of Real Madrid, he could have become a Barcelona player in 2017. Despite this, the technical staff prioritized the signing of Ousmane Dembélé, as revealed by former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Kylian Mbappé has become Real Madrid’s cornerstone after arriving as a marquee signing from PSG. However, the Frenchman was close to joining Barcelona when he was still at AS Monaco. After the departure of Neymar Jr., the Blaugrana were looking for their next star on the left wing, ready to pay a huge transfer fee. While he was a clear option, the staff decided to prioritize the signing of Ousmane Dembélé, as revealed by former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
“We didn’t want the players to leave for other teams, so we matched the offers. Neymar’s departure led other clubs to pay high amounts… We asked about Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, but the coaching staff preferred Dembélé. The only decision I made as president was the signing of Luis Suárez,” reveló Josep Maria Bartomeu, via Cadena SER.
After several brilliant seasons at AS Monaco, Mbappé pushed for a move away in 2017, with Real Madrid as the main interested party. However, he rejected that option, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale would not have guaranteed him a starting role. While he eventually signed for PSG for €180 million, he could have become a Barcelona player had they decided to pursue his signing instead of Ousmane Dembélé, who never truly shined at the club.
While Ousmane Dembélé went on to become one of the best players in the world, the Frenchman had a disappointing stint at Barcelona. Signed as one of the world’s most promising young talents, the Blaugranas expected him to make a major impact on the field, but injuries and poor decisions on field prevented him from shining. In contrast, Mbappé excelled at PSG, becoming the team’s best player, proving that the Spanish club’s decision was completely wrong.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona’s post-Neymar transfers: Three big failures under Bartomeu
Despite being one of the best players in the world, Neymar Jr. decided to leave Barcelona via his €222M release clause to PSG. While this record fee could have been key to rebuilding the squad, president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his front office instead chose to sign Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembélé, and Antoine Griezmann, all of whom ultimately failed to meet expectations and later left as free agents.
Far from acknowledging the failure of his decisions, Bartomeu chose to justify them in a surprising way: “It’s a shame. Dembélé has succeeded at PSG. Xavi said he shouldn’t have been let go. Maybe he was signed too young, I don’t know. Griezmann came to lead a generational transition, which I may have handled too late. I should have started it after the defeat in Liverpool, and I did it a year later,” he said, via Cadena SER.
In case the Blaugranas had pursued the signing of Mbappé in 2017, he likely would have formed an ideal partnership with Lionel Messi, becoming the cornerstone of the team for the future. Moreover, Coutinho and Dembélé would not have arrived, avoiding the multimillion-dollar failure that shook the club’s financial and sporting stability for years.
Kylian Mbappe of Monaco and Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona.
Davide Ancelotti, an assistant to his father Carlo with the Brazil national team, discussed expectations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At the end of this month, Carlo Ancelottiwill have to finalize the 26-man roster that will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With that deadline approaching, his son and assistant Davide opened up about the challenges facing Brazil.
“If you analyse the actual situation of Brazil, there are really good defenders, some of the best in the world, really good transition players – the wingers, the 10s, and the strikers too,” Davide Ancelotti said in a recent interview with BBC Sport.
“This gives you an idea of what kind of football you can play, but then there is the culture of the nation,” the assistant added, suggesting that not only the players’ attributes and the coach’s opinions matter when defining a national team’s style of play.
“You need to have a clear identity but to adapt. You have to be able to balance your ideas with the characteristics of the players and then the identity of the nation,” Davide explained. “It’s not an easy job… And then you have to win the World Cup as well!”
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.
This perhaps represents the biggest challenge Carlo Ancelotti has faced since taking over Brazil in the summer of 2025. At that time, the team were struggling in the World Cup qualifiers—something the Italian coach quickly managed to fix. However, in terms of on-field performances, they still appear to have room for improvement.
Brazil have a well-defined style
Few national teams in the world have as rich a tradition as Brazil. The great stars who have represented the national team since the 1950s helped shape the style fans expect to see, but that identity has not been easy to maintain in recent years.
Davide Ancelotti described that style as “to play attacking football, winning football, and to play with a smile. You have to consider that.” He also spoke about the fans’ expectations: “Brazilian people love football, they like to joga bonito (play beautifully), but they like to win a lot.”
Brazil’s challenges in recent decades
South Korea – Japan 2002 was Brazil’s most recent World Cup title. That squad perfectly embodied the country’s style, featuring world-class stars such as Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Kaka, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos. Much of that generation also competed at Germany 2006, where they were eliminated by France in the quarterfinals.
Since then, Brazil have struggled to maintain that identity—a challenge Carlo Ancelotti continues to face today. That attacking, seemingly carefree style has not delivered results in subsequent World Cups, where they have fallen short of reaching the final.
Perhaps the closest examples of Brazil’s traditional style came under coach Tite at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, although they were eliminated in the quarterfinals on both occasions. Now, Ancelotti faces the challenge of changing that narrative and leading Brazil deep into a World Cup once again.
Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, chats with his assistant coach Davide Ancelotti.
Arsenal are scheduled to meet Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League semifinals. Here’s everything you need to know about kickoff times and how to watch the match live on TV or through streaming platforms in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid on US television and via legal streaming:
With a spot in the Champions League final on the line, Arsenal hosts Atlético Madrid in a tie that is perfectly balanced at 1-1. The Gunners, who remain the only unbeaten team in the competition this season, carry the pressure of being the home favorite. After a dominant 4-0 victory over the Spanish side in the group stage at the Emirates, expectations are high, but recent struggles for goals have added a layer of tension to this high-stakes encounter.
For Atlético Madrid, this is familiar territory. Diego Simeone’s squad are seasoned veterans in the latter stages of European competition and thrive in the underdog role. Despite a dreadful record on English soil, including three losses this season alone, Atleti proved in the first leg they can disrupt Arsenal‘s rhythm. Their tactical discipline and experience make them a dangerous opponent, ready to capitalize on any nervousness from the home side.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
Arsenal‘s season has been defined by a relentless two-front battle for both the Premier League and Champions League titles. This demanding schedule has led to visible fatigue, with the team winning just two of their last eight matches across all competitions. Their defensive solidity has kept them afloat, but a lack of clinical finishing in knockout games remains a concern. In contrast, Atlético is not in a domestic title race, allowing them to rest key players and focus entirely on this European clash.
The tactical battle will likely pit Arsenal‘s possession-based attack against Atlético’s disciplined, counter-attacking setup. At home, Mikel Arteta’s side will be expected to control the ball and dictate the tempo. However, Atlético is comfortable ceding possession, a strategy they used to successfully eliminate Barcelona. Set-pieces could be decisive, as Arsenal leads the Premier League in goals from dead-ball situations, while Atlético has scored the most set-piece goals in this season’s Champions League.
The motivations are clear: Arsenal is driven to cap a phenomenal season with a trip to the final, while Atlético aims to leverage their vast experience to orchestrate an upset. Fatigue will be a critical factor, as this will be Arsenal‘s 58th match of the season. Atlético‘s ability to manage high-pressure moments gives them a mental edge, turning this into a classic clash of attacking ambition versus defensive resilience.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
History shows a tightly contested rivalry between these two clubs. In their four official meetings, the record is perfectly even, with one win for each side and two draws. A significant trend has emerged in these encounters: the home team has never lost, and neither side has ever managed to secure a victory on the road.
This season, the teams have met twice. Arsenal delivered a commanding 4-0 victory at the Emirates during the group stage, but the first leg of this semifinal was a much cagier 1-1 draw in Madrid. Looking further back, the clubs met in the 2017/18 Europa League semifinal, where Atlético Madrid advanced 2-1 on aggregate, demonstrating their ability to navigate two-legged knockout ties successfully against the Gunners.
While the goal average across their four meetings is a modest 2.2 per game, Atlético’s Champions League campaign has been filled with goals, averaging 4.29 per match. Conversely, Arsenal‘s knockout stage games have been extremely low-scoring, with only six total goals in their last five fixtures. This suggests a tense, strategic affair is likely, though Atlético’s 12-game scoring streak in the competition proves they can find the net against anyone.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both managers face significant selection headaches due to key injuries ahead of this decisive second leg.
For Arsenal, concerns linger over the fitness of Kai Havertz, while Jurriën Timber remains sidelined. However, the Gunners receive a major boost with Bukayo Saka expected to be fully fit and ready to start. His return provides a much-needed spark to an attack that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, allowing Mikel Arteta to field a formidable front line.
Atlético Madrid‘s injury situation is far more critical, particularly in attack. Strikers Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone are both doubtful after picking up injuries in the first leg, and Nicolás González is also unavailable. This severely limits Diego Simeone‘s offensive options and forces him to rely on Alexander Sorloth to lead the line, supported by the creative genius of Antoine Griezmann.
Arsenal Projected XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Martinelli, Saka, Gyokeres. This lineup represents Arsenal‘s strongest available team. The midfield trio of Odegaard, Zubimendi, and Rice will be crucial for controlling possession, while the return of Saka alongside Martinelli and Gyokeres gives the attack the firepower it needs to break down Atlético‘s stubborn defense.
Atletico Madrid Projected XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Almada, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Sorloth. Shaped by injuries, this formation prioritizes defensive solidity and midfield control. Griezmann will likely drop deep to connect play, leaving Sorloth as the main target up front. The emphasis will be on maintaining a compact shape and exploiting opportunities on the counter-attack.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid live stream on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs such as Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
In addition to the Champions League, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to other top soccer competitions from around the world. This includes leagues like La Liga, Premeir League, and major tournaments featuring the best clubs and national teams.
A subscription to the platform costs $14.99 per month, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans who want to follow multiple competitions in one place.
The service also provides a diverse library of non-soccer content. Subscribers can enjoy thousands of movies, TV series, and original programming, making it a complete entertainment solution.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Despite his strong performances this season, Kylian Mbappé has been heavily criticized for his trip to Italy and his alleged tense situation with Álvaro Arbeloa. In response, the Frenchman has decided to release a statement to clarify the situation.
Kylian Mbappé has managed to remain Real Madrid’s standout player, serving as the team’s top scorer. Despite this, the Frenchman has been heavily criticized by fans, as his trip to Italy during the competition, while recovering from an injury, did not sit well. In response, the 27-year-old striker has decided to release a strong statement amid rumors of tensions with Álvaro Arbeloa due to a reported problem during a training session.
According to Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai, via The Athletic, Kylian Mbappé was involved in an altercation during a Real Madrid training session, where he ended up strongly insulting an assistant coach acting as the referee in the exercise. Following this, people within the club are reportedly unhappy with the lack of action taken by the front office. In addition, the Frenchman’s trip to Italy did not sit well with the squad.
While recovering from a hamstring injury, Mbappé had been granted a few days off to focus consistently on his recovery process. However, he was seen in Italy while his teammates were playing and training in Madrid, which has sparked strong criticism from key figures within the club, according to The Athletic. As a result, the Frenchman’s commitment and behavior are now being widely questioned.
In the face of widespread criticism from fans, Kylian Mbappé has issued a statement through AFP to clarify the situation: “A portion of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, and does not reflect the reality of Kylian’s commitment and daily work for the team… I’ve reached a point where you’re going to get criticised whatever you do.”
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Coupled with this release, head coach Árbeloa tried to defuse the intense criticism directed at Kylian and his trip to Italy in the middle of the season: “In their free time, each player does what they see fit, and I don’t get involved in that… All planning regarding injured players is supervised and managed by Madrid’s medical staff, who are the ones who decide when they need to go to Valdebebas (the club’s training centre) and when they don’t.”
Report: Kylian Mbappé races to recover for El Clásico vs Barcelona
After suffering a hamstring injury just months before the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé seemed set to remain sidelined for the rest of the season with Real Madrid. In fact, Pablo Gallego reported via Le Journal Du Real that the Frenchman is quite frustrated with Los Blancos, and he will not push to play against Barcelona. However, a new report contradicts this information, making it clear that the 27-year-old striker has already accelerated his recovery.
According to Manuel de Juan via Diario AS, Kylian Mbappé decided to go to Valdebebas despite the team having a day off, in order to work closely with the physiotherapists and fitness coaches of the staff. He also did the same last week, making his priority clear: To be in full shape for El Clásico against Barcelona, aiming to lead another big win and silence doubts about his lack of commitment.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
With all eyes falling on the Allianz on Wednesday night, a spot in the final of this season’s Champions League hangs in the balance as Bayern Munich welcome PSG to Germany for their second-leg showdown. Eventually dragging themselves to an early advantage last week as they secured what was a remarkable 5-4 victory in Paris, […]
Verdict: Levante draw no bet Best Odds: 1/1 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Two camps who are searching for their own immediate La Liga responses on Friday night, Levante will welcome Osasuna to the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia. Levante Starting with the hosts, watching their April flurry come to a thumping end last time out as they slumped […]
Neymar's controversy with Robinho Jr. at Santos keeps escalating as the 18-year-old is reportedly looking to discuss the termination of his contract over "lack of security" in the Brazilian side.
Neymar‘s recent friction with Robinho Jr. dominated headlines over the weekend following a physical confrontation between the two Santos teammates during a training session. The conflict has now escalated to a critical level, as Robinho Jr. is reportedly discussing a contract termination, citing a “lack of security” within the Brazilian club.
While some reports suggest Neymar offered an apology to Robinho Jr., the situation has continued to spiral. The youngster, son of former Brazil international Robinho, has officially notified the club regarding the alleged assault he suffered at the hands of the veteran superstar during Sunday’s practice.
Santos released an official statement confirming that the matter has been elevated to the club’s legal department: “Santos FC informs that, by order of the presidency, an internal inquiry process was initiated immediately following the events to analyze the episode involving athletes Neymar Jr. and Robson de Souza Jr. (Robinho) during training this past Sunday (05/03), at the CT Rei Pelé.“
Neymar of Santos celebrates after scoring with Robinho Junior.
A conflict that could trigger a contract termination
Reports from Globo Esporte indicate that Neymar attempted to de-escalate the situation by not only apologizing to Robinho Jr. directly but also reaching out to the youngster’s family. Those gestures, however, did not prevent the 18-year-old’s legal team from taking formal action.
According to ESPN Brasil, the attorney representing Robinho’s family has notified Santos of three specific accusations against Neymar, involving verbal insults and physical offenses. Consequently, the legal team has demanded a meeting to discuss a contract termination, citing a “lack of minimum security conditions” for the player at the club.
The eventual consequences for either Neymar or Robinho Jr. remain to be seen as the investigation unfolds. However, reports from R7 Esportes suggest the relationship between the squad and the youngster has soured; his decision to take the matter to the legal department, combined with a perception that he has benefited from his father’s ties to the club, has reportedly damaged his standing in the locker room.
In the meantime, there has been radio silence from both Neymar and his PR team regarding the public fallout. Santos is scheduled to play in Paraguay on Tuesday, May 5th, for the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana, a trip for which both Neymar and Robinho Jr. were originally included in the traveling squad.
Lionel Messi’s hope of seeing Casemiro in an Inter Miami kit could be in jeopardy, as the LA Galaxy reportedly hold a significant advantage in the race to secure the Brazilian's signature.
Lionel Messi has witnessed a significant decline in his Inter Miami squad compared to the roster that claimed the 2025 MLS Cup, prompting the front office to target Casemiro as their next blockbuster signing. However, reports have surfaced revealing that the LA Galaxy have joined the hunt, holding a key procedural advantage over Messi’s side.
Despite pleas from fans, who even composed a chant urging him to stay for another year, Casemiro has decided to leave Manchester United once his contract expires this June. Major League Soccer has emerged as a primary destination for the Brazilian, and while the Herons are highly interested in his services, they could be outmaneuvered in the race for his signature.
According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs and Josh Fordham, the LA Galaxy have challenged Inter Miami for Casemiro’s services ahead of the winter transfer window. Crucially, the West Coast club currently holds the midfielder’s “discovery rights,” providing them with a major strategic edge regarding his potential arrival in MLS.
At this stage, Casemiro’s personal preference remains the defining factor for any eventual move. As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, while the Saudi Pro League has expressed interest to the midfielder’s inner circle, the Brazilian’s current intention is to join forces with Messi in South Florida.
Casemiro of Manchester United passes the ball under pressure from Tim Iroegbunam of Everton.
Further reports from Diario AS suggest that Casemiro purchased a home in Miami during a recent family vacation, signaling a lean toward the Herons. With an international roster slot still available, Messi could see his midfield significantly bolstered once the 2026 World Cup concludes.
Why Casemiro is a necessity for Inter Miami
Landing Casemiro, a winner of five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a Copa America with Brazil, would represent another massive victory for MLS in attracting global icons to U.S. soil. However, for Inter Miami, the Brazilian wouldn’t just be a marketing boost; he would be a tactical lifeline for a struggling midfield.
Inter Miami has found it difficult to fill the void left by Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. During the 2025 campaign, both players ranked in the top three for completed passes and long balls, while “Busi” also led the team with 2.5 tackles per game, according to SofaScore. The board signed David Ayala to bridge the gap, but personal struggles and injuries have limited the Argentine to just four appearances this season.
In the 2026 MLS campaign, Rodrigo De Paul currently ranks second among midfielders in completed passes (73.9) and leads the league in long balls (5.2). While those numbers are impressive, the lack of a true holding midfielder alongside him has forced De Paul into a deeper defensive role. This has diminished his impact in the final third, as he is preoccupied with a buildup phase that Miami continues to find challenging.
A disciplined holding midfielder like Casemiro fits Inter Miami’s current needs perfectly. In the Premier League this season, Casemiro leads Manchester United in tackles (2.7) and ranks second in long balls (2.4) per game. He represents the most natural replacement for Busquets, offering a solution to a midfield zone where the Herons are currently struggling both offensively and defensively.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF and Casemiro of Manchester United.
Set to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday for the second leg of the semifinals, Arsenal will be looking to secure a place in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final.
Arsenal face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, May 6, at the Emirates Stadium in the second leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League semifinal tie. With a place in the Budapest final tantalizingly close, the Gunners’ path to Hungary remains uncertain heading into the decisive match.
Since that result in Spain, Arsenal’s morale has been given a significant boost by a dominant 3-0 home win over Fulham, which reclaimed top spot in the Premier League as Manchester City dropped points against Everton. Atletico, meanwhile, secured a 2-0 away victory at Valencia but notably rested the majority of their key starters ahead of Tuesday’s second leg.
How an Arsenal win affects the Champions League bracket
A victory for Arsenal on Tuesday would send the Gunners through to the UEFA Champions League final, where they would await the winner of Wednesday’s other semifinal between Bayern Munich and PSG in Germany to learn their opponent in Budapest.
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal celebrates scoring against Atletico de Madrid.
It would also mark Arsenal’s first appearance in the Champions League final since 2006, when they faced FC Barcelona at the Stade de France in Paris. On that occasion, Sol Campbell gave the Gunners the lead, but goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti completed a 2-1 Barcelona comeback. Nearly two decades on, Tuesday represents another chance for Arsenal to finally claim European soccer’s ultimate club prize.
How an Arsenal draw affects the Champions League bracket
If the two sides cannot be separated after 90 minutes at the Emirates, the tie will move to extra time, regardless of the scoreline. Since the 2021-22 season, UEFA has officially abolished the away goals rule across all of its club competitions, meaning a draw at full time will not favor either side and the match will be decided over two additional 15-minute periods.
As the second leg, a definitive winner must be determined. Should the scores remain level after 120 minutes, the tie will go to a penalty shootout for a place in the final.
How an Arsenal defeat affects the Champions League bracket
A defeat for Arsenal on Tuesday would end their 2025-26 Champions League campaign, with the 1-1 aggregate score meaning any loss at the Emirates would send Atletico through to the final in Budapest.
It would also bring to an end an impressive unbeaten run in the competition. Arsenal have gone 13 games in this season’s Champions League without defeat, winning 10 and drawing three across the league phase and the knockout rounds, making any elimination on home soil an especially painful way to go out.
With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Carlo Ancelotti has received a piece of good news as Brazil and Manchester United reach an agreement to limit Matheus Cunha's participation in the remainder of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti has begun finalizing the details of his Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the tournament now less than 40 days away. A positive development has emerged amid a turbulent few weeks, with the CBF and Manchester United reportedly reaching an agreement over Matheus Cunha‘s workload for the remainder of the Premier League season.
The timing could hardly be better. A string of injuries has complicated Ancelotti’s planning in recent days, with Rodrygo and Eder Militao both suffering season-ending setbacks and Estevao’s participation now in doubt due to a hamstring tear. Against that backdrop, positive news surrounding one of the Selecao‘s key attackers has been a welcome development.
According to ESPN Brasil, the Brazilian Football Confederation and Manchester United have reached an understanding over Cunha’s involvement in the closing rounds of the 2025-26 Premier League season. The English club is set to hold the Brazilian forward back from the final three matchdays in order to ensure he arrives at the World Cup fully fit.
The decision carries added significance given that Cunha has been managing an adductor problem in recent days. Despite the issue, he featured against Liverpool and made a decisive contribution, scoring in a 3-2 victory that secured Manchester United’s return to the UEFA Champions League.
Matheus Cunha of Brazil runs with the ball against Adrien Rabiot of France.
With that primary objective already achieved, United now find themselves in a position to do Ancelotti a favor. Although Cunha is physically able to play, the spirit of the agreement, as reported by ESPN, is rooted in caution, with the goal of ensuring he is at one hundred percent for the World Cup.
Cunha has appeared in eight of the ten matches Ancelotti has overseen as Brazil head coach. While he has contributed only two assists in those appearances, he has consistently lined up alongside Vinicius Junior and Raphinha in the forward line and is clearly regarded as a key figure in Ancelotti’s plans.
Which games will Cunha miss?
Cunha joined Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of €74.2 million and is completing his first season at the club, having helped deliver the primary goal of Champions League qualification. Across 33 appearances, he has scored nine goals and added four assists, and his absence will be felt in the final stages of the campaign.
With United sitting third in the Premier League table, three fixtures remain in the 2025-26 season. The Red Devils travel to Sunderland on May 9, host Nottingham Forest on the 17th, and close out the campaign away at Brighton on the 24th.
Matheus Cunha (L) of Manchester United and Head coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) of Brazil.
Cristiano Ronaldo felt the absence of Sadio Mane in Al Nassr’s recent defeat, and head coach Jorge Jesus later revealed the reason behind the winger's exclusion from the lineup.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in the lineup as Al Nassr saw their historic winning streak snapped against Al Qadsiah, a match in which star winger Sadio Mane was a notable scratch. Following the loss, head coach Jorge Jesus detailed the reasons behind the star’s sudden absence from Sunday’s contest.
Despite traveling with the squad to Dammam’s Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium, Mane was dropped from the roster due to a last-minute complication. The move forced Jesus to shuffle his attacking line, deploying Angelo on the left wing. However, both Angelo and Kingsley Coman failed to make an impact out wide, struggling to provide service to Ronaldo in the center forward position.
The gamble ultimately did not pay off; Angelo was often forced into defensive areas with far less influence than his Senegalese counterpart and was eventually substituted due to injury in the 76th minute. Al Nassr insider Ali Alabdallh later reported that Mane felt a localized pain that prevented him from taking the pitch against Al Qadsiah.
When asked for specifics during the post-match press conference, Jesus provided insight into his selection process: “I chose not to include Mane in the squad. He’s one of the players in Al Nassr that has played the most matches, and was also one of the players attacked on the weekend caught by the flu upon returning from a team trip, and had some difficulties.“
«اليوم قررت عدم إشراك ماني، في نهاية الأسبوع الماضي هو من بين اللاعبين الذين تعرضوا لإنفلونزا ولعب رغم الصعوبات الكبيرة.» 🟡
While the bold decision to rest the winger coincided with the end of the club’s 20-game winning streak, Jorge Jesus stood by his move. “I looked for a fresher player down the left, so I took the decision for Mane to not play. We’ve already rested several players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix,” the Portuguese boss concluded.
Mane: Al Nassr’s talisman in the 2025-26 season
In terms of pure minutes for Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo ranks 7th (2,814′) and has seen significantly more club action than Mane, who sits in 11th (2,360′), according to Transfermarkt. However, the 646 minutes Mane logged for Senegal during the mid-season AFCON have made him one of the most-used players in the world this season. When he is available, he has proven to be a lucky charm for the Saudi side.
To date, Mane has appeared in 32 matches for Al Nassr across all competitions, tallying 13 goals and eight assists. While his raw stats may trail those of Ronaldo, Felix, or Coman, the team’s success rate with him is undeniable: Al Nassr has won 31 of the 32 games Mane has played. Without him, the club has struggled through 13 matches with a record of seven wins, one draw, and five defeats.
Simakan and Angelo under the spotlight
Following Sunday’s loss, Jorge Jesus granted the squad a rest day to recover from a dense schedule involving the AFC Champions League Two and the Saudi Pro League. As the team prepares to return to training on Tuesday, the health of Mohamed Simakan and Angelo will be the primary focus.
According to Al Arriyadiyah, the medical staff will brief the technical team on the results of examinations for both players before training begins. Simakan and Angelo both sustained injuries during Sunday’s match; while Simakan managed to play until the final whistle, Angelo was forced off early. Their recovery will be critical as Al Nassr enters the final stretch of the title race.
Mohamed Salah has decided to leave Anfield at the end of the season, leaving Liverpool without their best player. Looking to replace his impact in the squad, the Reds have identified Bradley Barcola as their top priority for the 2026–27 season.
Following a historic tenure at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has decided to leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent. As a result, the Reds are reportedly targeting world-class signings on the wings, as the Egyptian’s legacy will be very difficult to replace. In light of this, they have prioritized the signing of Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germainas a marquee reinforcement for the 2026-27 season.
According to The Times, the Reds have decided to pursue the signing of Bradley Barcola as a replacement for Mohamed Salah. While Michael Olise and Yan Diomande had emerged as alternatives, the PSG star is the absolute priority to strengthen the squad, as he can operate on both the right and left wings. Under contract until 2028, the 23-year-old star is open to a move as he is not a starter under head coach Luis Enrique.
Bradley Barcola seemed to establish as an undisputed starter at PSG, arriving as a marquee signing from Olympique Lyon for €45 million. While he managed to become one of the best players in the world, the emergence of Désiré Doué has significantly reduced his role in the starting lineup, even becoming a substitute in the UEFA Champions League. Therefore, the Frenchman could view a move to Liverpool favorably, as he could be an undisputed starter.
Seeking his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcola has decided to part ways with Jorge Mendes as his agent, hiring Moussa Sissoko instead. Despite this, the French side does not intend to sell the 23-year-old star for less than €80 million, a figure Liverpool are willing to meet, reports Diario Sport. However, the Frenchman is also attracting strong interest from Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal FC, who are ready to compete for his signature.
Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring a goal.
Report: PSG target Gabriel Martinelli as a replacement for Bradley Barcola
Under head coach Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain have become one of the best teams in the world. With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué, they possess one of the most powerful attacking trios in the world, once again shining in the UEFA Champions League. Therefore, the French side is not completely closed to the sale of Bradley Barcola, as they have reportedly identified Gabriel Martinelli as his replacement.
According to L’Équipe, PSG have decided to pursue the signing of Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in case Bradley Barcola chooses not to renew his contract and leaves the team. Although the Brazilian star is also not an undisputed starter at the English side, he has proven to be a highly decisive player, capable of operating on both wings. Additionally, he could be available for $67.6 million, as the Gunners are looking to make changes to their squad.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain
Casemiro backed the idea of Neymar joining Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, suggesting the star would be willing to accept a limited role.
Casemiro has been a mainstay alongside Neymar for the Brazil national team over the last decade, and while the 2026 World Cup is expected to be the final bow for both stars, the former Barcelona man’s inclusion remains up in the air. Amid uncertainty over whether head coach Carlo Ancelotti will call upon the veteran forward, the Manchester United midfielder has backed Neymar to embrace a limited role during the tournament.
Currently 34 and playing out the final months of his Manchester United contract, Casemiro has once again become a vital piece for Ancelotti, just as he was during their time at Real Madrid. Neymar’s situation has been the polar opposite, as constant fitness setbacks have hampered his return to form following the ACL injury he suffered back in 2023.
In an interview with ESPN Brasil, Casemiro was asked if keeping Neymar on the bench would create friction: “Neymar was always a guy who wanted to have fun on the pitch. And I think if you talk to him, in my opinion, his desire to play in a World Cup—if you propose that, if Ancelotti proposes that (coming off the bench) to him—I think he will want to go to the national team because he wants(to play the World Cup). Then he gets there and proves it on the pitch and in training.“
The midfielder noted that this “bombshell” decision rests entirely with Ancelotti, whom he believes is the right manager to navigate the delicate situation. “But I think if you talk, I think there would have to be a conversation and you just sit down and talk: ‘Look, you won’t play as many games, but look at a specific match, you’re going to be crucial in those 20 minutes, 30 minutes. Or you’re going to play this game.’ I think it’s just a conversation.“
(L-R) Casemiro of Brazil jokes with teammate Neymar Jr.
The constant debate over Neymar’s World Cup status
Even before Carlo Ancelotti took the reins as Brazil‘s head coach, Neymar’s potential return had been a recurring debate among fans and the media. With the Italian now in the dugout and the Santos star still working his way back, the discussion has only intensified, with several teammates being asked for their input and Ancelotti himself giving a viral response during a recent carnival.
Casemiro made his frustration with the ongoing speculation clear: “It’s annoying because everyone talks about it, everyone asks and everyone answers, but it’s very annoying. Especially for me. Honestly, I am a friend of Neymar’s. I’m a guy who has played with Neymar since we were 12. And so, it’s that thing: is Neymar going or not? And everyone is in suspense. I think it’s very clear. Neymar doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone.”
While expressing his admiration for his longtime teammate, the midfielder echoed Ancelotti’s stance that physical fitness remains the primary requirement for every player on the roster. “He’s the star of the team. He’s the man. But the question here—and it’s up to him as well—is being physically well,” he finished.
Neymar’s 2026 campaign to date
As Casemiro noted, Neymar’s inclusion in Ancelotti’s final squad list, set to be released on May 18th, depends on his fitness. While his start to 2026 was slowed by recovery from knee surgery, recent glimpses of his former self suggest a return to the Selecao is possible.
Neymar has featured in 11 of the 27 games Santos has played so far this year, returning to action in mid-February and tallying four goals and three assists. Encouragingly, he completed the full 90 minutes in nine of those appearances, proving his durability is slowly trending upward.
Neymar of Santos controls the ball.
Notably, he recently navigated a three-game stretch between April 11th and 19th, playing 90 minutes against Atletico Mineiro, Recoleta FC, and Fluminense in just nine days. Though he has been rested for two of the last three matches, Neymar is showing signs that he is regaining the fitness levels necessary to keep pace in a demanding tournament like the World Cup.
With Hansi Flick’s arrival at Barcelona, Raphinha has become one of the best players in the world. Following his strong performances, the Blaugrana are reportedly set to receive a €90M offer from the Saudi Pro League, but the Brazilian refuses to be transferred, creating serious uncertainty.
Raphinha has emerged as one of the world’s top players under Hansi Flick, powering Barcelona‘s attack with both goals and assists. Despite his solid performances, the Brazilian star is not experiencing his best season due to several injuries. Nevertheless, he continues to attract the attention of many teams as the Blaugranas could receive a €90M offer from the Saudi Pro League, but his refusal to consider a transfer has raised questions.
According to Sacha Tavolieri via SkySports, the Blaugranas are aware they will receive a €90 million offer from the Saudi Pro League, managed directly by agent Pini Zahavi. With this, Raphinha could be tempted by a contract running beyond 2028 and a salary of €30 million net per season. While he is a key player for head coach Hansi Flick, they are open to his departure for a major fee, as they aim to raise funds to pursue new signings.
Despite the multimillion-dollar offer, Raphinha is fully determined to stay at Barcelona, rejecting any move in the summer of 2026. His wife, Taia Belloli, even reacted with laughing emojis to a Diario AS report suggesting the Brazilian was looking to leave the club after the UEFA Champions League exit. However, the Blaugrana are still considering his departure as an extreme measure if they are unable to complete the sales of other stars.
In case he stays at Barcelona, head coach Hansi Flick will likely keep him as an undisputed starter, as he has managed to stand out in terms of goalscoring despite his physical issues. With this in mind, the Brazilian star could aim to first win the UEFA Champions League with the Blaugranas, serving as a key attacking figure alongside Lamine Yamal. Given his importance in the squad, the 29-year-old could remain at the club at all costs.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona scores against Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona reportedly chase promising backup for Raphinha
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Raphinha has suffered four muscle injuries, causing him to miss 23 matches, with Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo stepping in as his replacements in the starting lineup. For this reason, Barcelona are reportedly determined to pursue the signing of a left winger, as the Brazilian star is already 29 years old and his recurring muscle issues raise serious concerns. For this reason, Jan Virgili’s comeback is gaining increasing momentum.
While Marcus Rashford and Víctor Muñoz have emerged as marquee options, the high price of the Englishman and Real Madrid’s buy-back rights complicate a move for the Spaniard. With this in mind, Barcelona are reportedly targeting the return of Jan Virgili, who was transferred to RCD Mallorca. Holding 40% of his future sale, Barcelona could re-sign the 19-year-old star for around €24M, making him the most viable long-term option.
If Virgili’s return is confirmed, Raphinha would become the ideal mentor for the Spaniard, guiding his development as a veteran leader. Far from complicating matters, this would actually strengthen the Brazilian’s position, as the 19-year-old star might not yet be ready to be an undisputed starter, needing his presence to continue his development. Furthermore, Jan is a Barcelona youth product, so he would have no trouble adapting to Hansi Flick’s style.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League.
With his assist against Brentford, Bruno Fernandes reached 140 Premier League goal contributions for Manchester United, hitting the milestone faster than club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bruno Fernandes is wrapping up yet another season as Manchester United‘s most influential player, a distinction he has held since arriving at Old Trafford in 2020. More than six years on, the Portuguese midfielder has now reached the 140 Premier League goal contribution milestone in fewer appearances than Cristiano Ronaldo managed for the same club.
Despite having genuine opportunities to leave on multiple occasions, most notably during last summer’s transfer window, Fernandes chose to stay and captain United through a season without European soccer. The decision has paid dividends, with the club now on the brink of Champions League qualification, largely on the strength of his continued output.
His assist to Benjamin Sesko in last week’s 2-1 win over Brentford brought Fernandes to exactly 140 Premier League goal contributions at Manchester United. The split between those contributions is itself remarkable: 70 goals and 70 assists across 226 appearances, a perfectly even balance that underlines his rare ability to function as both a finisher and a creator at the highest level.
Cristiano Ronaldo reached the same 140-contribution mark across his two stints at the club, but it took him 236 Premier League appearances to get there, ten more than Fernandes. As a more natural forward, Ronaldo’s breakdown was more weighted toward goals, scoring 103 and providing 37 assists during his time in Manchester.
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates with Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo and Fernandes: two of the most influential Portuguese players in United’s history
During his first stint at Old Trafford from 2003 to 2009, Ronaldo was still developing into the elite goalscorer he would become at Real Madrid. Nevertheless, under Sir Alex Ferguson, he made 196 Premier League appearances, scoring 84 goals and recording 34 assists, and played a central role in delivering one of the club’s last league titles as well as its most recent Champions League trophy in 2008.
His second chapter at the club, prompted in part by Sir Alex’s personal intervention to steer him away from Manchester City, saw Ronaldo return as a veteran and eventually complete his 140-contribution landmark. Between August 2021 and his abrupt departure in November 2022, he added 40 more Premier League appearances, scoring 19 goals and contributing three assists.
Fernandes, meanwhile, arrived from Sporting CP as a mature, finished product and immediately assumed responsibility for driving the team’s attack, adapting quickly to the demands of the Premier League but without the domestic trophy haul that defined Ronaldo’s first stint. His finest individual season came in 2020-21, when he scored 18 goals and registered 12 assists across 37 league appearances.
Heading into the final stretch of the current season, Fernandes sits on 19 league assists, one short of the all-time single-season Premier League record of 20, while also having added eight goals this campaign. Though his time at United has not been defined by silverware in the way Ronaldo’s first spell was, both men stand as the two most influential Portuguese players in the club’s modern era: one who shaped the club’s greatest years and another who became its standard-bearer through its most difficult period.
Bruno Fernandes (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Manchester United.
Alessandro Bastoni has been the priority to strengthen Barcelona’s defense following the departure of Íñigo Martínez. However, Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has described the Blaugrana’s interest as “superficial and not very concrete,” casting doubt on his potential departure.
Throughout the 2025-26 season, Alessandro Bastoni has been labeled the absolute priority to reinforce Barcelona’s defensive line. Following his defensive mistakes with Italy in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the defender is reportedly looking to leave Serie A. In response, Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has described Barcelona’s interest as superficial and not very concrete, casting doubt on his potential departure.
“Bastoni is a talented player. He’s had some bad luck in certain situations and everyone has eyes on him… He’s a great champion and that’s why top European clubs are on him. I won’t hide the fact that there’s Barcelona but it’s still very superficial and not very concrete. As we’ve always said: a player leaves when he expresses the desire to leave. Right now, Bastoni is ours, he wants to stay with us and we are happy to keep him,” Marotta said, via Radio Anch’Io Sport.
Despite his recent defensive mistakes, Bastoni remains one of the best left-sided defenders in the world, providing consistency and playing a key role in build-up play. In addition, the Italian is already one of the leaders in the Inter Milan dressing room, having been an undisputed starter for more than four years. Because of this, the Nerazzurri are reportedly demanding a transfer fee of around €70 million (around $81.8 million), making his departure more complicated.
In an effort to raise the quality of their defensive line, the Blaugranas are open to offering a transfer fee close to €50 million (around $58.4 million), which appears to be delaying negotiations with Inter Milan. Because of this, president Marotta’s comments highlight a clear issue: The significant difference in valuation is preventing Alessandro Bastoni’s departure. If Barcelona want to secure the Italian, they will have to increase their bid.
Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League.
Report: Barcelona eye two alternatives as Bastoni deal stalls
Even though Gerard Martín has surprised with his impact as a central defender, Barcelona are targeting Alessandro Bastoni as a key difference-maker, aiming to bring defensive balance. Faced with ongoing difficulties with Inter Milan, they have reportedly decided to prepare alternatives, as Hansi Flick needs a left-footed defender. In this context, Evan Ndicka and Cristian Romero have emerged as alternatives to the Italian ahead of the summer of 2026.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blaugrana have added Evan Ndicka of AS Roma to their transfer shortlist. Standing out in Serie A, the French defender would be a much more affordable option, with an estimated value of around €40 million, which they would aim to reduce further. In addition, he has proven to be one of the most consistent players in the squad, playing a key role even in build-up play and the team’s ball progression.
Along with Ndicka, Barcelona are reportedly targeting Cristian Romero. Despite being the captain of Tottenham Hotspur, he is looking to leave the team in search of a competitive project. In the event of a relegation to the EFL Championship, they could seek a transfer fee of around €50-60 million or less, as he is a proven leader, and reliable, reports Diario Sport. However, Alessandro Bastoni remains the priority, so they will try to secure his signing until the very last moment.
Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A winners.
With Hansi Flick’s arrival, Jules Koundé has managed to remain one of the best right-backs in the world. Because of this, the Frenchman could be tempted to leave Barcelona, as Liverpool are reportedly open to offering $93.6 million for his transfer in the summer of 2026.
Jules Koundé has gone from being one of the best defenders in the world to one of the best right-backs in the world. Due to his outstanding consistency, he has become an undisputed starter for Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, providing balance to the defensive line. Because of his great performances, the Frenchman could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, as Liverpool are reportedly open to offering $93.6 million for his transfer in the summer of 2026.
As reposted by Gabriel Sans, via Mundo Deportivo, the Reds are fully open to offering €80 million (around $93.6 million) for Jules Koundé, as they are in need of a reliable right-back. After costing Barcelona €50 million (around $58.5 million) in 2022, they would reportedly be willing to sanction his departure for a similar or higher fee, as he is under contract until 2030 and remains undisputed for head coach Hansi Flick.
Since being converted into a right-back, Jules Koundé has become as one of Barcelona’s best players, being solid both defensively and offensively. However, the emergence of Eric García as a right-back option, along with Xavi Espart, has opened the door to a potential exit for the Frenchman. Despite this, he has not yet given the green light to a move to the Premier League, casting doubt over negotiations with Liverpool in the coming months.
Given Barcelona’s need to reinforce both defense and attack, Koundé’s departure could be an emergency solution to help fund necessary signings and comply with LaLiga’s 1:1 rule. However, the Blaugrana are also considering the departures of Ronald Araújo, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, and Roony Bardghji in order to raise funds for the squad rebuild required, reports Diario AS. In case they are able to reach the funds, the Frenchman could remain in the squad.
Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona crosses the ball whilst under pressure.
Report: Barcelona have identified Andrei Ratiu as Koundé’s replacement
Barcelona have reportedly identified Julián Álvarez and Alessandro Bastoni as absolute priorities to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026-27 season. However, the potential departure of Jules Koundé could force an unexpected reinforcement at right-back, aiming to replace him in the starting lineup. With this in mind, Hansi Flick’s team has decided to target Andrei Rațiu as an alternative to the Frenchman.
According to Diario Sport, the Blaugranas are eyeing Andrei Rațiu from Rayo Vallecano as a right-back reinforcement. While he is already 27 years old, the Romanian full-back stands out as an attractive profile due to his consistency over the years. However, he has renewed his contract until 2030 with a €25 million release clause, meaning Barcelona would need to negotiate a transfer, complicating his arrival due to the high cost.
With Xavi Espart and Hector Fort as future options, Ratiu would be seen as a player who can make an immediate impact while those two young players continue to develop their great potential. However, Andrei’s arrival could raise doubts, as he has yet to play for a team that competes for the LaLiga title and the UEFA Champions League season after season. Consequently, the Romanian star might have to push for a transfer at a lower cost to be seen as a viable option.
Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona in action during the UEFA Champions League.
In the midst of a disappointing season, Real Madrid have suffered the significant absence of Thibaut Courtois. However, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has reportedly recovered the Belgian goalkeeper, who is preparing to start against Barcelona in the LaLiga clash.
In the midst of a disappointing season, Real Madrid have suffered significant injury absences, affecting their consistency. One of the most sensitive losses has been Thibaut Courtois. While Andriy Lunin has been solid, the Belgian star’s absence has been strongly felt, with a lack of security between the posts. However, the 33-year-old goalkeeper is reportedly close to rejoining the squad to face Barcelona in LaLiga clash.
According to Abraham P. Romero, via El Mundo ES, Thibaut Courtois has returned to Real Madrid training, completing it without any issues. With this, the Belgian goalkeeper appears to have put his muscle tear injury behind him and is expected to start in El Clásico against Barcelona in LaLiga. Following his return, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa regains one of the undisputed leaders of the dressing room, aiming for a crucial victory.
With Courtois back, Los Blancos hope to avoid a defeat and prevent Barcelona from being crowned league champions in El Clásico, avoiding a humiliating outcome. However, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will need to maintain a solid defensive structure, something that has been significantly weakened following Éder Militão’s absence. Despite this, they could rely on Vinícius Jr.’s strong form as their main hope of securing victory.
Kylian Mbappé in doubt as Real Madrid face Barcelona with absentees
After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and sitting 11 points behind the top of LaLiga, Real Madrid are having a thoroughly disappointing season. Despite this, they need to finish the campaign with a run of victories, aiming to avoid seeing Barcelona crowned champions in El Clásico. To do so, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa faces a difficult challenge, as he regains Courtois, but there are serious doubts over Kylian Mbappé along with two other key absences.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks dejected.
Kylian Mbappé’s availability remains uncertain, as he underwent a fitness test today, May 4, and will do so again on Wednesday to determine whether he can feature in El Clásico, reports Abraham P. Romero via El Mundo ES. With this situation, Los Blancos could lose their top scorer, once again turning to Gonzalo García, who had a strong performance against Espanyol, forming a solid partnership with Vinícius Jr. in attack.
Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will also be unable to count on Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal. While the Frenchman will be out for five months following surgery, the Spaniard will miss two weeks and is expected to return for the final match against Athletic Bilbao, reports Fabrizio Romano via X. In addition, Real Madrid will also be without Arda Güler, Rodrygo Goes, and Éder Militão, leaving them significantly limited ahead of their clash against Barcelona in LaLiga.
Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid acknowledges the fans.
Everton meets Manchester City in a Matchday 35 clash during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Here’s everything you need to know, from kickoff times to viewing options on TV and streaming platforms.
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The stakes could not be higher as Manchester City travels to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in a crucial Premier League showdown. Pep Guardiola‘s side is locked in a fierce title race, sitting just three points behind league leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. Currently riding an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak in the league, the Citizens know that any dropped points could be fatal to their championship aspirations. The pressure is immense, and they arrive on Merseyside with a single objective: secure all three points.
Everton, however, has everything to play for. Under David Moyes, the Toffees are enjoying their best Premier League season since 2020-21 and are in a tight battle for European qualification. Despite their strong campaign, a recent dip in form, marked by a three-game winless run, has added a sense of urgency. Facing the reigning champions is a monumental task, but a statement win at home could reignite their continental dreams and cap a remarkable season.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This match presents a classic clash of season trajectories. Manchester City is in relentless pursuit of another title, showcasing formidable consistency and defensive solidity. Having conceded the fewest goals since their 2021-22 campaign, their machine-like efficiency has kept them in the hunt for a domestic treble. In contrast, Everton’s season has been one of resurgence and grit, transforming from relegation battlers into European contenders. However, their momentum has recently stalled, making this fixture a critical test of their resolve.
The tactical battle will likely pit City’s fluid, possession-dominant style against Everton’s disciplined and rugged defensive structure. David Moyes is known for organizing his teams to be compact and difficult to break down, particularly against elite opposition. The Toffees will likely cede possession and look to frustrate City, hoping to strike on the counter-attack. The key to the match will be whether City’s creative talents can unlock a well-drilled Everton backline that has proven tough to crack at home.
Motivation is clear and potent on both sides. For Manchester City, the path to the title is straightforward: win every remaining game and let the pressure shift back to Arsenal. Their entire focus is on maintaining perfection during this intense run-in. For Everton, the goal is to halt their recent slide and secure a place in Europe, a prize that would signify a massive step forward for the club. With only a few games left, every point is vital, and they will fight to protect their home turf.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, this fixture has been overwhelmingly dominated by Manchester City. The Citizens are unbeaten in their last 18 meetings with Everton, a run of dominance that underscores the challenge facing the Toffees. Everton’s last victory against City dates all the way back to 2017, and reversing that trend will require a monumental effort against a team in peak form.
Recent encounters tell a similar story. Manchester City has won five of the last six clashes, including a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Furthermore, City has won each of its last nine visits to Everton‘s home ground, scoring more than 1.5 goals in eight of those matches. This history suggests City has a clear psychological edge and a proven formula for success in this specific matchup.
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Despite numerous injuries, Neymar Jr. has managed to become as one of the best players of the decade, shining with PSG, Barcelona, and Brazil. In response, two-time World Cup winner Cafu has backed his return to the national team, making a strong comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Neymar Jr. has become as one of the best players of the recent era. Not only did he dominate with Barcelona, but also with Brazil, becoming the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer. Even though the final years of his career have not been the most impressive, two-time Brazil World Cup winner Cafu has backed the 34-year-old’s return to the national team, making a surprising comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Two-time World Cup-winning Brazilian Cafu decided to openly support the 34-year-old star’s return to the national team, drawing a surprising comparison. “If Neymar is in good shape — physically fit, tactically fit, technically fit — it’s obvious he’s a player who decides games. But only Ancelotti can decide and only Neymar can know if he’s ready… For me, Neymar was technically even better than (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Messi,” he said, via The Times.
Although Neymar Jr. did not win a Ballon d’Or, he did compete directly with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo season after season to be the best player in the world. With his pace, dribbling, and game intelligence, he defined an era at Barcelona and PSG, captivating many fans who saw him as a difference-maker and a leader in his position. In addition, the Brazilian star has scored 454 goals, leaving his mark on soccer history.
Far from Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo being surpassed, Neymar Jr. was a completely different kind of player from both legends, arguably the best in the world in his own profile. As injuries affected his career, he has evolved into a more complete player, distributing play as an attacking midfielder and elevating his teammates. Because of this, Cafú is backing his return to Brazil, as he remains one of the most technically gifted players on the planet.
Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil came in October 2023.
Neymar Jr.’s legendary career cements his global legacy
Despite injuries cutting short his rise, Neymar Jr. managed to build a legendary legacy in soccer history.After scoring 79 goals, he surpassed Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer. In addition, he established as one of the most complete players in the world, being fully compatible with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in the historic ‘MSN’ attacking trio. Alongside this, he became PSG’s fourth all-time top scorer, pathing a huge legacy in all his teams.
Neymar Jr. may be Brazil’s most decisive player in 2026 World Cup
Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. has gone through several disappointing recent seasons, with injuries playing a major role in his career. However, the veteran now appears to be regaining his full impact at Santos FC, leading the attack as the creative focal point. With this in mind, the 34-year-old star could become Brazil’s most decisive player at the 2026 World Cup.
While Raphinha and Vinícius Jr. are expected to lead Brazil’s attack, they have not managed to be truly decisive under Carlo Ancelotti. Because of this, Neymar Jr. could help elevate the team’s creative side, aiming to boost his teammates’ scoring output, a main problem ahead the anticipated tournament. Although he has not been part of the head coach’s process, the number of injuries could open the door for a strong return.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Neymar of Brazil and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Chelsea face Nottingham Forest for a Matchday 35 clash in the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Here’s all the essential information, including kickoff times and where to watch on TV or via streaming.
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Chelsea enters this crucial Premier League fixture in a state of crisis, desperate to salvage their season. Currently sitting in eighth place, the Blues are chasing a European qualification spot but are haunted by a devastating run of five consecutive league losses without scoring a single goal. The recent FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds has provided a sliver of hope under a new interim manager, but the pressure is immense to translate that cup form into a statement win at Stamford Bridge.
Nottingham Forest arrives in London with a completely different momentum. Engaged in a fight for survival, Forest is on a six-match unbeaten streak in the league, a run that has pulled them five points clear of the relegation zone. However, their focus is split, as this match is critically positioned between the two legs of their Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa. Manager Vítor Pereira faces the challenge of balancing the immediate need for league points with the historic opportunity of a European final.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Chelsea has endured a tumultuous campaign marked by inconsistency and a mid-season managerial change, culminating in their worst league scoring drought since 1912. In stark contrast, Nottingham Forest has found form at the perfect time, transforming from relegation candidates into one of the league’s most resilient teams with a massive +11 goal differential over their unbeaten streak.
The tactical battle at Stamford Bridge is set to be a classic clash of styles. Chelsea, despite their finishing woes, ranks highest in the league for expected goals (xG), indicating they consistently create scoring opportunities and will likely dominate possession. Forest, however, has become masters of the counter-attack. They proved their lethal efficiency in a 5-0 demolition of Sunderland with just 39% possession and have scored an astonishing nine goals from only 20 shots in their last two league games.
Motivation for both sides is at a fever pitch, but for different reasons. For Chelsea, this match is about restoring pride, ending a miserable league run, and keeping their faint hopes of European football alive. For Nottingham Forest, the primary objective is securing their Premier League status for another year. A win would likely guarantee survival, but with a massive Europa League tie looming, the club may be forced to prioritize, potentially resting key players and settling for a draw on the road.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, Chelsea has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the last five encounters, with Nottingham Forest managing just one victory and one match ending in a draw. The Blues are currently on a three-game unbeaten streak against Forest, demonstrating a clear recent advantage in head-to-head matchups.
Looking at the most recent results, Chelsea secured a convincing 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season and has kept a clean sheet in their last two games against Forest. However, it’s worth noting that two of the last three meetings at Stamford Bridge have ended in a draw, suggesting that Forest is capable of frustrating the home side in their own stadium.
Key statistical trends reveal a low-scoring history between these teams. Forest has scored only a single goal against Chelsea in their last three meetings combined. Furthermore, only two of the last five clashes have seen both teams find the back of the net, with the matches averaging a modest 2.4 goals per game.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both squads are contending with significant availability issues, with Chelsea‘s extensive injury list being compounded by a suspension, while Nottingham Forest must manage fatigue and potential rotation.
Chelsea‘s interim manager faces a selection headache with several key players sidelined. Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended, while Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens are among those on a long-term injury list. The latest blow is a hamstring injury to Estêvão, which has put his World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
Nottingham Forest is also missing key personnel, including Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willy Boly for the remainder of the season. Manager Vítor Pereira’s main challenge will be managing his squad’s fitness, with this Premier League game falling between two crucial Europa League semi-final legs. Dan Ndoye is the newest injury concern and is likely to miss the trip to London.
Chelsea Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro. This lineup leverages Chelsea‘s creative midfield trio of Palmer, Fernandez, and Neto to generate chances for their top scorer, Joao Pedro. The Brazilian has been a rare bright spot this season, netting 14 Premier League goals, and will be the focal point of their attack.
Nottingham Forest Projected XI (4-4-2): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Cunha, Williams; Hutchinson, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Jesus, Wood. Forest is expected to field a disciplined 4-4-2 formation designed to absorb pressure and strike quickly on the break. The partnership of Jesus and Wood up front provides a physical presence and a direct threat, perfectly suited to exploit any defensive gaps left by an attacking Chelsea side.
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With a spot in the final of this season’s Champions League hanging in the balance on Tuesday night, Arsenal will welcome Atletico Madrid to the Emirates for their second-leg showdown. Claiming an essential domestic boost over the weekend and picking up some dream momentum in north London, Mikel Arteta’s side are pencilled in as a […]
Neymar and the son of former Brazil international Robinho reportedly clashed during last Santos' training session.
Neymar‘s time at Santos has been anything but straightforward, and even as he focuses on forcing his way into Brazil‘s 2026 World Cup squad, another controversy has emerged. Reports have claimed the superstar clashed with Robinho Jr., the son of former Brazil international Robinho, during a training session.
According to Globo Esporte, an altercation broke out between the two players during the Sunday morning session at the CT Rei Pelé. The Brazilian outlet reports that Neymar grew irritated after being dribbled past by the teenager, responding after asking the youngster to ease up during the drill.
The confrontation escalated beyond words, with the two players reportedly engaging in a pushing match. At least one source contacted by Globo Esporte claims to have witnessed Neymar slapping Robinho Jr., and also catching the youngster with a trip that lifted him off the ground.
Neymar and Robinho of Brazil embracing.
The episode was all the more surprising given that Neymar has been something of a mentor to Robinho Jr. since the teenager began making his way through the Santos setup. The young forward’s father, former Real Madrid and Manchester City striker Robinho, was a longtime national team teammate of Neymar’s, and the two families have remained close over the years, making the training ground incident all the more jarring.
None of the parties involved, including Santos, Robinho Jr.’s representatives or Neymar’s press team, have commented publicly on the matter. However, according to Globo Esporte, Neymar approached Robinho Jr. to apologize for his behavior before leaving the training facility, with the situation resolved before the end of the session.
Neymar set to feature in Santos’ next game
After missing the game against Bahia through rest and the Palmeiras fixture due to the turf issue, Neymar has appeared in just one of Santos’ last three matches, a Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo. With his World Cup place far from secure, however, the former PSG and Barcelona star is set to return to the starting lineup at the first available opportunity.
At Sunday’s press conference, Santos head coach Cuca confirmed that Neymar will start against Deportivo Recoleta in Paraguay on Tuesday. “They’ve already sold all the tickets there; Neymar is going to play, of course he’s going to play. After that, he’ll have a run of games leading up to the call-up, doing his best and staying energized. Now, it’s about leaving everything on the pitch, helping us and helping himself,” Cuca said.
Santos currently sit at the bottom of Group D and are in desperate need of a victory against Recoleta. Following that match, the club has four more games before Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announces his World Cup squad on May 18, and Cuca has made clear his intention to keep Neymar in the lineup and give him the run of matches he needs to make his case.
While Barcelona’s wait to officially defend their La Liga crown might have been extended for a few more days, the Spanish heavyweights have embarked on another sensational domestic romp this season. Once again underlining their status as Spain’s ultimate poster boy and retaining their domestic title at a canter, Hansi Flick’s side are already planning […]
With the game against FC Barcelona up next, Kylian Mbappe has reportedly raised some discomfort among some Real Madrid teammates over his recent trips outside Spain.
Kylian Mbappe has found himself at the center of controversy despite his contributions throughout the 2025-26 season, with his recent travels outside of Spain drawing scrutiny from within the dressing room. Reports have now surfaced suggesting that his behavior ahead of the El Clasico against FC Barcelona has unsettled some of his Real Madrid teammates.
In last week’s match against Real Betis, Mbappe was forced off in the 81st minute with what was later described as a muscle strain in the semitendinosus muscle of his left leg. The injury ruled him out of the subsequent game against Espanyol, and cast serious doubt over his availability for the Clasico.
With Real Madrid sidelined from all other competitions and Barcelona on the cusp of clinching La Liga, images of Mbappe enjoying time in Cagliari and Sardinia, Italy, went viral over the weekend. The sight of the injured forward vacationing abroad while his teammates prepared for the Espanyol fixture did not go down well with fans, and it appears the reaction inside the locker room was not much warmer.
According to Spanish outlet El Mundo, Mbappe’s decision to travel during his recovery has generated friction within Real Madrid’s squad. Given that the injury was described publicly as relatively minor, a number of players are reported to have taken issue with the timing and optics of his latest getaway.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid runs with the ball while under pressure from Ricardo Rodriguez of Real Betis.
It was not the first time Mbappe’s travel habits had drawn attention. Earlier in the year, he had made a trip to Paris to undergo treatment for a knee injury, with two Real Madrid physiotherapists accompanying him and the full backing of the club and his teammates at the time. However, the latest episode has proven more divisive, particularly with the squad already staring down a trophyless season.
Real Madrid got past the Espanyol test on Sunday with a 2-0 win, with Vinicius Junior shouldering the attacking responsibility in Mbappe’s absence and scoring both goals. The El Clasico, the match that could officially hand the La Liga title to Barcelona, is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, and expectations remain high that Mbappe will be fit to feature, though the consequences of his recent trips have yet to fully play out within the squad.
Arbeloa backs Mbappe amid the scrutiny
While speculation over Mbappe’s future at the club continues to swirl, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa remains focused on steering Real Madrid through the final weeks of a challenging season. The latest controversy has added yet another layer of turbulence to an already difficult campaign.
When asked about the situation in his post-match press conference following the Espanyol win, Arbeloa defended Mbappe’s right to manage his recovery as he sees fit: “All planning for injured players is supervised and handled by Real Madrid’s medical services; they are the ones who control when someone should go to Valdebebas and when they shouldn’t. Beyond that, everyone does what they deem appropriate in their free time; I cannot interfere there.”
Pressed further on the question of Mbappe’s commitment to the club, Arbeloa did not waver in his support. “I don’t doubt the commitment of any of my players; I believe they all know how important these matches are for us. When you defend the Real Madrid shirt, when you are in this house, you understand the demands of this club. It’s as if they understand what they represent, where they are, and how important it is. And the luck they all have — that we all have — to be at Real Madrid,” he concluded.
With Al Nassr's winning streak snapping at 20 games, Cristiano Ronaldo fell just short of matching his career-best mark set during his time at Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo could not prevent Al Nassr‘s defeat on Sunday against Al Qadsiah, which brought the club’s remarkable winning streak to a halt with a 3-1 loss. While the Portuguese legend helped push the run to 20 consecutive victories, he ultimately fell short of the career-best streak he had set during his time at Real Madrid.
Al Nassr‘s winning run had stretched all the way back to January 17, some 106 days earlier, beginning on Matchday 16 against Al Shabab. Goals from Mohammed Abu Shamat in the 24th minute, Musab Al-Juwair in the 55th and Mexican international Julian Quiñones in the 78th were enough to end the streak, with Joao Felix’s 39th-minute strike accounting for Al Nassr’s only reply, leaving the club with just three games to go in the league season.
The 3-1 defeat brings to a close what stands as the longest winning streak in Al Nassr’s history. The run was made up of 16 consecutive Saudi Pro League victories and four wins in the AFC Champions League Two on the way to reaching the final.
However, the longest winning streak of Ronaldo’s career remains untouched. That benchmark dates back to the 2014-15 season, when between September 2014 and January 2015 he was part of a 22-match unbeaten winning run with Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates with Gareth Bale after scoring Real’s 3rd goal against FC Basel 1893.
That streak began on September 16, 2014, with a 5-1 home victory in the opening matchday of the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League against FC Basel, with Ronaldo contributing a goal and an assist. The run spanned La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the FIFA Club World Cup before finally coming to an end on January 4, 2015, with a 2-1 away win over Valencia in La Liga, in which Ronaldo scored Real Madrid’s only goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contribution across both winning streaks
Despite more than a decade separating the two runs, Ronaldo has been a pivotal figure in both, consistently contributing at both ends of the pitch, though his impact has been notably different in each setting.
During his career-best streak at Real Madrid, Ronaldo sat out just two games, both Copa del Rey ties against UD Cornellà in which coach Carlo Ancelotti elected to rest him. Across the remaining 20 matches, he scored 28 goals and delivered 12 assists, producing a staggering rate of 1.4 goals per game and 2.0 direct goal contributions per appearance. The run also yielded the FIFA Club World Cup, with victories over Mexico’s Cruz Azul and Argentina’s San Lorenzo.
During the most recent streak with Al Nassr, Ronaldo participated in 14 of the 20 games, missing six in total. Two of those absences came in the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 against FK Arkadag, where coach Jorge Jesus chose to rest him, while the remaining four were Saudi Pro League matches: two in early February during his voluntary boycott of the league and two more in late March while sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after winning against Al Ahli.
Across the 14 games he did feature in, Ronaldo scored 11 goals and contributed two assists, staggering figures for a player who turned 41 while the streak was still alive. His performances helped Al Nassr reach the AFC Champions League Two final and maintain their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League, with the title still firmly in their own hands.
After a humbling 3-1 defeat against Al Qadsiah, Cristiano Ronaldo made a ‘one mission’ message to his teammates after Al Nassr's winning streak came to an end.
Al Nassr’s record-breaking winning streak came to a halt on Sunday as Al Qadsiah handed them their first defeat in over 100 days. Despite the 3-1 setback in Saudi Pro League action, Cristiano Ronaldo sent a motivational message to his teammates as they enter the final sprint of the title race.
Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat opened the scoring for Al Qadsiah before Joao Felix found the equalizer in the 39th minute. However, the tide turned in the second half, with Musab Al Juwayr and Mexico international Julian Quinones finding the net to seal the result against an Al Nassr side that appeared to run out of ideas.
Ronaldo remained vocal after the match despite being unable to find the back of the net himself. “One mission. We keep working. TOGETHER!,” the Portuguese legend posted on social media, calling for his teammates to maintain their focus in the wake of the significant blow.
While Quinones extended his lead at the top of the SPL Golden Boot race, now sitting on 29 goals, Ronaldo struggled to keep pace with the Mexican star. In a game where Al Nassr found clear looks hard to come by, Ronaldo’s best opportunities came in the 37th minute when he rattled the bar, and again in stoppage time with a shot that grazed the right post.
For the team, the defeat served as a major reality check, marking the first time Al Nassr has dropped points since January 12th while snapping a 16-game winning streak in the SPL and a 20-game run across all competitions. On that previous occasion, Ronaldo’s side also fell 3-1 to Al Hilal; exactly 111 days later, they suffer a nearly identical loss at a critical juncture of the season.
What’s next for Al Nassr?
Al Nassr remains at the top of the Saudi Pro League with 79 points through 31 games, but Al Hilal, who hold a game in hand, could cut the gap from five points to two when they face Al Khaleej midweek. Nevertheless, the push for the league title still rests in Al Nassr’s hands with only three games remaining.
Following Sunday’s loss, Al Nassr travels to face Al Shabab on Thursday, May 7th. That matchup serves as the precursor to a massive, title-deciding showdown against Al Hilal on May 12th at Al Awwal Park.
Despite Real Madrid not being in their best season, Vinícius Jr. has managed to remain one of the team’s most consistent players. In fact, the Brazilian star has joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in an exclusive scoring list for Los Blancos.
Since Kylian Mbappé’s arrival, Vinícius Jr. has noticeably dropped his level at Real Madrid, drawing significant criticism from fans. Although he has not managed to match his performances from previous seasons, he remains one of the team’s most productive players, contributing both creatively and in terms of goals. In fact, the Brazilian star has joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in an exclusive scoring list for Los Blancos.
According to MisterChip, via X, Vinícius Jr. has joined the list of Real Madrid players who have scored 20+ goals in all competitions in 5+ consecutive seasons. With this, the Brazilian star joins Pahiño, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Hugo Sánchez, Raúl González, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema. After achieving this, he has already become a historic figure for the club, even leading two UEFA Champions League titles as a key player.
Vinícius Jr. has scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in the current season for Los Blancos. With this, the Brazilian has proven to be the team’s most complete forward, playing a key role in the collective game. Although his performances are not as explosive as in previous seasons, he has shown consistency and established as a leader in the dressing room, helping to guide the team to several titles since his arrival.
Despite the Brazilian’s strong impact, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema remain well above him in Real Madrid’s historical hierarchy. Not only did both win Ballon d’Or awards, but they are also the club’s two all-time top scorers. In addition, they managed to stay among the best players in the world for more than 10 years, leaving a major legacy at Los Blancos. With this in mind, Vinicius Jr. still has a tough path to follow.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Vinícius Jr. receives unfair criticism from Real Madrid fans
Over the last two seasons, Vinícius Jr. has become a source of criticism from fans, despite still being highly productive. However, Kylian Mbappé’s arrival has completely unbalanced his role, forcing him to change positions and significantly limiting his impact. Rather than the Frenchman adapting, all the coaches have tried to adjust the Brazilian instead, exposing him considerably.
Both Vini Jr. and Mbappé tend to operate in the same areas: The left flank. While the Frenchman starts as a centre-forward, he does not play as a traditional striker, often drifting into the left side occupied by the Brazilian. Because of this, the 25-year-old star has adapted to a more complete role, focusing on collective play, but the lack of freedom he once had has caused his numbers to drop.
If Kylian Mbappé were to fully adapt as a central striker, Vinícius Jr. could continue thriving on the left wing, something that already worked with Karim Benzema. However, the Frenchman still appears to enjoy positional freedom, which limits the Brazilian. Therefore, the challenge for Álvaro Arbeloa or any future coach will be to structure the attack so that both can shine at the same time.
Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema.
After Orlando City's comeback 4-3 at the Nu Stadium, Ian Fray revealed that Lionel Messi called the Inter Miami game as "unacceptable."
Inter Miami suffered one of the most stunning defeats of the 2026 MLS season, squandering a 3-0 lead in the Florida Derby as Orlando City completed a heroic 4-3 comeback. In the aftermath of the collapse at Nu Stadium, Ian Fray revealed that captain Lionel Messi addressed the dressing room afterward and called the result “unacceptable.”
Fray had opened the scoring with a header from the left in the fourth minute, before Messi set up Telasco Segovia in the 25th and then added his own name to the scoresheet with a brilliant finish in the 33rd. From there, Martin Ojeda’s hat trick and Tyrese Spicer’s goal in the 90th minute turned the game completely on its head, handing Orlando a 4-3 victory.
Speaking to the media in the mixed zone, Fray was asked about the mood and the conversation that took place in the locker room, and he made clear that Messi had been the one to address the group. “Yes, the captain spoke and gave us a lot of motivational words ahead of the upcoming match.
“He said that this is unacceptable, and it’s something we all completely agree with — this is unacceptable, and it certainly won’t happen again,” Fray added. The defender had exited the game in the 66th minute in what appeared to be an injury, replaced by Facundo Mura, though he showed no obvious signs of distress afterward, providing a small measure of relief for the club.
Ian Fray comenta que Lionel Messi habló después del partido y dijo en el vestuario que esto era inaceptable y que no podía volver a suceder.#InterMiamiCFpic.twitter.com/76vsfhwgPS
The defeat marked the worst single-game comeback Messi has experienced in his career, and Inter Miami continue to struggle to recapture the form that carried them to the 2025 MLS title. Next up, the Herons travel to Canada to face Toronto FC on Saturday, May 9, a game Messi is already locked in on after Saturday’s humbling result at their home ground.
Messi and a heated exchange with the referee
Saturday’s Florida Derby was not without its off-ball drama, as several Inter Miami players clashed with referee Guido Gonzalez Jr. throughout the match. One of the main grievances centered on the foul count, with Miami whistled for 18 infractions compared to just five for Orlando, a disparity that frustrated multiple players throughout the night.
The third yellow card of the night for Miami arrived in the 59th minute when Rodrigo De Paul was booked for protesting a decision. A similar moment followed in the 78th minute involving Messi, who was cautioned after voicing his displeasure with Gonzalez Jr. following the referee’s decision to award Orlando a penalty after a foul by Maxi Falcon, with the Argentine arguing that several other fouls had gone uncalled against his side.
🚨There were about 10 fouls on Messi that the referee didn’t call, and a similar push from behind on Berterame — just like the one that earned Orlando a penalty — was completely ignored. Messi’s reaction towards the referee says it all! 😤🤬 pic.twitter.com/PvtdPwE86P
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) May 3, 2026
Fray was also asked about the official’s performance and did not hold back. “I think this referee has something against maybe some of the players of our team — it’s just as simple as that,” he said, before stressing that the result ultimately rested on his team’s shoulders. “You should never lose a game going 3-0,” he added.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, expectations are high for Brazil and Vinícius Jr., as they are expected to deliver an imposing performance. However, 2002 World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed that he does not consider the 25-year-old star to be the team’s main leader.
Vinícius Jr. has become one of the best players in the world, shining with Real Madrid. Despite this, he has always been heavily debated with Brazil, as he has not managed to deliver a similar impact to the one he has at club level. Adding further depth to the criticism, 2002 World Cup-winning head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that he does not consider the 25-year-old star as the main figure, pointing to Argentina as a key example.
“I don’t see Vinicius Jr. as a main figure for Brazil. The main thing for Brazil is to do what Argentina’s head coach did. He put everyone in a position to understand that they had a star: Messi. Get the ball to Messi. We’re not going to be better than Messi, so we’ll do what’s best for Messi, and Argentina became champions… I think it’s important to have a single player who is aware of his qualities and can help the team,” Scolari said, via DSports.
Unlike previous generations of Brazil, there is no longer a clear main star due to Neymar Jr.’s absence. While earlier eras featured Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Romário, and others, the national team is not at its best right now, forcing them to adjust their approach and focus on collective play as their main strength. Although Vinicius Jr. shines at Real Madrid, he has not managed to replicate that level with the national team.
Across his 48 matches for Brazil, Vini Jr. has recorded just 8 goals and 8 assists, making him more of a secondary figure. Despite this, the arrival of Ancelotti could help unlock his best version, with the 2026 World Cup serving as a platform to boost his legacy and establish as the undisputed leader. However, Carlo has decided that his team will not revolve around any single player, but rather around a collective idea, making everyone important.
Vinicius Junior is subbed off by Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil.
Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha aim to lead Brazil at the 2026 World Cup
Following Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival, Brazil have significantly improved their competitiveness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Not only do they now have a clear collective playing identity, but they have also improved considerably on the defensive end. However, they have already lost several players such as Rodrygo Goes and Éder Militão, along with uncertainties surrounding Estêvão. In response, Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha are expected to lead the team’s attack.
Ancelotti has decided to rely on Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha as his difference-makers, giving them creative freedom. However, Brazil do not play to maximize their individual strengths; instead, both are aimed to boost the collective play with their talent, making them central axis. With this approach, they could bring out the best in João Pedro or Endrick, or allow others to stand out, but always with a clear principle: Collective play over individual qualities.
Vinicius Junior of Brazil and 2002 World Cup-winning head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
After establishing as one of the most well-rounded midfielders, Eduardo Camavinga seemed to be a sure bet for France. However, his form has dipped at Real Madrid, affecting his performance with the national team. As a result, he risks being left off Didier Deschamps’ 2026 World Cup roster.
Eduardo Camavinga established as one of the best midfielders in the world, operating as a box-to-box player. In addition, he became a key figure for France thanks to his versatility and defensive reliability. However, he now appears to be at risk of losing his place in the 2026 World Cup squad, as head coach Didier Deschamps is reportedly unsure about calling him up due to his inconsistency at Real Madrid.
According to Telefoot, head coach Didier Deschamps is not fully convinced about calling up Eduardo Camavinga for the 2026 World Cup roster. Not only has he failed to stand out at Real Madrid, but he also did not manage to impress during the March friendlies, even ending up on the bench in both matches. Despite this, the Frenchman remains optimistic, aiming to regain his best form during what remains of the season.
Throughout the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, France chose to rely on Manu Koné, N’Golo Kanté, Adrien Rabiot, and even Aurélien Tchouaméni. While Deschamps tends to make numerous rotations, Camavinga has not been a player with much playing time. Despite this, Didier could still call him up due to his great versatility, being able to play as a left-back and in other positions, but he needs to regain consistency.
Eduardo Camavinga is no longer an undroppable player for France, as Tchouaméni and Kanté dominate the defensive midfield role. Because of this, he now has to compete for a spot as an interior midfielder in the national team, where he faces serious disadvantages. Without being a playmaker or a midfielder who stands out for his imposing physicality, he risks being left out of the anticipated tournament.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Eduardo Camavinga seems to have lost his place at Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga emerged as a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti, becoming Real Madrid’s starting defensive midfielder. With his defensive consistency and attacking ability, he was a key player for the team. However, the Frenchman now appears to be losing his place, as neither Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa have opted to start him, with him even being relegated in favor of Thiago Pitarch, recently promoted from the academy to the first team.
While Arbeloa favors a fairly crowded midfield, Camavinga has become the last option in the rotation, only coming on for a few minutes without making much of an impact. In addition, the Frenchman has also not been used at left-back, as Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, and Ferland Mendy occupy the entire rotation in that position. With this in mind, he appears to be one of the players set to leave the club, as reinforcements are expected in the summer of 2026.
After a disappointing season, Real Madrid are looking to make several adjustments, including a potential change in head coach, offering him a new opportunity. However, this depends on whether he manages to stand out in pre-season or the departure of another star. If he leaves, PSG and Liverpool are reportedly interested in pursuing his signing, which Los Blancos might view positively due to the number of players they already have with similar profiles.
Eduardo Camavinga of France warms up prior to the UEFA Nations League.
Club America will face Pumas in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Here’s all the key information ahead of this matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming broadcast details in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Club America vs Pumas UNAM on US television and via legal streaming:
All eyes turn to Mexico City for what shapes up as one of the marquee quarterfinal clashes, as historic rivals Pumas UNAM and Club America collide in another high-stakes edition of the Clasico Capitalino with a semifinal berth hanging in the balance.
Pumas arrive with momentum after finishing atop the regular-season standings—level on points with Chivas but ahead on goal differential—positioning themselves as the team to beat, yet America’s proven pedigree in rivalry matchups and postseason pressure adds an unpredictable edge, setting the stage for a fierce unpredictable battle.
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With Inter Miami going from a 3-0 lead to a 4-3 defeat against Orlando City in the MLS, questions rose whether this has been the worst comeback Lionel Messi has suffered in his career.
Lionel Messi contributed to the scoresheet and put Inter Miami in a seemingly commanding position before Orlando City pulled off a stunning 4-3 comeback at Nu Stadium. The shocking result has raised the question of whether this is the most dramatic reversal Messi has ever experienced in his professional career.
The result also marked a historic first in Messi’s senior professional career: never before had a team he was part of surrendered a three-goal lead in the same game. In fact, throughout his career, a three-goal cushion had never even resulted in a draw for his side, yet Orlando not only leveled the score but went on to claim all three points.
On the Champions League stage, Messi did experience two seismic collapses with Barcelona. The first came in 2018 when, after a 4-1 first-leg victory over AS Roma in the quarterfinals, the Blaugrana were eliminated following a 3-0 defeat in Rome. The second and more iconic collapse came the following season when Liverpool overturned a 3-0 aggregate deficit at Anfield with a stunning 4-0 victory.
However, both of those examples unfolded across two legs. Within a single game, Wednesday night against Orlando represents the first time in Messi’s career that a three-goal lead has been squandered entirely. He has seen two-goal advantages slip away before, most memorably in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal and final against France, but never has a team of his lost from three goals up inside 90 minutes.
The alarming result against Orlando continued to spotlight two persistent weaknesses in Inter Miami‘s 2026 campaign. The striking corps of Germán Berterame, Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende have struggled badly for goals, while the defensive record has been equally worrying, with 13 goals conceded across the last seven matches.
Unwanted history in MLS too
Inter Miami played their first five MLS games on the road ahead of the inauguration of Miami Freedom Park, now Nu Stadium, on April 4. But with three draws and a defeat in four home games since, the Orlando collapse added yet another unwanted footnote to what has been a difficult stretch at their new ground.
Orlando’s comeback from 3-0 down to win is only the third time in MLS history that a team has overturned such a deficit to claim victory. They join the LA Galaxy, who came from 3-0 down to win 4-3 in the first-ever Los Angeles derby in 2018, and the Seattle Sounders, who completed the same feat against D.C. United in a 4-3 result in 2017.
Christian Pulisic went from being AC Milan’s leader to a heavily criticized player. While he has yet to score in 2026, head coach Massimiliano Allegri has stepped up to defend the USMNT star, making his support clear for him to continue with the Rossoneri.
Christian Pulisic began the 2025-26 season as AC Milan’s undisputed leader, standing out both in goals and assists. Despite this, the USMNT star has experienced a noticeable drop in form, facing constant criticism and raising doubts about his continuity. In response, head coach Massimiliano Allegri has come out in defense of the 27-year-old star, making his support clear for extending his stay at the club.
“For the future, these difficulties won’t weigh he’s strong, he belongs to Milan, and players like him are hard to find. You have to evaluate the whole picture, not just the last season. Recently he’s lacked goals, but he’s done well,”AC Milan‘s Massimiliano Allegri said in the latest press conference.
With his contract with the Rossoneri running until 2027, with a unilateral option until 2028, Pulisic’s continuity has been an absolute priority for the front office. However, both parties have decided to pause all negotiations, aiming to fully focus on securing qualification for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League. Despite this, the USMNT star remains committed to staying, as he has Allegri’s backing.
Despite Massimiliano Allegri’s support, Christian Pulisic still needs to recover his best form, as he remains goalless in 2026 and continues to show an inconsistent level. With the 2026 World Cup just a few months away, he could use the tournament as a catalyst to rediscover his best version, aiming to make a decisive impact in the 2026-27 season, alongside new signings and a potentially renewed attacking setup for the Rossoneri.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Serie A match.
Christian Pulisic may be tempted to join Manchester United
Throughout the season, Christian Pulisic’s future has been linked with a potential return to the Premier League. While the USMNT star is expected to remain at AC Milan, Manchester United have reportedly decided to pursue his signing. After securing qualification for the 2026-27 Champions League, they are preparing for departures in attack, making the 27-year-old an ideal solution.
According to TEAMtalk, the Red Devils have decided to prioritize the signing of Pulisic over Rafael Leão. Following the potential departure of Joshua Zirkzee, they are looking for a versatile player capable of fitting on both wings and in the attacking midfield role. In addition, the USMNT star has not made any progress in contract renewal talks with AC Milan, so they are looking to take advantage of the situation to complete his signing.
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and Christian Pulisic.
Cristiano Ronaldo has established as one of the greatest players in history, winning numerous championships and reshaping the history of Real Madrid and Portugal. Despite this, former Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made a surprising comparison between him, Messi and Ronaldinho.
Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the greatest soccer players in history. He has not only broken goal-scoring records, but also transformed his national team into a winning one. Despite this, former Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made a surprising comparison between the veteran and Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, making it clear that he was never a natural star like them, while offering an important clarification.
“He was never a crack like Messi or Ronaldinho—he made himself into one. He looked for alternatives. Players like Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Maradona already know where the ball will be; Cristiano doesn’t. He was a player who chased situations to turn himself into a crack. And now, at 41, he’s heading to another World Cup thanks to his persistence, determination, and dedication. He has a wonderful heart,”Luiz Felipe Scolari said, via DSports.
Far from criticizing Cristiano, Scolari was highlighting a clear virtue of his career: Hard work. Unlike many soccer legends, the Portuguese star did not start as an elite player but managed to become one through dedication and persistence, winning several individual awards and dominating an era alongside Lionel Messi. Moreover, he scored more goals after turning 30 than in his earlier years, establishing as one of Real Madrid’s greatest legends.
Even though Lionel Messi seemed to dominate the recent era on his own with his natural talent, Cristiano Ronaldo managed to compete with him directly, winning five Ballon d’Or awards along with five UEFA Champions League titles. In addition, he is approaching 1,000 goals, further cementing a legendary era in soccer. Because of this, he has placed firmly in the GOAT conversation, alongside the Argentine, Diego Maradona, Pelé, and others.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo reshaped Portugal’s history, leading a winning era
Throughout history,Portugal have had many soccer legends, such as Eusébio, Deco, Luís Figo, Paulo Futre and others, making them a very attractive national team. However, they did not manage to win any titles during their time, disappointing tournament after tournament. Unlike them, Cristiano Ronaldo did transform the history of the national team, turning them into a highly competitive side and even favorites for the 2026 World Cup.
Under Fernando Santos and Roberto Martinez, Portugal won the first three titles in their history: the 2016 UEFA Euro, the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, and the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League. In all of them, Cristiano emerged as a key figure on the field, standing out not only for his goals but also for his leadership. Furthermore, they have a very promising team that is emerging as a contender to win the World Cup, which would further elevate the veteran forward’s legacy.
Along with these titles, Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer with 143 goals. With this, he surpassed Pauleta and Eusébio, who finished with 47 goals and 42 goals, respectively. Because of this, the veteran forward can indeed be considered the most important figure in the history of the national team, having a completely historic impact.
Lionel Messi of Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, and Ronaldinho of Brazil.
Verdict: Arsenal win Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Dachbet With a spot in the final of this season’s Champions League hanging in the balance on Tuesday night, Arsenal will welcome Atletico Madrid to north London for their second-leg showdown. Arsenal Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have found a tremendous amount of pressure on their […]
Al Qadisiyah receive Al Nassr for Matchday 31 of the 2025/2026 Saudi Pro League. Discover how to watch every moment, including kickoff times and full broadcast information for TV and streaming across the United States.
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Fresh off a signature victory over Al Ahli, Al Nassr return to action with confidence surging and their grip on the title race intact, holding a five-point cushion over Al Hilal as the season nears its decisive stretch. With Cristiano Ronaldoleading the charge, the message inside the locker room is clear: every remaining fixture is must-win territory.
Awaiting them is a dangerous Al Quadisiyah side currently fourth with 65 points, still battling to secure a top finish and eager to play spoiler in a matchup loaded with stakes on both sides of the table—don’t miss what promises to be a pivotal showdown.
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Espanyol host Real Madrid for a Matchday 34 clash in the 2025/26 La Liga campaign. Here’s all the key information, including kickoff times and how to watch the action live on TV and streaming platforms.
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With the La Liga title race nearing its conclusion, Real Madrid find themselves under intense pressure. Kylian Mbappe and company know very well that a victory is essential to keep their slim championship hopes alive.
However, Espanyolwon’t make it easy as they continue their push to secure safety, sitting five points above the relegation zone, all while Barcelona edges closer to lifting the trophy after a 2–1 win over Osasuna, leaving virtually no margin for error for Real Madrid.
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After the latest win over Al-Ahli, Al Nassr visit Al-Qadisiya, looking for a victory that brings them closer to the Saudi Pro League title. Given his major impact in front of goal, fans are closely watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s status for the match, as he is expected to be a difference-maker.
Al Nassr have put together an impressive run of 16 consecutive victories, moving ever closer to the Saudi Pro League title. With this in mind, they visit Al-Qadisiya today, aiming to extend their strong streak with the attacking firepower that makes them the league’s top offensive team. To that end, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo’s status ahead of the game, as he is expected to be decisive.
Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to avoid injuries and physical fatigue in recent matches, so he is in top condition. With this in mind, Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus will start him, as he is coming off a goal in the previous game and could do it again. Additionally, the Portuguese striker will be looking to close the gap on Julián Quiñones and Ivan Toney in the scoring charts.
Coupled with the Portuguese veteran, Al Nassr will line up Joao Felix, aiming again for the imposing offensive duo that has dominated the league. After losing the last four encounters against Al-Qadisiya, they are set to impose their prowess, securing first place in the charts. For that reason, Iñigo Martinez and Mohamed Simakan will lead the defense again, looking to stop Julián Quiñones’ good form.
While Al-Qadisiya are not competing to win the Saudi Pro League, they have been one of the league’s top teams. With their attacking firepower led by Julián Quiñones, they will look to defeat Al Nassr as they push to fight for third place in the standings. Additionally, they could take advantage of the large spaces left by head coach Jorge Jesus’s high press to secure a fifth consecutive victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC after the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Al Ahli
Al-Qadisiya lineup vs Al Nassr
Al-Qadisiya enter the match against Al Nassr with four key absences: Waleed Al-Ahmad, Turki Al-Ammar, Mateo Retegui, and Julian Weigl due to injury. As a result, head coach Brendan Rodgers will expected to make significant changes to his starting lineup, as they have managed to shine offensively. However, they face the tough challenge of being consistent defensively, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s team is the best attacking side in the Saudi Pro League.
Considering this, Al-Qadisiya will play as follows: Koen Casteels; Muhammad Abu al-Shamat, Jehad Thakri, Nacho Fernández, Gastón Álvarez; Musab Al-Juwayr, Nahitan Nández, Otavio, Christopher Bonsu Baah; Abdullah Al Salem, Julian Quiñones.
Al Nassr lineup vs Al-Qadisiya
Like Al-Qadisiya, Al Nassr enter today’s match with three absences: Raghid Alaa Najjar, Mubarak Buainain, and Sami Al-Najei. However, head coach Jorge Jesus still has his top players in peak condition, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix standing out the most. In addition, they have Kingsley Coman and Angelo, who can dominate with their pace. Despite this, they face the difficult task of stopping Julián Quiñones, who is in excellent goal-scoring form.
With this in mind, Al Nassr will lineup as follows: Bento Krepski; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Iñigo Martinez; Marcelo Brozovic, Abdullah Alkhaibari; Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, Angelo, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr looks on prior the Saudi Pro League match.
Aston Villa host Tottenham Hotspur in a Matchday 35 clash during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Check out all the essential details here, including kickoff times and where to watch on TV or via streaming platforms.
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Aston Villa returns to Villa Park with their sights firmly set on securing a coveted Champions League spot. Unai Emery‘s side has been a force at home, transforming their stadium into a fortress where they have won 17 of 24 competitive matches this season. With an eight-point cushion over sixth place, the mission is clear: capitalize on their momentum and lock down a top-five finish in front of their home crowd.
For Tottenham, the stakes are dramatically different. Mired in a shocking relegation battle, Spurs travel to Birmingham with an urgent need for points. Despite their abysmal season, their away form has been a rare bright spot, ranking seventh in the league. A recent, hard-fought victory over Wolves snapped a long winless streak, but now they face a far more formidable opponent in a match that could define their fight for Premier League survival.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This fixture presents a stark contrast in season trajectories. Aston Villa, under the masterful guidance of Unai Emery, has been a model of consistency, challenging for European football’s elite competition. Conversely, Tottenham‘s campaign has been a stunning collapse, with Roberto De Zerbi‘s squad now desperately fighting to avoid a catastrophic drop to the Championship. Villa‘s organized and potent attack meets a Spurs side battling inconsistency and a crippling injury list.
The tactical battle will likely be decided on the flanks. Villa‘s primary strength lies in its blistering wing play, where Emery will instruct his players to isolate and overwhelm Tottenham‘s full-backs. This strategy directly targets one of Spurs‘ most significant defensive vulnerabilities. To counter, Tottenham must adopt an aggressive, high-pressure approach out of sheer necessity, but Villa‘s disciplined structure and home advantage should give them the upper hand in controlling the game’s tempo.
Motivation could not be more polarized. While Villa is driven by the ambition of Champions League qualification, they have a comfortable lead and a Europa League semi-final to consider. For Tottenham, this is a matter of survival. Sitting two points from safety with only four matches remaining, every tackle, pass, and shot carries immense weight. The desperation of their situation demands a performance full of grit and determination.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Recent history heavily favors the home side, as Aston Villa has established clear dominance in this fixture. The Villans have won their last four consecutive matches against Tottenham across all competitions, showcasing a tactical and mental edge over their London rivals. The last time these two clubs shared the points was in a 2012 draw, underlining the decisive nature of their recent encounters.
Looking at the last five meetings, Aston Villa has won four, with Tottenham managing just a single victory. Goals have been a consistent feature, with both teams finding the net in four of those five clashes. The 2-1 scoreline has been particularly common, occurring three times, including in both of Villa‘s wins against Spurs earlier this season. Villa has demonstrated an ability to consistently breach the Tottenham defense.
Statistically, this matchup promises offensive action. The last five head-to-head games have produced an average of 4.0 goals per game. Villa‘s attack has been particularly effective, scoring exactly two goals in each of their last four victories over Spurs. Furthermore, with Tottenham having failed to score in just four of 17 away games and Villa failing to score in only four of 17 home games, the data points toward another lively contest.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Tottenham arrives at Villa Park in the midst of a severe injury crisis, while Aston Villa manages more contained, yet still significant, fitness concerns. The visitors are missing a host of key players, forcing manager Roberto De Zerbi to field a heavily depleted squad for this critical relegation six-pointer.
Aston Villa‘s primary concerns are in midfield, with Boubacar Kamara out for the season and Amadou Onana a doubt for the match. This places extra responsibility on the returning John McGinn and his partners to control the center of the park against a desperate Spurs side. Unai Emery will need to manage his squad’s fitness carefully, with this game sandwiched between two crucial Europa League semi-final legs.
Tottenham‘s injury list is extensive and has been a major factor in their downfall. The recent season-ending injuries to Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke were devastating blows. They join a long-term absentee list that includes Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, and Mohammed Kudus, leaving De Zerbi with limited options to mount a survival bid.
Aston Villa Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; McGinn, Barkley, Rogers; Watkins. This is Emery‘s trusted formation, designed for balance and firepower. Ollie Watkins will lead the line, supported by the creative trio of McGinn, Barkley, and Rogers. With injuries in the holding midfield roles, the performance of Tielemans and Bogarde will be vital in shielding the defense and launching attacks.
Tottenham Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison. This lineup is a reflection of Spurs‘ injury woes. Richarlison is expected to spearhead the attack, relying on the pace and energy of Kolo Muani and Tel on the wings. The makeshift backline and midfield will face a severe test against one of the league’s most effective home teams.
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Manchester United clash with Liverpool in a Matchday 35 showdown during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Here’s everything you need to know, including kickoff times and viewing options on TV and streaming platforms.
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One of the most intense rivalries in world soccer reignites as Manchester United hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford in a crucial Premier League showdown. The hosts, enjoying a significant resurgence under manager Michael Carrick, aim to solidify their third-place standing and make a statement against their historic rivals. Having turned their home ground back into a fortress, Unitedenters this clash with momentum and confidence, viewing this match as a critical test of their progress.
For Liverpool, the stakes are equally high. While a top-five finish and Champions League qualification seem likely, a victory at Old Trafford is about more than just points; it’s about pride and rectifying a season marked by inconsistency. Arne Slot‘s squad has struggled on the road, and overcoming a confident United side will require a massive performance. With both teams possessing potent attacks and defensive vulnerabilities, this North West Derby promises high drama and urgency from the first whistle.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This season has seen contrasting fortunes for these two giants. Manchester United has transformed under Michael Carrick, evolving from a team in disarray to a disciplined and effective unit. Their climb to third in the table is built on tactical clarity and newfound stability. In contrast, Liverpool‘s campaign has been a story of adaptation and inconsistency. While they remain in fourth, their performance has fallen short of the high standards set in previous years, particularly away from Anfield.
The tactical battle will likely be decided in the midfield and during transitional phases. Manchester United thrives in open games, utilizing quick counter-attacks where Bruno Fernandes can orchestrate play. The Portuguese midfielder, who leads the league in assists, will be the central figure for the home side. Liverpool is not a team that sits back, which should play into United‘s hands, but also presents a threat. Even without the injured Mohamed Salah, Liverpool possesses the quality to exploit any defensive gaps United leaves open.
Motivation for both squads extends beyond the three points. For United, a win would be a powerful endorsement of Carrick‘s leadership and a step closer to securing a top-three finish. For Liverpool, winning at Old Trafford would be a massive morale boost and a way to salvage a challenging season. With both teams almost certain of Champions League football next season, the lack of jeopardy could lead to an open, attacking spectacle where both sides push for a decisive victory.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
The historical rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is legendary, but recent encounters have been remarkably balanced. Over the last five meetings in all competitions, both clubs have secured just one victory each, with the other three matches ending in a draw during regular time. This equilibrium underscores how tightly contested this fixture has become, with neither side able to establish clear dominance.
Looking at the most recent results, Manchester United claimed a significant 2-1 victory at Anfield earlier this season, a rare win at Liverpool‘s home ground. Prior to that, the teams played out three consecutive draws at Old Trafford in 2024, including a thrilling 4-3 FA Cup victory for United after extra time. The only clean sheet in the last five clashes came in a 3-0 win for Liverpool at Old Trafford in September 2024, highlighting the defensive challenges both teams often face in this matchup.
Statistically, this fixture consistently produces goals. Each of the last five head-to-head duels has featured over 2.5 goals, with both teams finding the net in four of those games. The average goals per game across these encounters is a staggering 4.2, signaling a high probability of another action-packed, high-scoring affair. Bettors and fans should anticipate an open game where both attacks are likely to shine.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both managers are contending with significant roster issues, as Manchester United faces defensive shortages while Liverpool‘s attacking firepower has been seriously depleted.
For the home side, Michael Carrick will be without two key central defenders. Lisandro Martinez is serving a suspension, and Matthijs De Ligt is sidelined with a back injury, forcing a reshuffle at the back. Furthermore, both Matheus Cunha and Luke Shaw are questionable after picking up knocks in the recent win against Brentford. Their availability will likely be a match-day decision, adding another layer of uncertainty to United‘s defensive and attacking setup.
Liverpool‘s concerns are primarily at the other end of the pitch. The devastating loss of both Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike to injury strips the team of its most reliable goal threats. While goalkeeper Alisson is expected to return after missing the last match, the absence of his star forwards puts immense pressure on Alexander Isak to lead the line. Arne Slot will need his midfield creators to step up and provide the necessary service to a makeshift front three.
Manchester United Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko. This lineup relies heavily on the creative genius of Bruno Fernandes in the number ten role. With Casemiro and Mainoo providing a solid midfield base, United will look to get the ball to their wide players quickly and exploit Liverpool‘s defensive frailties, especially on the counter-attack.
Liverpool Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak. In the absence of Salah, the creative burden falls on the midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Wirtz, and Mac Allister. Alexander Isak will be the focal point of the attack, and his ability to hold up play and link with the runners from deep will be crucial to Liverpool’s chances of breaking down the United defense.
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Toluca will face Pachuca in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Here’s all the key information ahead of this matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming broadcast details in the United States.
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Expect a high-intensity showdown as Pachuca and Toluca square off after nearly identical regular-season runs, separated by just a single point. Pachucasecured fourth place with 31 points but stumbled late, dropping their final two matches after spending much of the campaign in the hunt for the top spot.
Tolucafollowed a similar script, also closing the regular season on a two-game skid, leaving both sides eager for a reset. With momentum up for grabs and a semifinal berth on the line, this clash sets the stage for one team to flip the narrative and make a statement when it matters most.
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DirecTV Stream has 140+ channels of live TV and unlimited DVR. That includes all of the most important soccer-related channels such as NBC, FOX, ESPN, TNT, CBS as well as more niche soccer channels including FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Univision, TUDN and GolTV.
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Hansi Flick claimed he does not care about how Barcelona retain their LaLiga title, insisting his side “have done our job”. Barca defeated Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday, with quickfire goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres sealing a crucial away win. La Blaugrana have now won 10 consecutive LaLiga matches, reaching that figure in a […]
Diego Simeone credited Atletico Madrid B team head coach Fernando Torres for his work with the younger players in the first team. Atleti defeated Valencia 2-0 on Saturday, with 20-year-old Iker Luque and 18-year-old Miguel Cubo scoring at Estadio de Mestalla. Atleti have now beaten Valencia in five consecutive LaLiga matches, the first time they […]
Inter Miami fall 4-3 to Orlando City in a match that will go down in Major League Soccer history.
Inter Miami fell 4-3 to Orlando City in a match that will go down in Major League Soccer history. Lionel Messi had scored one of the goals in the first half, during which the Herons built a three-goal lead. Martin Ojeda was the standout performer of the night with a hat trick for the visitors.
The hosts showed their dominance from the opening minutes of the first half. It took them just three minutes to take the lead, when Telasco Segovia delivered a cross that Micael headed home.
At the 25-minute mark, Guillermo Hoyos’ side doubled their advantage after a combination between Luis Suarez and Messi ended with Segovia finishing the move. Leo himself added the third shortly after with a beautiful long-range strike. Orlando City managed to pull one back before halftime through Martin Ojeda.
Everything changed in the second half. Inter Miami ceded control and opted to exploit the spaces left by their opponents on the counterattack in an attempt to extend their lead, but they lacked precision and were punished by Orlando City’s pressure.
In that context, Ojeda became the most decisive player of the match. The Argentine attacking midfielder took control and led his team brilliantly, scoring two more goals to bring the Lions level at 3-3. In stoppage time, Tyrese Spicer scored the winner.
As a result, Inter Miami let a huge opportunity slip away to win the derby, while also extending their winless run at Nu Stadium to four matches since its opening in early April.
With the milestone established, the natural comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo begins to emerge. When examining the first 100 games of both legends at their respective clubs, the contrast is striking.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s stories continue to evolve, even as both icons carve out new chapters far from Europe. This weekend brings another landmark moment, as Inter Miami prepares for a crucial derby clash with Orlando City, with history quietly waiting in the background.
The Florida Derby arrives with momentum on one side and urgency on the other. Miami enters the contest unbeaten in recent weeks, while Orlando looks to defy form and disrupt a rival chasing the top of the Eastern Conference. Beneath that competitive tension, however, a deeper narrative is beginning to take shape.
There is more than just three points at stake as Messi enters the pitch once again. The Argentine forward has now reached a historic milestone of 100 appearances for Inter Miami, a moment that reflects both longevity and extraordinary consistency since his arrival in summer 2023.
The numbers already tell a remarkable story. Messi has registered 86 goals and 44 assists in 100 appearances, along with dozens of match-winning moments that have reshaped the club’s identity. His influence extends beyond statistics alone, but the figures underline his dominance. With 130 total goal contributions in just 100 games, he has operated at a level rarely seen in MLS history.
Messi purchased a small club
Comparing Messi and Ronaldo at 100 games
The achievement also places Miami alongside other key chapters in his career. Barcelona remains the only other club where he surpassed 100 matches, making this moment another symbol of his lasting legacy.
With the milestone established, the natural comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo begins to emerge. When examining the first 100 games of both legends at their respective clubs, the contrast is striking.
Messi has produced 86 goals and 44 assists (130 goal contributions) in his first 100 Inter Miami matches. In comparison, Ronaldo recorded 89 goals and 19 assists (108 goal contributions) in his first 100 appearances for Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
Legacy beyond the numbers
The difference lies not just in totals, but in style. The Argentine’s numbers reflect a more balanced creative and scoring role, while the Portuguese’s output leans heavily toward finishing, maintaining his reputation as one of the game’s most prolific goal scorers.
While statistics provide a framework for comparison, they only tell part of the story. Messi’s influence at Inter Miami has extended into playmaking, leadership, and the overall rhythm of the team’s attack. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has continued to define himself through goalscoring consistency and physical presence, adapting his game to maintain elite output.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC and Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF.
Atlas take on Cruz Azul in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Here’s all the key information ahead of this matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming broadcast details in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Atlas vs Cruz Azul on US television and via legal streaming:
A compelling postseason showdown is on deck as Cruz Azul and Atlas collide in a matchup shaped by contrasting paths to the playoffs. Cruz Azul enter with momentum after a strong regular season that saw them secure third place with 33 points, positioning them as the clear favorite heading into the series.
Meanwhile, Atlasarrive with something to prove after an inconsistent campaign, but the stakes reset in knockout play, where form can shift quickly and underdogs often thrive. With Cruz Azul aiming to validate its status and Atlas hunting a statement upset, this clash promises high drama—don’t miss it.
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With DirecTV Stream, you can watch Atlas vs Cruz Azul and tons more Liga MX games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick as well as Google TV, Samsung and Peloton.
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Elano, the former Santos and Manchester City player, said Neymar isn't happy for all the criticism he gets.
Neymar’s return to Santos was met with great joy by the fans, who imagined it could lead to another glorious run. However, the team has only been able to focus on avoiding relegation. In an interview with Globoesporte, former Santos and Manchester City player Elano talked about him.
Elano said: “We should take care of Neymar a bit more because he isn’t happy. I speak for myself, I look at him and I know how much I appreciate him. It makes me sad. I know how wonderful this kid is. Fans have to look after him no matter what. He doesn’t deserve to get booed or insulted.”
The physical issues the talented player has endured in recent years have clearly reduced his impact. This has made his contributions on the field less frequent at a struggling Santos, as Neymar has played 39 matches and scored 15 goals.
Neymar has played injured
The explosiveness Neymar once had may be the most obvious thing missing from his game lately. A player who has had to absorb so many hits, especially early in his career, is now feeling the consequences.
Elano played for Manchester City from 2007 to 2009 (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
What Elano emphasized when speaking about why the fans should be more supportive was Neymar’s willingness to play when his team needed him most, like last year when they were near relegation, even when he was not fully fit.
Elano said: “The relegation that could have happened last year was obvious and, even with an injury, he played at 50% of his potential and was a big help. We can’t criticize him too harshly. I know we live in an unstable era with political problems in the middle, but he’s an asset for Santos.”
Neymar’s criticism impact
The former player currently works in Santos’ youth system, so he has watched everything closely. He said the criticism Neymar receives is affecting him badly, considering the effort he makes.
Elano said: “He’s being criticized too much. I think in every aspect. We know he has huge visibility. Everything becomes a phenomenon, but in the end he’s a human being. Nobody can survive getting so many hits every day. It gets to a point where he becomes depressed.”
Neymar isn't the same he used to be after many injuries
Barcelona took a huge step towards retaining their LaLiga crown after a 2-1 victory over Osasuna. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored in the final 10 minutes at Estadio El Sadar, meaning Barca will be champions if they avoid defeat against Real Madrid next week, or if Los Blancos fail to beat Espanyol on Sunday. […]
Tigres UANL square off with Chivas in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Here’s all the key information ahead of this matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming broadcast details in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Tigres UANL vs Chivas on US television and via legal streaming:
Despite a gap in regular-season momentum, Tigres UANL and Chivas Guadalajara enter the Liga MX quarterfinals as legitimate title threats, each bringing a different path—and plenty of pressure—into this high-stakes showdown.
Tigres, long known for their composure and experience in elimination rounds, will look to lean on that pedigree, while Chivasarrive riding a strong campaign that saw them finish just one goal shy of Pumas UNAM for the top spot in the standings.
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Alvaro Arbeloa dismissed the rumors that put José Mourinho as the next Real Madrid manager.
The manager may be in his final days at Real Madrid. In a nearly unprecedented run without a title at such a massive club, his future looks uncertain. In the press conference before the Espanyol match, Álvaro Arbeloa was asked about rumors linking José Mourinho, the Portuguese coach, as his successor.
Arbeloa said: “I understand every question you ask, but my only answer will always be that the future is tomorrow. Every match at Real Madrid means everything because that is how I understand and live it.”
Real Madrid face the huge task of making up a considerable gap on Barcelona in the La Liga title race. With Espanyol as their challenge on Sunday, Arbeloa also has to keep an eye on the following weekend, when they see Barcelona in El Clásico.
Arbeloa avoids the polemic with Dani Ceballos
The main topic of the week for Real Madrid was a Marca report about a discussion involving Dani Ceballos. The report suggested that the player told the manager he did not want to hear from him again.
Ceballos isn’t part of the team (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Ceballos wasn’t a regular presence in the team before the incident, with very little involvement in the biggest matches. That exchange could be one of several that have been attributed to the manager and some of the players.
Arbeloa said: “I do not start public debates about situations I have with players. The first thing I learned 20 years ago was that what happens in Real Madrid’s dressing room stays in Real Madrid’s dressing room.”
Arbeloa on a potential Franco Mastantuono loan
Among the topics the manager discussed was Franco Mastantuono. The young Argentine midfielder was never able to adapt to Real Madrid in his first years after a 60 million euros move that put too much pressure on him. A loan to get more minutes may be the next step, and he was asked about that possibility.
Arbeloa said: “He is a really young kid who could be playing for the club’s youth teams, but you see his talent and maturity. He does not look 18 years old in the way he speaks and behaves. I think he has a great future. He is a worthy player because of his talent, his ability and his commitment.”
The tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Merih Demiral spilled far beyond the pitch in a heated Saudi Pro League clash that left both camps talking long after the final whistle.
The tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Merih Demiral spilled far beyond the pitch in a heated Saudi Pro League clash that left both camps talking long after the final whistle. As Al-Nassr celebrated another crucial step toward the title, Al-Ahli was left frustrated, with emotions boiling over dramatically.
The match itself ended in a 2-0 victory for Al-Nassr, a result that tightened its grip on the top of the table and pushed it closer to domestic glory. Ronaldo once again stood at the center of the narrative, reaching 970 career goals and reinforcing his influence in decisive moments.
However, what followed the final whistle quickly overshadowed the result. Demiral, visibly frustrated, confronted opponents and made gestures toward the crowd that intensified an already charged atmosphere.
The defender even paraded his AFC Champions League medal in front of the home supporters, later doubling down on social media with a pointed message. “For the first time, there is a Champions League medal in their stadium,” he wrote, a remark that only fueled the rivalry further.
His frustration had been building throughout the match, particularly over refereeing decisions that he believed had gone against his team. “It looks clear referees help Al-Nassr, they want them to win,” the experienced defender said, making his stance unmistakably clear.
Demiral’s comments did not stop there, as he questioned the integrity of officiating in strong terms. “I swear to God, the refereeing is just unbelievable… they are constantly trying to help Al-Nassr win titles,” he added, reflecting the growing tension surrounding the fixture.
AL-NASSR FILING OFFICIAL COMPLAINT AGAINST DEMİRAL… 🟡🚨
The club will submit audio and video evidence of his post-match comments as part of the formal complaint.
These claims echoed previous frustrations from within Al-Ahli, where players and officials had already raised concerns about decisions in recent weeks. The narrative of perceived bias has lingered, and this latest episode pushed it firmly into the spotlight again.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr’s camp remained focused on the result. The club’s consistent performances and commanding lead in the standings have placed it in a dominant position, regardless of the external noise.
Demiral’s harsh punishment revealed
The fallout from the derby did not take long to arrive, as Saudi soccer authorities issued a series of punishments directed at Demiral. The disciplinary committee handed down multiple sanctions linked to his behavior during and after the match. Thus, Demiral has been hit with four separate penalties, confirming that his actions had crossed disciplinary lines.
Merih Demiral of Al Ahli speaks with referee Ilgiz Tantashev
The sanctions included a one-match suspension and a total fine of 175,000 riyals ($46,666), broken down across multiple violations. These ranged from media misconduct (100,000 riyals – $26,666) and inciting public opinion to provoking opposing fans (50,000 riyals – $13,333) and causing damage to stadium property (15,000 riyals – $4,000).
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Merih Demiral (right)
With Portugal potentially entering a new era after the 2026 World Cup, speculation has begun to grow around a reunion that once defined an era at Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho have recently found themselves linked in the same narrative, with fresh speculation suggesting a possible reunion at international level. With Portugal potentially entering a new era after the 2026 World Cup, speculation has begun to grow around a reunion that once defined an era at Real Madrid.
Earlier reports have suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with Mourinho more than a decade after their time together at Santiago Bernabeu. The possibility centers around the Portugal national team, with current manager Roberto Martinez approaching the end of his contract after the 2026 World Cup.
According to ESPN’s February report, Mourinho is seen as a leading candidate to take over the national team once that transition occurs. The scenario has added weight due to the boss’ long-standing connection with Portuguese soccer and his previously expressed desire to coach at international tournaments.
The 63-year-old has usually openly spoken about his ambition to lead a national team on the biggest stage. In a previous statement, he made his intentions clear about wanting to experience international competition at the highest level. “I want to play a European Championship or a World Cup and unite a country around a team, as I have already done many times with the clubs,” he said, via Corriere Dello Sport.
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League.
Mourinho’s response to Portugal speculation
Despite the growing rumors, the current Benfica manager has recently addressed the possibility of taking over a national team role, offering a measured response that reflects his current priorities. While he did not shut the door completely, he made it clear that the timing is not right for such a move.
“It’s not the right time yet to coach a national team,” Mourinho said when asked about the speculation. He expanded on his reasoning with a glimpse into his mindset. “I do think about it, but I also think about my life without club football… I can’t imagine my life without all of that,” he explained, emphasizing his attachment to the rhythm of club management.
Jose Mourinho coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
Those comments suggest that while the idea of managing Portugal remains appealing, his immediate focus stays with day-to-day coaching responsibilities.
Real Madrid links add another twist
Adding further complexity to the situation are reports linking Mourinho with a return to Real Madrid. The Spanish giant is searching for stability, and his name has emerged as a serious option to lead a new project.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid speaks to Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica.
Mourinho has publicly played down those rumors, stating that no direct contact has been made. Still, the interest highlights how his profile continues to command attention at the highest level of the game.
For Portugal, this creates uncertainty. If club opportunities arise, Mourinho may choose to delay any move into international management, even if the role appeals to him in the long run.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica.
Dani Carvajal could be out for the season at Real Madrid with an injury that risks his World Cup participation with Spain.
What was already a very bad season for Dani Carvajal could get even worse after the latest injury news. This all but rules out the right back from playing again for Real Madrid, which also makes his World Cup participation with Spain look even less likely.
Real Madrid confirmed the injury in an official statement: “After the tests carried out on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe on his right foot. Pending evolution.”
This injury likely ends his season, as the expected recovery time is two to four weeks. Even if he could return sooner, he was already a backup in Álvaro Arbeloa’s team. Not being able to get on the field also raises even more doubts about his World Cup participation with Spain.
Carvajal likely played his last match for Real Madrid
The sporting side of this news could be softened by saying he might return next season at full strength to compete for a spot. However, there was a decision made by the club’s higher-ups not to keep Carvajal once his contract expires at the end of June, according to Marca.
Arbeloa doesn’t see Carvajal as a priority for the future (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
His role had already been reduced because of the injuries he has dealt with recently. The torn ACL that ended the previous season also brought more issues than are normally expected when a player recovers from that type of injury.
What is unfortunate about Carvajal’s situation is that he may say goodbye to the fans without being able to be with the team, even though he has worn the captain’s armband for many matches. It feels unfair that a player who scored the winning goal in a Champions League final has to leave this way.
Carvajal’s season with Real Madrid
The numbers show how much his role was reduced with Arbeloa as manager, with reports also saying the two were not in the best relationship. Carvajal has played just 20 matches this season, with no goals, 14 in La Liga, one in the Copa del Rey, and five in the Champions League.
Inter Miami take on Orlando City in a 2026 MLS regular-season matchup. Check here for full game details, including date, location, and broadcast options to watch the action live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Inter Miami vs Orlando City SC on US television and via legal streaming:
A heated Florida derby takes center stage this MLSweekend, with Orlando CitySC looking to climb out of a slow start as they host a red-hot Inter Miamiside that has surged to second place in the Eastern Conference with 19 points, trailing only Nashville SC.
Despite sitting near the bottom of the standings with just seven points, Orlandowill lean on the intensity of this rivalry to try to flip the script, while Lionel Messi and Miami aim to keep the pressure on the conference leaders and continue their strong run of form.
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The service also features MLS NEXT Pro (MLS 3rd division reserve league) and MLS NEXT games (youth development league), as well as exclusive team and league content available nowhere else.
MLS Season Pass is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen.
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Lionel Messi’s set-piece output has drawn particular attention, prompting comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to shape soccer narratives even as they move deeper into the later stages of their careers, with both Al-Nassr and Inter Miami still heavily influenced by their presence. The latter’s set-piece output has drawn particular attention, prompting comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in the Saudi Pro League.
The Argentine has now scored eight direct free-kick goals for Inter Miami, a figure that underlines his continued precision from set pieces in MLS. The milestone includes goals in high-pressure matches such as the late strike against Philadelphia Union and decisive contributions during the club’s strong 2024 campaign.
According to Messivsronaldo.app, Messi’s total reflects sustained accuracy since joining the club, while outlets likeESPNand BBC Sporthave highlighted several of his most memorable efforts, including a curling free kick against Nashville. One report described a “vintage” strike in a key match, emphasizing how even in North America, he remains a specialist in decisive moments.
BBC Sport noted the quality of one of his set-piece goals, describing it as “vintage” in execution. That level of consistency has made him a constant threat whenever the Herons earn a set-piece opportunity.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF takes a free kick to score his team’s fourth goal during the MLS match.
Ronaldo’s free-kick record in Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has scored five direct free-kick goals for Al-Nassr, showcasing his continued effectiveness from distance even after moving to the Saudi Pro League. His goals include memorable strikes against Abha, Damac, Al-Fayha , and Al-Tai, with some arriving in dominant team performances, as per Messivsronaldo.app.
One of his standout moments came in April 2024 when he scored two free kicks in a single match against Abha, highlighting his ability to dictate games from set pieces. Earlier efforts included a long-range free kick against Damac and another powerful strike against Al-Feiha in a convincing win.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nasr takes a free kick
Ronaldo’s consistency in these moments has been widely documented, with analysts pointing out his continued threat from distance even as his role at Al-Nassr evolves. His technique remains a major weapon whenever the team is awarded a set piece in dangerous areas.
Eternal comparison between two icons
With Messi at eight and Ronaldo at five direct free-kick goals for their current clubs, the comparison naturally becomes part of the broader debate around their late-career output. Both players continue to influence matches through moments that require precision rather than volume.
Lionel Messi has scored 8 direct free-kick goals for Inter Miami
Messi’s free-kick success has often come in tighter, more controlled game states, while Ronaldo’s goals have frequently arrived in matches where Al-Nassr dominates possession and territory. The difference reflects not only style but also tactical environments at Inter Miami and Al-Nassr. Still, both players maintain elite standards when given opportunities, reinforcing why they remain central figures for their clubs.
Oliver Kahn had strong words about Real Madrid players amid the potential hiring of Jürgen Klopp.
Real Madrid have not stopped competing with Álvaro Arbeloa as manager, but rumors about his replacement started a few weeks ago. One candidate who was speculated about was Jürgen Klopp, an idea Oliver Kahn disagreed with on Sky Germany.
Kahn said: “I don’t know if I would do that if I were Klopp. Do Real Madrid and he fit with each other? If we make a deep analysis, he is one of the managers who likes to develop and build. He works with a clear system.”
The former goalkeeper was critical of the players: “Real Madrid are something completely different. They are a group of individuals, a group of superstars that strongly reject being imposed on by any concept.”
Kahn recalls Alonso’s firing
The goalkeeper’s vast experience as a player includes nearly 1,000 matches in his career for Karlsruher SC, Bayern Munich and Germany. He knows that country better than most, so he saw Xabi Alonso’s rise as a manager up close.
Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
His time at Bayer Leverkusen was historic to the point where they became the first undefeated Bundesliga champions in a competition where there is usually a dominant team, which led Kahn to use him as an example for Klopp if Real Madrid tempts him.
Kahn said: “We saw it with Alonso. It is about whether, as a manager, you have respect, can connect with the players, can manage the biggest stars and convince them of the system you are trying to implement.”
Alonso’s numbers with Real Madrid
Alonso’s stint in Madrid was short, largely because he could not get the players to follow his idea. The outcome was clear, as he managed just 34 matches, with 24 victories, 4 draws and 6 losses. Even if that record does not look bad on paper, it was mainly the type of defeats that led the club to end his contract in January of this year.
Atletico Madrid sealed a confident 2-0 win over Valencia at the Mestalla, with academy graduates Iker Luque and Cubo scoring on their debuts. Keeping Atletico’s upcoming Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal in mind, Diego Simeone made wholesale changes, naming a side that did not feature any of the starters from the first leg. […]
Inter Miami and Orlando City will face off this Saturday in the most anticipated Major League Soccer matchup of the weekend, with all eyes on Lionel Messi.
This Saturday brings another edition of the Florida derby, with Inter Miami under pressure to secure a win at Nu Stadium against Orlando City to remain among the contenders in Major League Soccer. Lionel Messiwill be in the starting lineup.
The Herons went through a midseason coaching change, but it did not affect them. Under Guillermo Hoyos, they have put together a strong run of results that has them sitting second in the standings with 19 points, three behind leaders Nashville SC.
However, Inter Miami still have unfinished business: winning for the first time at Nu Stadium. The venue officially opened in early April, and since then they have played three matches there—against Austin FC, New York Red Bulls, and New England Revolution—drawing all of them.
On the other side will be Orlando City, who are currently experiencing a very different reality from their rivals. They did not start the season well and sit 14th in the Eastern Conference, with just two wins in 10 matches.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos.
While they await the arrival of Antoine Griezmann, who will join after finishing the 2025–26 season with Atletico Madrid, the Lions need to improve their performances in MLS, and Saturday’s clash presents an ideal opportunity to begin that turnaround.
Confirmed Inter Miami lineup
For this match, head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be without two key squad members: Sergio Reguilon and Mateo Silvetti are out due to injury. The good news is that Lionel Messi is fully fit.
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi; Luis Suarez, German Berterame.
Confirmed Orlando City lineup
In recent weeks, Orlando City have alternated wins and losses in MLS. Their last match was a 4-3 victory over New England Revolution, which gives them momentum heading into Saturday. However, the challenge will now be much greater, and head coach Martin Perelman will need to design an effective defensive strategy to contain Lionel Messi.
Orlando City’s confirmed lineup is: Maxime Crepeau; Griffin Dorsey, Iago, Robin Jansson, Adrian Marin; Braian Ojeda, Luis Otavio, Martin Ojeda; Ivan Angulo, Tiago, Justin Ellis.
Palmeiras receive Santos for Matchday 14 of the 2026 Brasileirao. Viewers in the United States can catch every moment, with complete kickoff details and broadcast listings provided for both television and streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Palmeiras vs Santos on US television and via legal streaming:
All eyes will be on this weekend’s Brasileiraoslate as Palmeiraslook to continue their dominant run atop the standings. With 32 points and momentum firmly on their side, the league leaders have separated themselves as the squad to beat and will aim to deliver another convincing performance to strengthen their hold on first place.
Meanwhile, Santosenter the matchup in a far more urgent situation, sitting 17th and battling to escape the relegation zone, with Neymarexpected to play a key role in igniting a much-needed turnaround. With title ambitions colliding against survival desperation, this matchup has all the ingredients of a must-watch battle.
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Santos will face Palmeiras this Saturday in the Brazilian Serie A, and Neymar will not be part of the squad.
Neymar is focused on reaching peak physical and competitive form to earn a spot on the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, this Saturday he will not be part of the Santos team that will face Palmeiras in Serie A.
The news was confirmed after Santos shared on their official social media accounts the list of 24 players selected by head coach Cuca for the derby. Ney is absent, which means he will not even be among the substitutes.
“The number 10 will not be on the field due to the sequence of games and the plan that already foresees his absence in some of them, and also taking into account the synthetic turf at Palmeiras’ stadium,” O Globo reported, in a story that was also picked up by other major outlets such as TyC Sports and DirecTV Sports.
The decision for Neymar not to play carries major significance, considering his importance to the team and what is at stake. Santos are in a delicate situation in Serie A, currently in the relegation zone with just 14 points from 13 matches. Palmeiras, in addition to being their historic rivals, are the current leaders of the standings with a clear advantage over Flamengo.
In recent weeks, Neymar achieved something he had not managed in years: he played the full 90 minutes in five consecutive matches, without showing signs of fatigue or injury. To reach those numbers, however, careful planning with the Santos staff was required to help him manage his workload.
That is why the forward was not part of the squad last weekend, when Santos drew 2-2 against Bahia in Serie A. The same will happen this Saturday against Palmeiras, with the goal of prioritizing Tuesday’s Copa Sudamericana match against Recoleta FC in Paraguay.
These decisions, aimed at taking steady steps toward Neymar’s full physical condition, may not be ideal in his attempt to impress Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach has made it clear that his plan is to call up Ney for the World Cup only if he is capable of competing at the highest level. Therefore, missing two matches in one week to avoid risking his fitness is not an encouraging sign, considering that the demands at North America 2026 will be extremely high.
Neymar and the synthetic turf
In addition to the congested schedule, another reported reason for Neymar’s absence this Saturday against Palmeiras is the surface at Allianz Parque. On more than one occasion, the 34-year-old forward has expressed his disagreement with the presence of stadiums with synthetic turf, believing they are dangerous for players’ physical health.
“Playing at Allianz is practically impossible for me. Playing on synthetic turf is one of the things that bothers me the most as a player, regardless of my injuries,” Neymar said in August 2025. “The direction Brazilian soccer is taking is concerning. It’s absurd that we have to talk about synthetic turf on our fields.”
In the wake of Christian Pulisic's struggles, Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has stepped in to defend the struggling striker ahead of their pivotal match against Sassuolo.
In the wake of Christian Pulisic‘s struggles, Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has stepped in to defend the struggling striker ahead of their pivotal match against Sassuolo. The Serie A encounter carries major implications for Milan’s season, while the spotlight intensifies on Pulisic’s form and his role in the team.
The buildup to the meeting with Sassuolo carries weight beyond three points, with the Rossoneri navigating a delicate moment in their campaign. Results have slowed, performances have dipped, and the attacking line has lost its sharpness. Yet, within that uncertainty, Allegri has chosen to stand firmly behind one of his most scrutinized players.
Pulisic’s struggles are impossible to ignore, with the forward enduring a prolonged drought that stretches back months. He has not scored since December 2025 and has managed just one assist in that time, a stark contrast to his earlier impact. “He’s a very sensitive guy; the fact that he doesn’t score affects him more,”Allegri admitted earlier in the week.
“He’s a player who gets into tackles and struggles more; he suffers more from this.” Despite the lack of output, the issue runs deeper than individual form. Pulisic has often been deployed in roles that limit his natural strengths, leaving him searching for rhythm and confidence.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan.
Tactical issues behind the struggles
Milan’s tactical setup has played a major role in shaping Pulisic’s season. The absence of a traditional center-forward has forced him into unfamiliar attacking responsibilities, often alongside Rafael Leao in a system that lacks balance. “I realize he is not entirely suited to this,” Allegri acknowledged. “We were without a center-forward.”
This adjustment has reduced Pulisic’s effectiveness as a creator, pushing him into areas where he struggles to influence games. Milan’s attacking output has declined, with the team scoring multiple goals in only five of their matches in 2026, highlighting a broader issue beyond one player.
What did Allegri say about Pulisic?
Amid all the growing criticism, Allegri has remained unwavering in his support. “Pulisic is an important player for Milan and it’s difficult to find players as good as him,” he insisted in a recent press conference.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on prior a Serie A match
He emphasized that individual form should not overshadow long-term value. “You don’t have to look at whether or not the players do well in a certain year, there are some values that don’t change,” he added, reinforcing his belief in the player’s quality.
At the same time, the manager has shifted focus toward collective responsibility. “Right now, you have to put personal goals to one side and work for the team because our final target is too important,” the experienced Italian stated, making it clear that the club’s objectives take priority over individual milestones.
Pulisic’s status for Sassuolo clash comes to light
However, as anticipation builds ahead of the Sassuolo clash, the key decision has now emerged. According to Sky Italia,Pulisic is expected to be benched for the upcoming match, with Allegri preparing changes in the attacking line.
Instead, Christopher Nkunku is likely to start alongside Rafael Leao, signaling a tactical adjustment aimed at reigniting Milan’s attack. While this move may come as a setback for the American, it also offers him a chance to reset and potentially make an impact off the bench.
The possible decision would not diminish Pulisic’s importance, but it would underline the competitive pressure to step up within the squad. With only a handful of games remaining, every selection carries consequences.
Christian Pulisic (left) and Massimiliano Allegri (right)
The spotlight falls once again on Lamine Yamal as Barcelona prepares for a decisive La Liga clash, yet one crucial detail lingers beneath the surface.
The spotlight falls once again on Lamine Yamal as Barcelona prepares for a decisive La Liga clash, yet one crucial detail lingers beneath the surface. The absence of one of the season’s standout performers comes at a time when the club is on the brink of glory, adding intrigue to an already high-stakes encounter.
The match in Pamplona carries enormous weight, with Barcelona edging closer to sealing the league title. Yet the spotlight has shifted toward the young winger’s absence, raising questions about how the team will cope without one of its most influential attacking players.
Hansi Flick and his players arrive at El Sadar knowing that a victory could push them to the verge of clinching La Liga, depending on other results. The Catalan club sits comfortably at the top of the table with a commanding lead of 11 points over Real Madrid, leaving little margin for error for its rival.
Despite the favorable position, the challenge remains significant, as Osasuna has built a reputation for being extremely difficult to beat at home. The host enters the fixture with strong home form and plenty of pride at stake, making the encounter far from straightforward.
Why Lamine Yamal is missing
The mystery surrounding Yamal’s absence becomes clearer in the context of recent events. The 18-year-old forward suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Celta Vigo on April 22, forcing him off the pitch shortly after scoring.
Barcelona later confirmed the setback, stating that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season while following a conservative recovery plan. The club emphasized long-term fitness, particularly with the international calendar approaching.
Yamal himself addressed the situation, sharing his frustration in an emotional message: “This injury leaves me off the field at the time I most wanted to be, and it hurts more than I can explain.” He added, “It hurts not being able to fight with my teammates, not being able to help when the team needs me.”
🎥 | The moment when Lamine Yamal felt the injury after scoring his penalty against Celta Vigo. 😕💔 pic.twitter.com/XBT8HazLzf
Blow to Barcelona’s attack with title within reach
The absence of Yamal removes a vital creative outlet for Barcelona. The young winger has been one of the most decisive players this season, contributing goals and assists while stretching defenses with his pace and skill.
Without him, the responsibility shifts to alternatives such as Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and emerging talents tasked with filling the void. The tactical balance may also change, with a greater emphasis on midfield control and collective attacking movement.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona reacts to an injury after scoring.
Even with this setback, Barcelona remains firmly in control of the title race. The team has won nine consecutive league matches, demonstrating a level of consistency unmatched by its rivals.
There are multiple scenarios in which the club can secure the championship, including the possibility of doing so before the upcoming El Clasico. Regardless of timing, the trajectory suggests that the Blaugrana’s dominance this season is unlikely to be overturned.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up
Osasuna take on Barcelona in a Matchday 34 clash during the 2025/26 La Liga campaign. Here’s all the key information, including kickoff times and how to watch the match live on TV and streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Osasuna vs Barcelona on US television and via legal streaming:
Osasunaenters this late-season clash with the freedom of a team that has already secured its top-flight status and is now playing for a potential spot in European competition. Currently sitting ninth, they have turned their home ground, El Sadar, into a fortress, remaining unbeaten in their last ten league matches there. With minimal pressure and a roaring home crowd behind them, Osasuna has the perfect opportunity to make a statement against the league leaders.
For Barcelona, the stakes could not be higher. Holding an 11-point lead over rivals Real Madrid, a victory in Pamplona would place them on the brink of clinching the La Liga title. Hansi Flick’s squad is riding a dominant nine-game winning streak in the league, powered by the most lethal attack in Spain. The urgency is palpable, as securing the championship early would allow them to shift focus and avoid any late-season drama.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This match presents a classic clash of trajectories. Barcelona has been on a relentless march toward the title, defined by an impeccable home record and an offense that has scored 87 goals. Their season has been one of consistent dominance. In contrast, Osasuna has been the season’s overachiever, exceeding all preseason expectations by staying clear of relegation and making a legitimate challenge for Europe, largely thanks to their formidable form at home.
The tactical battle will be won or lost between Barcelona‘s high-octane attack and Osasuna‘s disciplined home setup. Barcelona averages 2.6 goals per game, but they have shown defensive vulnerabilities on the road, keeping just two clean sheets in their last ten away fixtures. This opens the door for Osasuna, who thrives on creating high-pressure moments and has a proven goal-scorer in Ante Budimir. Expect Barcelona to control possession while Osasuna looks to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.
Motivation is clear-cut for both sides. Barcelona is driven by the singular goal of sealing the La Liga crown. A win here is a critical step, potentially allowing them to be crowned champions this very weekend depending on other results. Osasuna, free from the stress of a relegation battle, is motivated by the chance to upset the champions-elect and continue their dream of qualifying for a European tournament, a feat that would cap off a remarkable season.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, Barcelona has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning four of the last five meetings between the clubs. Their dominance is particularly evident in their home games against Osasuna, where they have consistently secured comfortable victories and clean sheets.
However, recent encounters at El Sadar tell a different story. While Barcelona won their last away match in Pamplona in 2023, their most recent visit before that ended in a stunning 4-2 defeat in late 2024. This result serves as a reminder that Osasuna is more than capable of rising to the occasion on their home turf.
Key statistical trends point to a potentially high-scoring affair. Despite Barcelona keeping four clean sheets in the last five head-to-head games overall, five of their last six away matches against Osasuna have seen both teams score and over 2.5 total goals. Those games have produced an average of 3.67 goals, suggesting that when these teams meet in Pamplona, defensive caution is often thrown to the wind.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Barcelona heads into this crucial match with significant absences, while Osasuna remains relatively at full strength for the season’s final stretch.
For Osasuna, the team is largely intact, with only minor issues sidelining Juan Cruz due to illness and Iker Benito with a knee problem. Their core lineup remains available, allowing them to field a familiar and cohesive unit. Barcelona faces more serious challenges, as star forward Lamine Yamal is out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury, and key defender Jules Kounde is serving a suspension for card accumulation. However, the return of Raphinha from injury provides a welcome boost to their attacking options.
Osasuna Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Galan, Catena, Boyomo, Rosier; Moncayola, I. Munoz; V. Munoz, Oroz, Garcia; Budimir. This is Osasuna‘s trusted formation, built around the goal-scoring prowess of Ante Budimir. The midfield pairing of Moncayola and Iker Munoz will be crucial in disrupting Barcelona‘s rhythm, while the attacking midfield trio aims to create chances for their formidable striker.
Barcelona Projected XI (4-2-3-1): J. Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, Martin, E. Garcia; Gavi, Pedri; Fermin, Olmo, Rashford; Torres. With Kounde suspended, Eric Garcia is expected to step into the backline alongside Pau Cubarsi. Ferran Torres will likely lead the attack, supported by a fluid and creative midfield. The return of Raphinha gives Hansi Flick a powerful weapon to bring off the bench if needed.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Osasuna vs Barcelona match on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.
In addition to La Liga, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. You can stream leagues such as Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Brasileirão, as well as major cup tournaments and international fixtures.
The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99, which provides access to all live matches, on-demand content, and exclusive studio shows. You can also opt for an annual plan to save on the total cost.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
Ajax host PSV in Matchday 32 of the 2025/2026 Eredivisie. Viewers in the United States can watch the full matchup, with kickoff times and broadcast information provided for both TV and streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Ajax vs PSV on US television and via legal streaming:
The Eredivisiespotlight turns to one of its most heated matchups as Ajax prepares for a pivotal showdown against newly crowned champions PSV. With the title already wrapped up following an impressive season that featured only a handful of setbacks, PSV entes this clash aiming to underline their dominance with another marquee result.
Meanwhile, the pressure is squarely on Ajax, as the Dutch giants remain locked in a battle for second place and a coveted direct ticket to the UEFA Champions League, making this rivalry clash a must-win scenario. With pride, positioning, and momentum all on the line, this edition of Ajax vs. PSV promises fireworks.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Ajax vs PSV and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
Now with ESPN+, you can stream Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, Eredivisie, NWSL, USL and more.
Even better, ESPN is now offering The Disney Bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ for only $14.99 per month. Not only do you get all of the soccer with ESPN+, but you also get hit movies and TV shows with Hulu AND you get Disney+ that features Star Wars, Marvel movies, Disney movies and shows, films from Pixar and feature documentaries from National Geographic.
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, ESPN+ also includes UFC, MLB, MLS, NHL, select PGA TOUR golf, Top Rank Boxing, cricket and Grand Slam tennis from Wimbledon to the US Open and Australian Open. Plus you get instant access to your favorite college sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, softball and more.
There’s also the daily ESPN FC show, 30 For 30 documentaries, exclusive access to studio programs and more.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Arsenal meet Fulham in a Matchday 35 clash during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Here’s all the essential information, including kickoff times and details on how to watch via TV and streaming.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Arsenal vs Fulham on US television and via legal streaming:
The Premier League title race is reaching a fever pitch, and Arsenal finds itself in a must-win situation as it hosts Fulham. With only four games left, the Gunners are clinging to a slim lead over a relentless Manchester City, who hold a crucial game in hand. The pressure is compounded by a high-stakes Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, forcing Mikel Arteta’s squad to balance European ambitions with domestic urgency.
Fulham arrives at the Emirates not merely to play spoiler but with their own European aspirations on the line. Currently sitting 10th, Marco Silva‘s side is just points away from a potential Europa or Conference League spot. Coming off an impressive victory against Aston Villa, the Cottagers are poised to capitalize on any fatigue or distraction from the league leaders, making this a high-stakes clash for both clubs.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
This season represents a historic opportunity for Arsenal, who are chasing their first league title in over two decades alongside a potential first-ever Champions League trophy. Their campaign has been built on a rock-solid defense, boasting the best expected goals against (xGA) in the league. However, their attack has recently struggled to convert dominance into clear-cut chances, making every fixture a tense affair.
Fulham, meanwhile, has secured a comfortable top-half position and demonstrated an ability to grind out results, even with limited possession. Their tactical approach against Arsenal will likely be disciplined and defensive, aiming to absorb pressure and hit on the counter-attack. The match will be a classic battle of styles: Arsenal‘s possession-heavy approach against Fulham‘s organized, counter-punching strategy.
The motivations are crystal clear. For Arsenal, anything less than three points could be fatal to their title hopes. They must navigate the physical and mental toll of their two-front battle. For Fulham, this is a chance to make a statement, spoil a rival’s party, and keep their dream of European qualification alive, ensuring they will not be a passive opponent.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
History overwhelmingly favors the home side in this fixture. In one of the most one-sided records in English football history, Arsenal has never lost a home league match against Fulham. Across 32 encounters at home, the Gunners have won 25 and drawn seven, establishing an incredible fortress that the Cottagers have never breached.
Despite this daunting long-term record, recent meetings have been more competitive. While Arsenal is unbeaten in the last three matchups (two wins, one draw), Fulham managed a victory and two draws in the five games prior. The reverse fixture this season was a tight 1-0 win for Arsenal, signaling that Fulham is capable of keeping the game close.
Recent form for both clubs points towards a potentially low-scoring game. Under 2.5 goals has been a feature in five of Arsenal’s last six home matches across all competitions. Similarly, six of Fulham‘s last seven games have also seen two or fewer goals scored, suggesting that goals may be at a premium at the Emirates.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Both managers are contending with significant injuries to key players that will impact their game plans.
Arsenal’s formidable defense has been hit hard, with Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber expected to miss out. Midfield creativity is also a concern, as Kai Havertz has been ruled out. However, the Gunners receive a major boost with the anticipated return of Eberechi Eze to the starting lineup, adding a much-needed spark to the attack.
Fulham also has availability issues. Ryan Sessegnon was forced off in their last match and is unavailable, while Kenny Tete and Alex Iwobi remain sidelined. These absences limit Marco Silva’s options, particularly in wide areas and midfield, forcing him to rely on his squad’s depth against the league leaders.
Arsenal Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Hincapie, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Zubimendi, Rice; Trossard, Eze, Madueke; Gyokeres
This lineup will rely on the midfield pairing of Zubimendi and Rice to control the tempo and shield a depleted defense. The return of Eze is critical, as he will be tasked with creating chances for top scorer Viktor Gyokeres alongside Trossard and Madueke.
Fulham Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Robinson, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne; Lukic, Berge; Chukwueze, Smith Rowe, Wilson; Jimenez
Fulham is expected to field a compact 4-2-3-1 formation designed to frustrate Arsenal. The defensive midfield duo of Lukic and Berge will be crucial in breaking up play, while the attack will depend on the incisiveness of Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe to launch quick counters in support of striker Raul Jimenez.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Arsenal vs Fulham match on DirecTV Stream. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.
In addition to the Premier League, a subscription to DirecTV Stream gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions, including La Liga, Serie A, and Liga MX. It is the ultimate destination for soccer fans in the US.
The most basic service is available for a monthly fee of $69.99, offering comprehensive coverage of world soccer all season long. You can also find bundle deals that include other sports and entertainment channels
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
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