Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s captain and reliable right-back, had surgery on his right knee today. The operation was an arthroscopy, done by Dr Manuel Leyes with the club’s medical team watching closely, as posted on the club’s official X account. The goal was to remove some loose material in the joint. Carvajal got hurt during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona, as reported by Softfootball.
Daniel Carvajal (Photo Credit: Daniel Carvajal via Instagram)
As Softfootball previously reported, Carvajal’s injury was diagnosed after post-match tests revealed a loose body in the same knee where he suffered a serious ACL and LCL rupture in October 2024. That earlier setback sidelined him for nearly a full season, making this latest issue another unfortunate blow in what has been a turbulent two years for the veteran defender.
Now, Real Madrid has to rethink things at right-back. Fede Valverde stepped in during El Clásico, and he might keep that spot for a while. Trent Alexander-Arnold, recently back from injury, is another option. Losing Carvajal hurts, especially with big La Liga matches and Champions League games on the horizon.
Daniel Carvajal (Photo Credit: Daniel Carvajal via Instagram)
Everyone is hoping he bounces back strong. Carvajal brings experience, leadership, and calm at the back—a captain in every sense. His teammates will feel the gap. For now, Madrid must navigate the coming weeks without him. Slowly but surely, though, all eyes will be on his recovery. If all goes well, he will be back stronger, sharper, and ready to lead the defense again.
David Beckham has heaped praise on Trent Alexander-Arnold, drawing striking parallels between their styles of play and calling the Real Madrid and England star a modern-day reflection of himself. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast in a video uploaded on X, Beckham admitted that among today’s players, Trent reminds him the most of his own approach to football.
He said:
I suppose if there was one player where I look at and think, ‘he’s very similar in the way he delivers the ball, crosses or passes,’ it has to be Trent.
David Beckham via Instagram
When Ferdinand suggested Kevin De Bruyne as a possible comparison, Beckham disagreed slightly, noting that while the Belgian is exceptional, Alexander-Arnold’s technique and passing vision feel more personal to him.
He explained:
It’s the way he puts the ball in, those long passes balls some players don’t even think about. That’s what I love about him.
The comparison carries even more weight given Alexander-Arnold’s evolution. Softfootball understands that since leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid in May 2025, he has hoped to redefine the full-back role much like Beckham redefined the wide midfielder’s position at Manchester United decades ago; however, muscle problems continue to hinder his progress at the club.
Watch the video below:
David Beckham describes the current Real Madrid player who is most similar to his playing style
During his Liverpool career, Trent registered 60 Premier League assists (a record for a defender) and 23 goals in 354 appearances, helping the Reds win two league titles (2020, 2025) and a Champions League (2019).
Beckham, who notched 142 goals and assists as a non-forward during his own Premier League era, clearly sees a kindred spirit two players who turned dead balls and long passes into art forms. Softfootball even wrote an article suggesting that Salah’s struggle this season might be as a result of Trent’s move to Madrid.
From Beckham’s right foot to Trent’s, the tradition of English precision and flair seems alive and well. As Beckham put it, Trent has that kind of vision that changes games.
Real Madrid have confirmed that right-back Dani Carvajal has suffered another injury setback, with medical tests revealing the presence of a joint free body in his right knee. The Spanish full-back will undergo an arthroscopy procedure and is expected to be sidelined until January, Softfootball reports.
The injury news comes as a huge blow for Los Blancos, especially after Carvajal’s commanding performance in the El Clásico victory over Barcelona last weekend. The defender was outstanding both defensively and offensively, helping Madrid secure a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Dani Carvajal Injury (Photo Credit: Real Madrid’s Media)
According to Real Madrid’s official X handle, the club confirmed in a medical report that Carvajal has been diagnosed with a joint free body in his right knee and will undergo surgery, They posted;
Softfootball earlier reported that Carvajal, who had only just returned from injury during Madrid’s 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid, is now set for another extended spell on the sidelines. His recurring injuries have become a growing concern for both the player and the club’s medical staff.
Dani Carvajal (Photo Credit: real Madrid X handle)
With Carvajal ruled out, Trent Alexander-Arnold who joined Madrid from Liverpool last summer will be mostly tasked with the right-back duties during this crucial stage of the season.
Madrid’s medical team will continue to monitor Carvajal’s recovery closely, with hopes he could return earlier if rehabilitation goes smoothly.The defender’s leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the coming fixtures, particularly with crucial La Liga and Champions League games fast approaching.
For Madridista Gabriel Lucin @GabrielLucin1 on X, the win was more about exposing Barcelona’s overconfidence than anything else. His tone was cutting, maybe even taunting. Gabriel’s post captured the rivalry’s essence, pride in victory and a jab at Barça’s endless pre-match talk.
He posted:
Be thankful that Madrid wasn’t on point and on top of that Mbappé missed a penalty because otherwise you’d have gotten thrashed They spent months talking and talking about how they were gonna smash Madrid and now they gotta talk about refs and the hospital
On the other side, Great Ike @GreatIke7 on X sounded irritated by what he saw as Madrid’s exaggerated celebrations. His words were blunt and a bit chaotic, teasing the los balncos over the board celebration. He referenced Lamine Yamal, the teenage Barcelona forward who continues to haunt Madrid despite his age.
He tweeted:
Madrid won the World Cup why are they celebrating like someone who have won you 4 times last season and you’re jubilating for winning today ,you guys don’t have sense ..18 years guy giving you guys a nightmare
El LeoTumbatecho @lesq1978 on X offered a more heartfelt take, shifting the spotlight from goals to comebacks as one of the returning stars, Militao, played a very huge role in the victory. For him, the match meant more than points, it was about resilience and relief.
He posted;
The best news of all is Militão’s return. He’s coming back after 2 fucking torn ligaments!!! It’s soon but it looks good. Hopefully they don’t force him like last year.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
Meanwhile, Mateo369 @MateoXXIw on X expressed deep worry about Barcelona’s direction. His tone was mournful, almost poetic, lamenting the clubs decision to sanction Inigo Martinez’s move to Saudi Arabia, claiming that team lack a natural defensive leader and a solid defensive identity.
He tweeted:
Getting rid of Inigo Martinez without a fight No Raphinha No Lewandowski No Gavi No defensive general No team heart No team scorer No team lungs The club and its fans will only fully appreciate this when they lose it completely.
The same sentiment was shared by عبدالمحسن العَسيري @asmd_85 on X, calaiming that the team needs goo options and Capabale alternatives in defenc.
He wrote:
We need to find solutions in defense, since continuing with this situation will cost the team dearly. There must also be an effective alternative, and the team must not be affected by the absence of a player due to injury or suspension.
Then came Bader alharbi @mw_bader on X, frustrated by young Yamal’s recent comments in interviews. He wanted discipline and respect for tradition from the youngstar who has been careless with his post-match interview.
He lamented:
I hope the club and the coach put an end to Yamal’s childish statements. He has caused unnecessary pressure on his teammates on the field. Everyone who has worn the number 10 has been a legend of the club, so I ask Laporta’s management to respect the Barça badge and the number 10
And finally, Madrid supporter RealMadrid 9ja @RealMadrid9ja on X summed up the night with quiet confidence, claiming that the unfortunate loss to Atletico has been the only blemish to their campaign so far.
We deserve to be at the top. The loss to Athletico Madrid was quite unfortunate though.
In the end, the reactions tell the full story, Madrid’s redemption, Barcelona’s frustration, and the unfiltered noise that makes El Clásico more than just a game. It’s pride, Its rivalry, its chaos, and its love, all the things that makes the round leether game very beautiful.
Real Madrid players. Photo Credit: Real Madrid Media.
Writing on his official X handle after the victory, Rodrygo was obviously elated by what he and his teammates achieved in the game. He wrote:
Una gran victoria en nuestra casa HALA MADRID Y NADA MÁS . This in English means: A great victory at our home HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE.
Interestingly, Rodrygo started from the bench as fellow Brazilian Vinicius Junior was preferred in the left side of attack for Real Madrid. The home side took the lead through new signing Kylian Mbappe after his initial effort was ruled out for offside.
Barcelona fought their way back into the match as Spain international Fermin Lopez equalised for the away side but the Los Blancos had the last laugh as English star, Jude Bellingham scored to make it 2-1. Barcelona finished the game with 10-men as Pedri was sent off late in the match.
Real Madrid extends their lead ontop of LaLiga to 27 points while Barcelona remain second with 22 points after 10 matches so far this season.
Xabi Alonso on Vini’s reaction to the change: Let me focus on beautiful things, good things. We did great and Vini was a big part of it, he did very well. We will talk about his reaction, for sure we will… we will do it in private. Now I want to focus on good things.
Madrid were sharper on the night, pulling five points clear at the top of LaLiga. Kylian Mbappé was amongst the heroes of the night as he opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing coolly after Jude Bellingham sliced through the Barça defence with a neat pass; this was Mbappé’s 12th goal in just nine games against the Catalans.
Barcelona did respond, though. Fermín López pounced on a sloppy touch from Arda Güler to equalise in the 38th minute. But their joy didn’t last long; five minutes later, Bellingham tapped home from close range after Éder Militão nodded Vinícius’ teasing cross back across the goal.
Xabi Alonso and Vinicius jr (Photo Credit: Real Madrid website)
Vinícius was electric before the change came in the 72nd minute. He’d completed five of six dribbles, drawn fouls, and created chances that kept Barça guessing. When Alonso decided to replace him, though, the Brazilian didn’t take it well; he gestured angrily and walked straight down the tunnel. Assistant coach Sebas Parrilla tried to calm him, while Rodrygo offered a quick word on the bench, but Vini wasn’t having it.
Still, Alonso played down any tension afterwards, insisting the matter would be handled quietly within the dressing room.
Softfootball reports that the win was Madrid’s 12th in 13 games this season, a strong response after their shock 5-2 defeat to Atlético earlier this month. Barça, meanwhile, slumped to their third league loss, once again guilty of wasting too many chances. Mbappé missed a second-half penalty, Szczęsny guessed right, and Pedri saw red late on, sparking a mini scuffle on the sidelines.
All told, it was another fierce night in Madrid, drama, goals, tempers, everything you’d expect from El Clásico.
Real Madrid finally got one over Barcelona again, grinding out a tense 2–1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26, 2025. It wasn’t the cleanest performance, but it was enough, as Softfootball reports that the result sends Los Blancos five points clear on top of LaLiga.
In the pre-game reports Softfootball predicted a 2-2 draw. And despite Madrid’s win, the game saw 3 goals in a very frantic encounter. Kylian Mbappé, who just seems to live for nights like this, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a perfect pass from Jude Bellingham split Barça’s line wide open. Cool finish, no nerves, and that’s already 16 goals this season, numbers we have gotten to expect from a superstar of his standards.
However, Barcelona looked to react immediately and they did. In the 38th minute, as Arda Güler gave the ball away cheaply, Fermín López made them pay with a low drive into the corner, sending the Bernabéu quiet for a bit. However the momentum to the defending champions didn’t last long, though. Barely five minutes later, Bellingham was there to tap home after Éder Militão headed Vinícius Júnior’s cross back across goal.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
The game got scrappy in the second half as tempers flared and legs got heavy. Kylian Mbappé had the chance to extend Real Madrid’s lead but missed a penalty following Eric García’s controversial handball, with Szczęsny guessing right and keeping the scoreline respectable. Barça tried pushing late, but Madrid’s backline stayed solid.
And then came the chaos. Pedri was sent off deep in stoppage time after a clumsy tackle. and the game up till the end was marred by brawls and shoves, as Madrid players tried to confront Lamine Yamal following his provocative rant against the capital-based team. Fabrizio Romano posted the video via his official X account.
After the game, team captain Dani Carvajal appreciated the fans for the magical atmosphere they created at the Santiago Bernabéu in a video uploaded via the team’s official X account.
Watch the video below:
@DaniCarvajal92: "Hello Madridistas, we witnessed an incredible atmosphere today! Thank you so much, a part of this victory belongs to you. We have to keep going, we stay top of the table and let's go for more!" pic.twitter.com/Nk731rch1m
For Barcelona this is their third league loss already, and the frustration is starting to show on the pitch, in the dugout, and everywhere as fans and pundits highly condemn this timid performance.
Barcelona defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid four times in 2024/25, but Real Madrid drew blood first by triumphing over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock for Los Blancos in the 22nd minute, and Fermín López equalized in the 38th. The final word of the half (and eventually the whole match […]
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has spoken ahead of tomorrow’s El Clásico showdown against Barcelona, underlining the magnitude of the fixture and the need for full intensity from his players and supporters alike.
The Spanish tactician has enjoyed a strong start to life at the Santiago Bernabéu and will be eager to extend that form in one of football’s biggest rivalries.
Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
Real Madrid via its official X handle shared an excerpt from the pre match conference. Alonso, who has been praised for restoring confidence and structure to the Madrid squad, emphasized the emotional weight of the encounter during his press conference. They posted:
Real Madrid posted the Pre Match Conference link on their official X page, the los blancos fans can catch the full interview of head coach Xabi Alonso speaking about the El Classico coming up tomorrow. They posted:
With both teams separated by just a few points at the top of the table, tomorrow’s clash could have a major say in the La Liga title race. The Bernabéu faithful are expected to create a charged atmosphere as Alonso aims to continue his impressive run and solidify Real Madrid’s dominance under his new era
The first El Clásico of the season arrives with Real Madrid sitting two points clear of their arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga, and they’ll look to strengthen their grip on the title race with a statement victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso’s men are in outstanding form, having won four straight matches across all competitions, conceding just once in that span, Softfootball reports.
Their most recent outing, a 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Juventus showcased their growing defensive solidity and composure under pressure. That resilience followed their only defeat of the campaign, a humbling 5-2 loss to Atlético Madrid, which now feels firmly behind them.
Madrid players Celebrating (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
Alonso, who famously played in 20 Clásicos during his career, will be keen to break a managerial curse, seven of Real’s last eight managers have lost their first league game against Barcelona. But home advantage could prove decisive, as Los Blancos have won eight consecutive home league matches, their longest such streak since 2015.
A mix of experience and attacking brilliance led by Kylian Mbappé, who has scored 11 goals in just eight games against Barcelona, could see Madrid edge another chapter in this historic rivalry.
Real Madrid player Dean huijsen in training ahead of El Classico (Photo Credit: Real Madrid X handle)
Defending champions Barcelona travel to Madrid with renewed confidence after a resounding 6-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Olympiacos, and with an extra day of rest on their side. Despite a string of injuries to key forwards, Hansi Flick’s men continue to fire up front leading the league in goals scored while showing mental strength after conceding first in four of their nine league games.
That fighting spirit will be crucial at the Bernabéu, where Barca will seek to avoid back-to-back league defeats on the road after their 4-1 loss to Sevilla, a result that ended their impressive 15-match unbeaten away run.
Barcelona players celebrates (Photo Credit: Barca via X)
The Catalan side have dominated this fixture recently, winning all four El Clásicos last season, including two in finals, scoring at least three goals in each. A fifth successive victory over Real would mark a new modern-era milestone for the Blaugrana.
Lamine Yamal, who tormented Madrid last season with three goals and two assists across their meetings, will again be a key figure, especially if he can exploit Madrid’s high defensive line. With attacking fluency restored and their title rivals within touching distance, Barcelona will arrive in Madrid hungry to reclaim top spot.
It’s no doubt it’s a massive moment for Sunderland beating Chelsea at home despite being a goal down, this means a lot for Sunderland as it’s evident in the post match reaction shared by the team’s official X handle showing the players and fans emotions after the full time whistle, They posted:
Real Madrid have received positive injury news ahead of the clash, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen all nearing full fitness. Xabi Alonso will again turn to Kylian Mbappé, who has been prolific in this fixture and will look to continue his fine form in front of goal. The Frenchman’s combination with Vinícius Júnior has been central to Madrid’s recent attacking dominance.
The los Blancos side shared an update with fans through its official X handle, posting the official squad list of the players to face Barcelona tomorrow. They posted:
Barcelona, meanwhile, are hopeful that Raphinha will be fit to make his return after training with the squad this week. Xavi will count on the creativity of Pedri and the composure of Frenkie de Jong in midfield to control the tempo. Expect Lamine Yamal to start on the right, where his pace and trickery could again cause problems for Madrid’s backline.
Szczesny; E Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Ferran
The blaugrana club through its official X handle shared an exclusive video of the team arriving at Madrid airport ahead of the clash tomorrow. They posted:
With both sides in free-scoring form and packed with attacking talent, this edition of El Clásico promises fireworks. Real Madrid’s home advantage and defensive discipline under Alonso could be the deciding factor, but Barcelona’s sharpness and belief after their Olympiacos rout make them dangerous opponents. Expect a tight, high-intensity clash with both teams likely to score.
Verdict: Total goals over 3.5 Best odds: 3/4 Bookmaker: Unibet The Santiago Bernabéu will host the first El Clásico of the 2025–26 season on Sunday afternoon, and the stakes could not be higher. Real Madrid lead La Liga by two points over second-placed Barcelona, setting up a clash that is about far more than bragging […]
Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League delivered drama, goals, and statements of intent from Europe’s heavyweights. Across two nights, the continent’s top clubs flexed their muscles, while others were left scrambling to keep their campaigns alive. Here’s a full roundup of the action from October 21 and 22. Tuesday, October 21: Fireworks in Spain, […]
Login
