Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso discussed preparations for the Champions League encounter with Juventus at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, and he emphasized the historical significance of matches between these European giants. The Spanish coach expressed satisfaction with forward Vinicius Junior's recent performances, but he confirmed that Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dean Houseman will miss the fixture. Alonso praised midfielder Arda Guler as a blend of Mesut Ozil and Guti, and he highlighted the attacking depth with players like Endrick, Gonzalo, and Ibrahim available. The manager acknowledged Juventus presents tactical challenges through frequent positional changes, and he stressed Real Madrid must maintain discipline...
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri faces potential suspension after Leeds United supporters accused him of spitting on them on Saturday when the teams met in a match that Burnley won 2-0. The English Football Association and Lancashire Police launched investigations into the allegations, and authorities will review evidence before determining whether to impose sanctions on the Tunisian international. Leeds fans who attended the fixture reported that the incident occurred in the second half, and police began working with Burnley officials to establish facts.
The Football Association will await the investigation conclusions before pursuing disciplinary measures against Mejbri, who entered as a substitute in the 83rd minute, and the...
Al-Ittihad defeated Iraqi club Al-Shorta 4-1 on Tuesday in the third round of the Asian Champions League elite stage at Baghdad's City Stadium. Bassam Shakir scored for the hosts in the fifth minute with a header, but Al-Ittihad equalized in the 17th minute and seized control of the match. The Saudi visitors added two more goals after Danilo Pereira received a red card in the 50th minute, and Al-Shorta failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage.
A shot from Senegalese midfielder Dominique Mendy struck the crossbar in the 37th minute amid questions about whether the ball crossed the goal line. Al-Shorta has lost twice in the tournament after falling to Al-Gharafa 2-0 in the previous round, and the team earned one point from a 1-1...
Atalanta and Bayern Munich remain the only undefeated teams across Europe's top five leagues after seven rounds of domestic competition, according to Football Italia. Atalanta stands alone in Serie A after Juventus lost to Como 2-0 on Sunday at Stadio Sinigaglia. Coach Ivan Juric's squad has recorded two wins against Lecce and Torino, but the team has drawn five times against opponents such as Juventus, Como, and Lazio.
Bayern Munich preserved its flawless record after defeating Borussia Dortmund in the German Klassiker on Saturday, and the Bavarian club ended Dortmund's unbeaten run. No teams in the Premier League, Ligue 1, or La Liga maintain perfect records after eight rounds in England and France, and after nine in Spain. Atalanta...
Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo wants the Saudi club to recruit Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski to strengthen the team's attacking options, according to Spanish website Fichajes. The Portuguese international believes the Polish forward's extensive European experience and proven scoring record would provide significant value to the squad. Barcelona coach Hans Flick's tactical adjustments have diminished the central striker's prominence in the starting lineup, and this has created uncertainty about Lewandowski's future at the Catalan club. The website reports Barcelona would consider selling the player if an attractive financial proposal arrives from the Saudi Arabian side.
Dutch authorities detained 180 Napoli supporters in Eindhoven on Tuesday after the group breached a restricted zone in the city center, and police canceled their tickets for the Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven. Officers described the Italian fans as a large contingent creating a tense atmosphere, but the supporters ignored repeated orders to vacate the downtown area. Police transported the group to the Mathilde Lan station for processing, and investigators discovered some detainees lacked valid match tickets. Authorities deported the fans as a preventive measure to avoid potential disturbances before the evening fixture.
Tottenham faces potential defensive concerns ahead of its Monaco fixture after captain Cristian Romero and defender Destiny Udogie missed training, but Sky Sports reports neither injury appears serious. Romero withdrew from the session before the Aston Villa match because of an adductor problem, and Kevin Danso replaced him in the starting lineup. Udogie sustained a minor knee issue that required him to sit out the preparatory work. The remaining players who featured against Aston Villa trained without complications on Tuesday, and this development provides encouragement for manager Thomas Frank as his squad navigates a congested fixture list.
Real Madrid conducted its final training session on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Champions League group stage match against Juventus at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal participated fully in the session, and both defenders are available for selection. Ferland Mendy also returned to full training after recovering from a lengthy injury absence.
Dani Ceballos, Dean Houseman, and Antonio Rudiger remain sidelined as they continue rehabilitation programs, while David Alaba completed individual gym work. The royal club faces Juventus in its third group stage fixture of the European competition.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire wants to extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond this season, but he faces an expiring contract. Journalist Simon Stone reports the 32-year-old England international will accept reduced wages to secure a new deal with the club. Maguire transferred to United from Leicester City in 2019 for 87 million euros. The veteran center back has rebounded after struggling through difficult periods at the club in recent years.
