Most Bayern Munich fans know who David Alaba is: a talented left-back with deadly freekicks, versatility, and uh *checks notes a money hungry agent who drew the ire of the club. He then swapped Munich red for Madrid white in 2021 after 12 years with the club. After an unsuccessful period in Spain, it looks like he's off to the next chapter of his career.
I can't comment too much on it as it will be an ongoing investigation but what happened tonight is a disgrace. He [Vinicius] has been subjected to this a few times in his career and it's a disgrace to football. There's no place for it in football or society. It's disgusting.
Vinicius Junior and his teammates appeared ready to walk off and the game was put on hold for 10 minutes after the Brazilian told the referee that he had been subject to racist abuse after scoring the goal that gives Real Madrid a 1-0 first-leg lead in their Champions League playoff against Benfica. Vinicius had celebrated the strike dancing in the corner of the Estadio da Luz and in the confrontations that followed, Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni said something to him while covering his mouth.
Liverpool invested heavily to bring Szoboszlai to Anfield, and he has since developed into a pillar of their post-Jurgen Klopp evolution under Arne Slot. The Hungarian international has combined relentless energy with technical quality, contributing six goals and seven assists in the Premier League this campaign. His ability to operate between lines while maintaining defensive discipline has made him indispensable.
The prospect of Antonio Rudiger making a dramatic return to the Premier League is gathering momentum ahead of the summer transfer window, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside. The experienced German defender is approaching the final months of his contract with Real Madrid, and uncertainty surrounding his future in Spain has alerted several clubs across Europe. The defender has made eight appearances in La Liga for Real Madrid this season.
Konate has rarely let Liverpool down since joining them from RB Leipzig back in 2021, and he could have a key role for their future as he's still only 26 years of age. That means he's arguably yet to even reach his peak, and he could have a fair few years left ahead of him to replace Virgil van Dijk as the experienced head in this LFC side.
"Jude is pushing, and as we know him, he is determined and super professional. He will try everything to be with us in March. Of course we are in contact, that is a normal thing to do, and we wish him all the best... Whatever we can do for him, we will help and support him. It is a little race against time."
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have already applied for membership in EFC, a process that was triggered automatically after the club decided to break away from the Super League project. The EFC, which is de facto represented by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, would give Barcelona special immunity and favour from UEFA. This is something former president Joan Laporta has been keen on, as the club, despite initially supporting the Super League project, have formally recognised the efforts made by UEFA to improve the Champions League.
Following months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football, UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid CF announce that they have reached an agreement of principles for the well-being of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability and the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology," a statement published by Madrid and UEFA said.
In their Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven, Bayern Munich made four substitutions in the 62nd minute, writes Stephan Wijnen. The four players entering the pitch together had a combined estimated value of 265m (Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies). Is this the most expensive combined substitution ever? Before we go any further a player's estimated value is not an objective measure, but using transfer fees doesn't necessarily work, with some players moving for no fee (Kylian Mbappe, for example).
The Spanish club is interested in signing the International and they are preparing to offer around 75 million in order to sign him, as per TuttoJuve. The 25-year-old has established himself as a key player for Newcastle, and they will not want to sell him easily. It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can convince the Premier League club.
"This is a different scenario [to the league phase] where there's two legs to play 180 minutes," she said. "They're the first team to be at home and we play the second leg at home. So I'll have to guess their approach to the game. I think what will be important for them is to to defend really well against us."
Sergio Ramos reunited with his ex-Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modric recently in his home in Seville, a post on social media has shown. As Tribuna report, the two decided to catch up for a barbecue on the same day their former side defeated Valencia by a 2-0 margin in LaLiga. Ramos posted a picture of the two exchanging kits, with the Spaniard receiving a Modric shirt from Milan, and the Croatian getting a Monterrey shirt.
Valencia welcome Real Madrid to Mestalla for a Sunday evening clash in La Liga. Los Blancos are still adjusting to life without Xabi Alonso, but are well within reach of Barcelona at the top of the table. A win on the road would put them one point behind the Blaugrana, who had no problem winning their fixture on Saturday afternoon. But Valencia are no pushovers, despite flirting with relegation this season.
The hierarchy of the Spanish giant is becoming extremely worried about the situation in the dressing room, and club president Florentino Perez is determined to make changes he feels are essential for stability to return. Parting ways with Xabi Alonso and appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as a temporary head coach was the first step, but Perez feels dominant figures in the dressing room, such as Real once proudly boasted in Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, are missing.
