Madrid defenders David Alaba, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold are injured, but left-backs Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras and forward Endrick are available following suspensions. Centre-back Antonio Rudiger, midfielders Dani Ceballos and Federico Valverde and Liga top scorer Kylian Mbappe have minor issues, while reports in Spain suggest forward Vinicius Junior could be rested. Midfielder Thiago Pitarch, 18, could make his full debut.
TEAMtalk can reveal how a much-hyped Liverpool replacement for Mohamed Salah may not make an immediate return to the Premier League, with the attacker also having his eyes firmly set on Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is the player in question, with sources revealing to us that the Frenchman is keeping his long-term options open, and that a move to Spain is not out of the question.
as the club continues to struggle to reach an agreement over a new long-term deal. According to Foot Mercato, negotiations between the German champions and the French defender have stalled, with the player unimpressed by Bayern's latest offer. The 27-year-old's contract runs out at the end of the current season, and if no breakthrough is made soon, Upamecano could become one of the most sought-after free agents in Europe next summer.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo would prefer a move to Real Madrid to joining Barcelona in the January transfer window, according to Defensa Central. Mainoo is ready to leave Man Utd on a loan deal in the middle of the season. The 20-year-old England international midfielder has become frustrated by his lack of chances under manager Ruben Amorim. Mainoo has made 10 substitute appearances for Man Utd so far this season and has not started a single game in the league.
Barcelona fans enjoyed themselves on Saturday night as they watched Raphinha score twice to beat Osasuna 2-0 at Camp Nou. The win sees Hansi Flick's side extend their lead at the top of the table over Real Madrid to seven points with Los Blancos in action on Sunday against Alaves. Real Madrid head into their match under a cloud after defeats to Celta Vigo in La Liga and Manchester City in the Champions League.
I knew I'd be asked more about our opponents than about Alaves... it's not my place to comment on that, but Real Madrid are very prestigious opponents and they have a manager who's earned his position for a reason. It will be very difficult because they have a lot of resources, but we will try to maintain our style and take the initiative.
Liverpool have been plunged into uncertainty over the future of Ibrahima Konate, with the French centre-back yet to commit to a new deal amid mounting interest from European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. The 25-year-old's contract runs until the summer of 2026, but his hesitation to extend has set off alarm bells at Anfield, forcing the club's hierarchy to activate an emergency succession plan for one of their most important players.
The 27-year-old has struggled for regular opportunities at the London club, and he needs to move on in search of regular playing time. According to a report from Defensa Central, he does not have a future at Chelsea, and his agent has now approached Real Madrid to offer his client. It will be interesting to see if the Spanish outfit is willing to take up the opportunity and sign him on loan until the end of the season.
Is Xabi Alonso's time up at Real Madrid, why is everyone talking about Paul Pogba's camels, how is Turkish football headed into 'panic', can Lens push PSG for the Ligue 1 title and what on EARTH is going on in the Polish league this season? It's a packed Euro Leagues episode as Mina Rzouki, Guillem Balague and Julien Laurens join Steve Crossman to go through all the best stories across the continent in the last week.
Los Blancos' Brazilian forward had ended a 32-game goal drought - a club record - to give under-pressure Xabi Alonso's men the advantage after 28 minutes. After a flowing move from the hosts, Jude Bellingham found Rodrygo on the edge of the box and the 24-year-old, whose future in the Spanish capital has long been the subject of much debate, beat O'Reilly with his first touch before firing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Portuguese coach, who is currently in charge of Benfica, spent three years at the helm in Madrid between 2010 and 2013. Mourinho boasted a 76.3% win percentage in LaLiga, with his Los Blancos side emerging victorious in 87 of their 114 league matches under his guidance (D16 L11) and scoring 326 goals across those games. He won the league title in the 2011-12 season, while also lifting the 2011 Copa del Rey and 2012 Supercopa de Espana.