Barcelona secured their 29th Spanish league title after beating Real Madrid 2-0 in the Clasico on Sunday. Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres struck in the first half to help Hansi Flick's side clinch La Liga in consecutive years, while consigning Madrid to a trophyless season. Barca moved an unassailable 14 points clear of second-place Los Blancos with three matches remaining.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vinesh-phogat-denied-entry-into-comeback-tournament-as-wrestling-federation-imposes-ban-1778325904938">Vinesh Phogat denied entry into comeback tournament as WFI imposes ban</a>This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of a Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barca.Flick's team were disappointed to be knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid in April, but were still determined to celebrate in style."This title is more special for winning it at home against Madrid, now we have to enjoy it with the fans," Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Movistar."We have been the best team in Spain -- of course we (also) want to win the Champions League, that's the objective."Next year we will have another opportunity."Madrid arrived at the match embroiled in chaos, after midfielder Fede Valverde was ruled out with a head injury following a training ground scuffle with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, who started.Barca coach Flick received bad news before the game, with his father passing away, but took his place on the touchline regardless, to oversee his side's comfortable triumph."It has been a tough day. It started in the morning and I really, I'll never forget this day," Flick told fans on the pitch."I'm really proud about that we have such a team. I want to say thank you to everyone, thank you for everything, thanks for really fighting. I really appreciate that a lot."The German coach opted for the energetic Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, on the right wing in place of injured teenage star Lamine Yamal.The Catalans, who only needed to avoid defeat, came out with their eyes firmly locked on the prize, racing into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes.Rashford opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, whipping the ball into the top left corner from a position 20 yards out, right of centre.Torres doubled the hosts' advantage at a jubilant Camp Nou, the 62,000-strong crowd enjoying the first Clasico back there since the stadium was reopened.Dani Olmo produced a clever backheel to allow Torres to burst into the box and ram past Thibaut Courtois.Gonzalo Garcia, playing in place of injured Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, prodded narrowly wide after racing in behind Barca's high defensive line.<h2>Madrid frustration</h2>Urged on by coach Alvaro Arbeloa on the touchline, unlikely to be at the helm next season, Madrid battled to stem the bleeding.Rashford could have added a third before the break but fired wide, with Fermin Lopez unmarked and well placed to finish.Torres should have struck early in the second half but Courtois saved from the Spain international as he ran through.Jude Bellingham put the ball in Barcelona's net but the goal was ruled out for offside, while Joan Garcia thwarted Vinicius Junior.Barca fans batted inflatable beach balls around to taunt the Brazilian over his unfulfilled Ballon d'Or ambitions, and lapped up the party atmosphere.Courtois saved from substitutes Raphinha, back after injury, and Robert Lewandowski as Madrid saw out the remainder of the match without taking further damage."We can't say a lot (to the fans), because we understand the frustration, their upset, how unsatisfied they have to be with this season," Arbeloa told reporters."All we can do is work, looking towards the future, learning from everything we did badly this year, knowing that Real Madrid always come back."Flick's side remain on course to match the record of 100 points in a league season and can win all their home matches if they defeat Real Betis in the one remaining.Meanwhile Madrid finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy, staring down the barrel of a summer reshuffle, including former coach Jose Mourinho being linked with a potential return.What is clear is that for now president Florentino Perez cannot seem to find the solution to end Flick's Barca's domestic domination.

This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of a Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barca.

Barcelona secured their 29th Spanish league title after beating Real Madrid 2-0 in the Clasico on Sunday. Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres struck in the first half to help Hansi Flick's side clinch La Liga in consecutive years, while consigning Madrid to a trophyless season. Barca moved an unassailable 14 points clear of second-place Los Blancos with three matches remaining. Also Read - Vinesh Phogat denied entry into comeback tournament as WFI imposes ban This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of a Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barca. Flick's team were disappointed to be knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid in April, but were still determined to celebrate in style. "This title is more special for winning it at home against Madrid, now we have to enjoy it with the fans," Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Movistar. "We have been the best team in Spain -- of course we (also) want to win the Champions League, that's the objective. "Next year we will have another opportunity." Madrid arrived at the match embroiled in chaos, after midfielder Fede Valverde was ruled out with a head injury following a training ground scuffle with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, who started. Barca coach Flick received bad news before the game, with his father passing away, but took his place on the touchline regardless, to oversee his side's comfortable triumph. "It has been a tough day. It started in the morning and I really, I'll never forget this day," Flick told fans on the pitch. "I'm really proud about that we have such a team. I want to say thank you to everyone, thank you for everything, thanks for really fighting. I really appreciate that a lot." The German coach opted for the energetic Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, on the right wing in place of injured teenage star Lamine Yamal. The Catalans, who only needed to avoid defeat, came out with their eyes firmly locked on the prize, racing into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes. Rashford opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, whipping the ball into the top left corner from a position 20 yards out, right of centre. Torres doubled the hosts' advantage at a jubilant Camp Nou, the 62,000-strong crowd enjoying the first Clasico back there since the stadium was reopened. Dani Olmo produced a clever backheel to allow Torres to burst into the box and ram past Thibaut Courtois. Gonzalo Garcia, playing in place of injured Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, prodded narrowly wide after racing in behind Barca's high defensive line. Madrid frustration Urged on by coach Alvaro Arbeloa on the touchline, unlikely to be at the helm next season, Madrid battled to stem the bleeding. Rashford could have added a third before the break but fired wide, with Fermin Lopez unmarked and well placed to finish. Torres should have struck early in the second half but Courtois saved from the Spain international as he ran through. Jude Bellingham put the ball in Barcelona's net but the goal was ruled out for offside, while Joan Garcia thwarted Vinicius Junior. Barca fans batted inflatable beach balls around to taunt the Brazilian over his unfulfilled Ballon d'Or ambitions, and lapped up the party atmosphere. Courtois saved from substitutes Raphinha, back after injury, and Robert Lewandowski as Madrid saw out the remainder of the match without taking further damage. "We can't say a lot (to the fans), because we understand the frustration, their upset, how unsatisfied they have to be with this season," Arbeloa told reporters. "All we can do is work, looking towards the future, learning from everything we did badly this year, knowing that Real Madrid always come back." Flick's side remain on course to match the record of 100 points in a league season and can win all their home matches if they defeat Real Betis in the one remaining. Meanwhile Madrid finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy, staring down the barrel of a summer reshuffle, including former coach Jose Mourinho being linked with a potential return. What is clear is that for now president Florentino Perez cannot seem to find the solution to end Flick's Barca's domestic domination.

This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of a Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barca.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid in El Clasico to win La Liga

Real Madrid have been dealt a significant blow ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico, as French star Kylian Mbappe ruled out after failing a late fitness assessment. His absence comes as a major setback for Carlo Ancelotti’s side before the crucial showdown against rivals FC Barcelona, a match that could have a decisive impact on the La Liga title race. The 27-year-old forward, who has been dealing a muscle problem in his left leg was unable to finish Saturday’s training session at Valdebebas and did not recover in time to travel for the clash in Camp Nou.&nbsp;Real Madrid confirmed their squad for the highly anticipated encounter through a post on X, with Mbappe notably left out of the travelling group.&nbsp;After consultations between the club’s medical department and coaching staff, Madrid chose not to take any chances with the striker’s fitness, especially with their championship ambitions already under pressure.&nbsp;The French forward's absence is a huge concern for Madrid, considering his remarkable record against Barcelona, scoring at an average of one goal every 67 minutes in Clasico meetings. Mbappe had also netted a hat-trick in last season's Clasico at Montjuic despite Madrid ending up on the losing side. Mbappe has enjoyed a prolific debut campaign in Spain, scoring 41 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions despite enduring multiple short-term injury layoffs linked to knee and muscle issues.&nbsp;His absence also follows recent controversy surrounding trips to Italy and France during recovery periods, which drew criticism in the Spanish media.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-could-a-washout-against-royal-challengers-bengaluru-end-mumbai-indians-playoff-dream-1778412963110">IPL 2026: Could a washout against Royal Challengers Bengaluru end Mumbai Indians’ playoff dream?</a> Madrid head into the high-stakes encounter severely depleted, with several key players unavailable. Midfielder Federico Valverde, forward Rodrygo, defender Eder Militao, youngster Arda Guler, and full-backs Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy are all sidelined. Barcelona, meanwhile, can clinch the La Liga title if they avoid defeat against their arch-rivals, which would mark the first time in league history that the championship is decided during a Clasico. Madrid, however, can still delay Barca's celebrations by cutting the gap at the top to eight points with three matches remaining.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Real Madrid have been dealt a major setback as Kylian Mbappe ruled out of the clash against Barcelona in Camp Nou on Sunday

Real Madrid have been dealt a significant blow ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico, as French star Kylian Mbappe ruled out after failing a late fitness assessment. His absence comes as a major setback for Carlo Ancelotti’s side before the crucial showdown against rivals FC Barcelona, a match that could have a decisive impact on the La Liga title race. The 27-year-old forward, who has been dealing a muscle problem in his left leg was unable to finish Saturday’s training session at Valdebebas and did not recover in time to travel for the clash in Camp Nou. Real Madrid confirmed their squad for the highly anticipated encounter through a post on X, with Mbappe notably left out of the travelling group. After consultations between the club’s medical department and coaching staff, Madrid chose not to take any chances with the striker’s fitness, especially with their championship ambitions already under pressure. The French forward's absence is a huge concern for Madrid, considering his remarkable record against Barcelona, scoring at an average of one goal every 67 minutes in Clasico meetings. Mbappe had also netted a hat-trick in last season's Clasico at Montjuic despite Madrid ending up on the losing side. Mbappe has enjoyed a prolific debut campaign in Spain, scoring 41 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions despite enduring multiple short-term injury layoffs linked to knee and muscle issues. His absence also follows recent controversy surrounding trips to Italy and France during recovery periods, which drew criticism in the Spanish media. Also Read - IPL 2026: Could a washout against Royal Challengers Bengaluru end Mumbai Indians’ playoff dream? Madrid head into the high-stakes encounter severely depleted, with several key players unavailable. Midfielder Federico Valverde, forward Rodrygo, defender Eder Militao, youngster Arda Guler, and full-backs Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy are all sidelined. Barcelona, meanwhile, can clinch the La Liga title if they avoid defeat against their arch-rivals, which would mark the first time in league history that the championship is decided during a Clasico. Madrid, however, can still delay Barca's celebrations by cutting the gap at the top to eight points with three matches remaining. With inputs from agencies

Real Madrid have been dealt a major setback as Kylian Mbappe ruled out of the clash against Barcelona in Camp Nou on Sunday

Big blow for Real Madrid as Kylian Mbappe set to miss crucial El Clasico against Barcelona

The race for the La Liga title is all but over as Barcelona are in pole position to clinch the title. With just six matches to go in the regular season, Barcelona will look to wrap up the title as early as possible, with them having a decisive advantage. So ahead of the final leg of La Liga, here are all the details with Barcelona looking to get one better of arch-rivals Real Madrid.<h2>What are the current standings?</h2>As things stand, Barcelona are top of La Liga with 82 points from 32 matches, a season during which they have won 27 matches. On the other hand, Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid are second with 73 points from 32 matches. This means Real can only reach a maximum of 91 points if they win all their matches from now until the end of the season.<h2>When could Barcelona win La Liga?</h2>Currently, with Real still able to reach 91 points, Hansi Flick’s side needs to reach 92 points to win La Liga. This means they need 10 more points to seal the title from the six remaining matches. This also means that if Real Madrid continue to win, Barcelona will need to win their next three matches and pick a draw on matchday 36 to seal the title.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;The title could be wrapped up early, but for that, Real Madrid should drop points, while Barcelona should continue winning. If Real Madrid lose their next two matches and Barcelona win their next matches, the title race could be settled on matchday 34.&nbsp;However, if Barcelona win their next two matches, then follow that with an El Clásico win over Real Madrid on May 10, then Flick’s men can seal the title on matchday 35.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a><h2>Can Real still win title?</h2>Technically, yes, Real Madrid can still win La Liga, but for that, they will need a huge helping hand. Firstly, Real should win all their matches while hoping Barcelona don’t pick more than eight points in their remaining six games. In case Real win all their matches and Barcelona pick nine points, both teams will end with 91 points each. Since it is assumed Real will win all their matches, they will, in turn, have a better head-to-head over Barcelona as they both meet on matchday 35.

As things stand, Barcelona are top of La Liga with 82 points from 32 matches, a season during which they have won 27 matches. On the other hand, Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid are second with 73 points from 32 matches. 

The race for the La Liga title is all but over as Barcelona are in pole position to clinch the title. With just six matches to go in the regular season, Barcelona will look to wrap up the title as early as possible, with them having a decisive advantage. So ahead of the final leg of La Liga, here are all the details with Barcelona looking to get one better of arch-rivals Real Madrid. What are the current standings? As things stand, Barcelona are top of La Liga with 82 points from 32 matches, a season during which they have won 27 matches. On the other hand, Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid are second with 73 points from 32 matches. This means Real can only reach a maximum of 91 points if they win all their matches from now until the end of the season. When could Barcelona win La Liga? Currently, with Real still able to reach 91 points, Hansi Flick’s side needs to reach 92 points to win La Liga. This means they need 10 more points to seal the title from the six remaining matches. This also means that if Real Madrid continue to win, Barcelona will need to win their next three matches and pick a draw on matchday 36 to seal the title. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL The title could be wrapped up early, but for that, Real Madrid should drop points, while Barcelona should continue winning. If Real Madrid lose their next two matches and Barcelona win their next matches, the title race could be settled on matchday 34. However, if Barcelona win their next two matches, then follow that with an El Clásico win over Real Madrid on May 10, then Flick’s men can seal the title on matchday 35. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Can Real still win title? Technically, yes, Real Madrid can still win La Liga, but for that, they will need a huge helping hand. Firstly, Real should win all their matches while hoping Barcelona don’t pick more than eight points in their remaining six games. In case Real win all their matches and Barcelona pick nine points, both teams will end with 91 points each. Since it is assumed Real will win all their matches, they will, in turn, have a better head-to-head over Barcelona as they both meet on matchday 35.

As things stand, Barcelona are top of La Liga with 82 points from 32 matches, a season during which they have won 27 matches. On the other hand, Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid are second with 73 points from 32 matches.&nbsp;

All permutations explained: When could Barcelona win La Liga title

Portugese star Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer only a footballer but a football club owner as well. Ronaldo, in a statement through his compnay CR7 Sports Investments, has announced the acquisition of second division Spanish football club. Ronaldo now owns 25 per cent ownership in Almeria which is owned by Saudi group SMC. The club, which last played in La Liga in 2024, are currently third in second division league Segunda. Notably, teams ending in top two in Segunda get promoted the La Liga the coming season.<h2>Ronaldo becomes a football club owner</h2>The statement from Ronaldo's company on the deal read: "This strategic investment in UD Almería reflects Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to professional football ownership. It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-nazi-salute-after-racism-real-madrid-vs-benfica-second-leg-also-hit-with-controversy-1772163331528">UCL | Real Madrid vs Benfica 2nd leg hit by 'Nazi salute' controversy</a>Almería’s president, Mohamed al-Khereiji, also spoke about the deal and suggested Ronaldo's role with the club in the future: "He is considered the best on the pitch. He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building."<h2>Ronaldo in La Liga</h2>The ace footballer, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Pro League, spent nine years with La Liga giants Real Madrid - winning two league trophies and four Champions League titles. His best season with Real Madrid came in 2014-15 when he scored 48 goals in 35 matches. He had joined La Liga after spending six seasons at Manchester United in English Premier League and moved to Juventus in Serie A after Spanish stint.After leaving Juventus, he joined Manchester United back in 2021-22 but left the club four games into the next season amid a fallout before joining Al Nassr in Saudi league.

Ronaldo now owns 25 per cent ownership in Almeria which is owned by Saudi group SMC. The club, which last played in La Liga in 2024, are currently third in second division league Segunda.

Portugese star Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer only a footballer but a football club owner as well. Ronaldo, in a statement through his compnay CR7 Sports Investments, has announced the acquisition of second division Spanish football club. Ronaldo now owns 25 per cent ownership in Almeria which is owned by Saudi group SMC. The club, which last played in La Liga in 2024, are currently third in second division league Segunda. Notably, teams ending in top two in Segunda get promoted the La Liga the coming season. Ronaldo becomes a football club owner The statement from Ronaldo's company on the deal read: "This strategic investment in UD Almería reflects Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to professional football ownership. It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth." Also Read - UCL | Real Madrid vs Benfica 2nd leg hit by 'Nazi salute' controversy Almería’s president, Mohamed al-Khereiji, also spoke about the deal and suggested Ronaldo's role with the club in the future: "He is considered the best on the pitch. He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building." Ronaldo in La Liga The ace footballer, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Pro League, spent nine years with La Liga giants Real Madrid - winning two league trophies and four Champions League titles. His best season with Real Madrid came in 2014-15 when he scored 48 goals in 35 matches. He had joined La Liga after spending six seasons at Manchester United in English Premier League and moved to Juventus in Serie A after Spanish stint. After leaving Juventus, he joined Manchester United back in 2021-22 but left the club four games into the next season amid a fallout before joining Al Nassr in Saudi league.

Ronaldo now owns 25 per cent ownership in Almeria which is owned by Saudi group SMC. The club, which last played in La Liga in 2024, are currently third in second division league Segunda.

Ronaldo no longer only a player but a football club owner in Spain

Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe's goals earned Real Madrid a battling 2-0 win at Valencia on Sunday to close the gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona to one point. After the Spanish champions had beaten Mallorca on Saturday, Alvaro Arbeloa's side eked out a tight victory at Mestalla to keep the pressure on their arch-rivals.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lindsey-vonn-s-olympic-comeback-ends-in-heartbreak-after-downhill-crash-airlifted-to-hospital-1770567013247">Lindsey Vonn's Olympic comeback ends in heartbreak after downhill crash</a>Missing suspended forward Vinicius Junior and injured midfielder Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos lacked sparkle but did just enough to claim three points on Spain's east coast.England international Trent Alexander-Arnold made his return after injury as a substitute in the second half of Madrid's victory.Arbeloa's side had the better chances in the first half but failed to create danger on a consistent basis in a gritty encounter.Arda Guler's shot deflected narrowly wide, while Valencia stopper Stole Dimitrievski saved well with his legs from Mbappe's fierce drive.Madrid right-back David Jimenez, from the club's youth academy, came closest to scoring after French superstar Mbappe teed him up, but the Macedonian goalkeeper denied him too.Midway through the second half, Carreras conjured a goal out of nothing to give Madrid the lead.Drifting inside from the left of the box, the defender used his weaker right foot to stroke the ball inside Dimitrievski's near post.Valencia might have levelled but Lucas Beltran's effort on the stretch beat Thibaut Courtois and clipped the post.Arbeloa brought on Alexander-Arnold for his first appearance since early December following a thigh injury, as Madrid looked to close out the game.They eventually secured the three points in stoppage time as Brahim Diaz teed up La Liga's top scorer Mbappe, who finished calmly for his 23rd goal in the competition this season.Valencia's fans, some of whom had waved white handkerchieves during the match in protest at the club's situation, headed for the exits with Los Che 17th, one point above the drop zone.

Missing suspended forward Vinicius Junior and injured midfielder Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos lacked sparkle but did just enough to claim three points on Spain's east coast.

Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe's goals earned Real Madrid a battling 2-0 win at Valencia on Sunday to close the gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona to one point. After the Spanish champions had beaten Mallorca on Saturday, Alvaro Arbeloa's side eked out a tight victory at Mestalla to keep the pressure on their arch-rivals. Also Read: Lindsey Vonn's Olympic comeback ends in heartbreak after downhill crash Missing suspended forward Vinicius Junior and injured midfielder Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos lacked sparkle but did just enough to claim three points on Spain's east coast. England international Trent Alexander-Arnold made his return after injury as a substitute in the second half of Madrid's victory. Arbeloa's side had the better chances in the first half but failed to create danger on a consistent basis in a gritty encounter. Arda Guler's shot deflected narrowly wide, while Valencia stopper Stole Dimitrievski saved well with his legs from Mbappe's fierce drive. Madrid right-back David Jimenez, from the club's youth academy, came closest to scoring after French superstar Mbappe teed him up, but the Macedonian goalkeeper denied him too. Midway through the second half, Carreras conjured a goal out of nothing to give Madrid the lead. Drifting inside from the left of the box, the defender used his weaker right foot to stroke the ball inside Dimitrievski's near post. Valencia might have levelled but Lucas Beltran's effort on the stretch beat Thibaut Courtois and clipped the post. Arbeloa brought on Alexander-Arnold for his first appearance since early December following a thigh injury, as Madrid looked to close out the game. They eventually secured the three points in stoppage time as Brahim Diaz teed up La Liga's top scorer Mbappe, who finished calmly for his 23rd goal in the competition this season. Valencia's fans, some of whom had waved white handkerchieves during the match in protest at the club's situation, headed for the exits with Los Che 17th, one point above the drop zone.

Missing suspended forward Vinicius Junior and injured midfielder Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos lacked sparkle but did just enough to claim three points on Spain's east coast.

La Liga: Real Madrid beat Valencia to stay within a point of Barca

Atletico Madrid climbed to third in La Liga with a straightforward 3-0 win at Girona on Sunday.&nbsp;Diego Simeone's side moved above Villarreal, fourth, who host leaders Barcelona later on.&nbsp;A brilliant strike from distance from Koke, Conor Gallagher's deflected effort and a late third from Antoine Griezmann pulled Atletico within six points of Barca.&nbsp;Atletico secured a fourth consecutive win across all competitions on a relatively simple afternoon at Girona's modest Montilivi stadium.&nbsp;"I'm proud of the work we did today," Koke told Movistar.&nbsp;"The team is taking a step forward and doing the things we need to do."&nbsp;Marcos Llorente was a welcome return to the Atletico starting line-up after injury, and Simeone's team never looked likely to slip up against the team in 18th.&nbsp;Koke opened the scoring with a vicious strike into the top corner when the ball fell for him outside the area, for his 50th Atletico goal.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;"I don't shoot much, I'm more of an assist provider," admitted Koke.&nbsp;"However when it sits up like that, I only thought about shooting and luckily it went in."&nbsp;Girona almost equalised but for a spectacular save by Atletico's Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who managed to claw out an Axel Witsel effort.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The former Atletico player fired towards goal from seven yards out but Oblak showed lightning-quick reflexes to keep out the shot.&nbsp;Former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher netted the second before the break at the end of a smooth Atletico move, with his shot clipping Vitor Reis to divert in at the near post.&nbsp;Oblak made another important save to thwart Alex Moreno with around 15 minutes remaining to preserve Atletico's two-goal cushion.&nbsp;Griezmann, on a now-frequent substitute appearance, wrapped up the win by stroking home late on for his second goal in his last two games.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Atletico secured a fourth consecutive win across all competitions on a relatively simple afternoon at Girona's modest Montilivi stadium.

Atletico Madrid climbed to third in La Liga with a straightforward 3-0 win at Girona on Sunday. Diego Simeone's side moved above Villarreal, fourth, who host leaders Barcelona later on. A brilliant strike from distance from Koke, Conor Gallagher's deflected effort and a late third from Antoine Griezmann pulled Atletico within six points of Barca. Atletico secured a fourth consecutive win across all competitions on a relatively simple afternoon at Girona's modest Montilivi stadium. "I'm proud of the work we did today," Koke told Movistar. "The team is taking a step forward and doing the things we need to do." Marcos Llorente was a welcome return to the Atletico starting line-up after injury, and Simeone's team never looked likely to slip up against the team in 18th. Koke opened the scoring with a vicious strike into the top corner when the ball fell for him outside the area, for his 50th Atletico goal. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes "I don't shoot much, I'm more of an assist provider," admitted Koke. "However when it sits up like that, I only thought about shooting and luckily it went in." Girona almost equalised but for a spectacular save by Atletico's Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who managed to claw out an Axel Witsel effort. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes The former Atletico player fired towards goal from seven yards out but Oblak showed lightning-quick reflexes to keep out the shot. Former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher netted the second before the break at the end of a smooth Atletico move, with his shot clipping Vitor Reis to divert in at the near post. Oblak made another important save to thwart Alex Moreno with around 15 minutes remaining to preserve Atletico's two-goal cushion. Griezmann, on a now-frequent substitute appearance, wrapped up the win by stroking home late on for his second goal in his last two games. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Atletico secured a fourth consecutive win across all competitions on a relatively simple afternoon at Girona's modest Montilivi stadium.

La Liga: Atletico Madrid go third with comfortable win at Girona

Raphinha hit a brace to give Barcelona a narrow 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday and take them seven points clear at the top of La Liga. The Brazilian winger broke the deadlock after 70 minutes with a fizzing strike from the edge of the box to earn Barca their seventh-straight top flight win. Second place Real Madrid visit Alaves on Sunday, aiming to cut the gap on the champions back down to four points.&nbsp;Barca lacked their usual sparkle but ground out their victory, keeping a first clean sheet in six matches across all competitions. They also recorded a fifth victory in five games at their partially reopened Camp Nou home.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-salah-sets-up-goal-on-return-as-liverpool-beat-brighton-2-0-chelsea-return-to-winning-ways-against-everton-1765649108986">Premier League: Salah sets up goal on return as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0; Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton</a>&nbsp;"(The win) has a lot of merit, they were well organised, it was hard to find a way through. With patience and a lot of possession, we finally did it," Barca defender Gerard Martin told Movistar. "A clean sheet gives stability to the team and then the goals, they always come."&nbsp;Ferran Torres, chosen to start over Robert Lewandowski after his hat-trick last weekend against Real Betis, might have sent Barca ahead early on but hooked high over the bar from Lamine Yamal's dangerous cross.&nbsp;At the other end, Ante Budimir's low effort was fielded comfortably by Joan Garcia, with Osasuna looking to hit Barca on the counter.&nbsp;Yamal had a couple of drives beaten away in a mostly frustrating first-half for both the teenager and for Barca.&nbsp;Torres headed home from Marcus Rashford's cross but the goal was disallowed for an offside in the build-up. The Spain international sent an acrobatic overhead effort inches wide, and Garcia denied Budimir with another fine save before the break.<h3>Eventual breakthrough</h3>&nbsp;Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera tipped a Rashford free-kick to safety early in the second half as Barca sought to extend their winning run. They were having trouble breaking Osasuna down but found a way through when the excellent Pedri roamed forward and found Raphinha on the edge of the box to slam a shot into the bottom right corner.&nbsp;Osasuna's Jorge Herrando, who was sent off on his debut for the club at the old Camp Nou in 2023, had a strike ruled out after Alejandro Catena collided with Barca goalkeeper Garcia.&nbsp;Moments later, Raphinha tapped home at the back post after Alejandro Catena deflected Jules Kounde's cross into the Brazilian's path with four minutes remaining.&nbsp;Raphinha, who started the match out of position in a central attacking midfield role, was one of the club's key players last season as they won a domestic treble and, after a spell out injured, has made an impact on his return.&nbsp;"We've got a lot of good players and Rapha, or whoever else plays inside, in the end they give us a lot of solutions in that position," added Martin.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Barcelona is seven points clear of second place Real Madrid after win over Osasuna. 

Raphinha hit a brace to give Barcelona a narrow 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday and take them seven points clear at the top of La Liga. The Brazilian winger broke the deadlock after 70 minutes with a fizzing strike from the edge of the box to earn Barca their seventh-straight top flight win. Second place Real Madrid visit Alaves on Sunday, aiming to cut the gap on the champions back down to four points. Barca lacked their usual sparkle but ground out their victory, keeping a first clean sheet in six matches across all competitions. They also recorded a fifth victory in five games at their partially reopened Camp Nou home. Also read | Premier League: Salah sets up goal on return as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0; Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton "(The win) has a lot of merit, they were well organised, it was hard to find a way through. With patience and a lot of possession, we finally did it," Barca defender Gerard Martin told Movistar. "A clean sheet gives stability to the team and then the goals, they always come." Ferran Torres, chosen to start over Robert Lewandowski after his hat-trick last weekend against Real Betis, might have sent Barca ahead early on but hooked high over the bar from Lamine Yamal's dangerous cross. At the other end, Ante Budimir's low effort was fielded comfortably by Joan Garcia, with Osasuna looking to hit Barca on the counter. Yamal had a couple of drives beaten away in a mostly frustrating first-half for both the teenager and for Barca. Torres headed home from Marcus Rashford's cross but the goal was disallowed for an offside in the build-up. The Spain international sent an acrobatic overhead effort inches wide, and Garcia denied Budimir with another fine save before the break. Eventual breakthrough Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera tipped a Rashford free-kick to safety early in the second half as Barca sought to extend their winning run. They were having trouble breaking Osasuna down but found a way through when the excellent Pedri roamed forward and found Raphinha on the edge of the box to slam a shot into the bottom right corner. Osasuna's Jorge Herrando, who was sent off on his debut for the club at the old Camp Nou in 2023, had a strike ruled out after Alejandro Catena collided with Barca goalkeeper Garcia. Moments later, Raphinha tapped home at the back post after Alejandro Catena deflected Jules Kounde's cross into the Brazilian's path with four minutes remaining. Raphinha, who started the match out of position in a central attacking midfield role, was one of the club's key players last season as they won a domestic treble and, after a spell out injured, has made an impact on his return. "We've got a lot of good players and Rapha, or whoever else plays inside, in the end they give us a lot of solutions in that position," added Martin. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Barcelona is seven points clear of second place Real Madrid after win over Osasuna.&nbsp;

Raphinha hits brace as Barcelona extend Liga lead in win over Osasuna

Ferran Torres netted a first-half hat-trick to help Barcelona thrash Real Betis 5-3 and move four points clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday. Lamine Yamal and Roony Bardghji scored the other goals as the champions racked up what was mostly a comfortable victory in Seville, until they conceded two late goals. Real Madrid, second, host Celta Vigo on Sunday aiming to reel Hansi Flick's side back in, while fourth-place Atletico Madrid visit Athletic Bilbao later Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;After some shaky performances Barca beat Atletico Madrid in midweek and then built on it with another triumph at Betis.&nbsp;"We are fighting and (my players) were exhausted, so at the end not everyone was 100 percent, and this is normal," Flick told reporters. "Today is positive. Really positive and compliments for my players."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-mohamed-salah-hints-at-liverpool-exit-with-thrown-under-the-bus-rant-arne-slot-1765076856783">Premier League: Salah hints at Liverpool exit with ‘thrown under the bus’ rant</a>&nbsp;Flick opted to make some rotations, with a key Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday in mind. The German coach started Bardghji on the right wing and Torres up front in place of Robert Lewandowski, as well as moving teenage star Yamal into a central attacking midfield role, where he impressed.&nbsp;Former Manchester United forward Antony opened the scoring for Betis, fifth, at their temporary La Cartuja home, blasting home after Jules Kounde played him onside. The French defender made amends to help Barca get back level five minutes later, with Torres polishing off his cross at the end of a sharp team move.&nbsp;Torres struck again in the 13th minute in similar fashion from Bardghji's cross to put Barca in front, and they never looked back. Bardghji scored the third himself after good work by Pedri to bring the ball forward, the Swedish winger finishing with aplomb.&nbsp;Torres completed his hat-trick before half-time with a stroke of luck, as his shot deflected home past Alvaro Valles. It was his 11th league goal, making him the second top scorer in La Liga behind Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.&nbsp;"I already knew I could do this," Torres told Movistar. "That's what you have to do at Barca, and I'm aiming for many more (goals)."&nbsp;Yamal netted Barca's fifth from the penalty spot before the hour mark, after former Blaugrana defender Marc Bartra was harshly penalised for handball.&nbsp;Marcus Rashford's shot was blocked by Bartra but the ball flew up and struck his hand.&nbsp;Yamal should have scored when clean through but shot too close to Valles, and Rashford also fired wide one-on-one.&nbsp;Betis nabbed two late goals, with Diego Llorente turning home at the back post from a corner that Barca defended badly.&nbsp;Kounde clumsily felled another former Barca player in Ez Abde and Cucho Hernandez rolled home from the spot.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Ferran Torres, with 11 league goals, makes him the second top scorer in La Liga behind Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.

Ferran Torres netted a first-half hat-trick to help Barcelona thrash Real Betis 5-3 and move four points clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday. Lamine Yamal and Roony Bardghji scored the other goals as the champions racked up what was mostly a comfortable victory in Seville, until they conceded two late goals. Real Madrid, second, host Celta Vigo on Sunday aiming to reel Hansi Flick's side back in, while fourth-place Atletico Madrid visit Athletic Bilbao later Saturday. After some shaky performances Barca beat Atletico Madrid in midweek and then built on it with another triumph at Betis. "We are fighting and (my players) were exhausted, so at the end not everyone was 100 percent, and this is normal," Flick told reporters. "Today is positive. Really positive and compliments for my players." Also read | Premier League: Salah hints at Liverpool exit with ‘thrown under the bus’ rant Flick opted to make some rotations, with a key Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday in mind. The German coach started Bardghji on the right wing and Torres up front in place of Robert Lewandowski, as well as moving teenage star Yamal into a central attacking midfield role, where he impressed. Former Manchester United forward Antony opened the scoring for Betis, fifth, at their temporary La Cartuja home, blasting home after Jules Kounde played him onside. The French defender made amends to help Barca get back level five minutes later, with Torres polishing off his cross at the end of a sharp team move. Torres struck again in the 13th minute in similar fashion from Bardghji's cross to put Barca in front, and they never looked back. Bardghji scored the third himself after good work by Pedri to bring the ball forward, the Swedish winger finishing with aplomb. Torres completed his hat-trick before half-time with a stroke of luck, as his shot deflected home past Alvaro Valles. It was his 11th league goal, making him the second top scorer in La Liga behind Madrid's Kylian Mbappe. "I already knew I could do this," Torres told Movistar. "That's what you have to do at Barca, and I'm aiming for many more (goals)." Yamal netted Barca's fifth from the penalty spot before the hour mark, after former Blaugrana defender Marc Bartra was harshly penalised for handball. Marcus Rashford's shot was blocked by Bartra but the ball flew up and struck his hand. Yamal should have scored when clean through but shot too close to Valles, and Rashford also fired wide one-on-one. Betis nabbed two late goals, with Diego Llorente turning home at the back post from a corner that Barca defended badly. Kounde clumsily felled another former Barca player in Ez Abde and Cucho Hernandez rolled home from the spot. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Ferran Torres, with 11 league goals, makes him the second top scorer in La Liga behind Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.

Torres’ first-half hat-trick helps Barcelona extend Liga lead in thumping win over Betis

Barcelona produced an impressive comeback to beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Tuesday and move four points clear at the top of La Liga, with coach Hansi Flick saying his side had taken a step forward after some shaky performances. Alex Baena fired Atletico ahead, but Raphinha equalised for the champions before Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres struck to end the visitors' run of 13 straight league games without defeat. Barca might have been more comfortable had Robert Lewandowski not ballooned a first-half penalty over the bar at the partially rebuilt Camp Nou.&nbsp;Real Madrid, second, visit Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, aiming to peg Barca back, while Diego Simeone's Atletico are fourth, six points behind the Catalans.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-erling-haaland-makes-premier-league-history-in-nine-goal-thriller-against-fulham-1764733486479">Man City’s Haaland makes Premier League history in nine-goal thriller against Fulham</a>&nbsp;"We will see (if it's a turning point), but this was one of the best matches from us, I really appreciate what I saw over the 90 minutes," Flick told reporters. "This was the next step... we are coming back to our best level, today was really good."&nbsp;This was Barca's fifth consecutive Liga win after losing the Clasico against Madrid in October, but they have not shone consistently in that period, and coming against a title rival, this display gave Flick's side a welcome boost.&nbsp;"This is the spirit we need to have to turn around games like this," Raphinha told Movistar. “We're building confidence game by game, and these three points are going to be vital for the end of the season; they can decide a title race.”&nbsp;Barca were without defender Ronald Araujo, who is taking a mental health break according to Spanish reports, along with ill midfielder Frenkie de Jong and the longer-term absentees.&nbsp;After a 3-0 thrashing at Chelsea last week in the Champions League, followed by a shaky win over Alaves to claim pole position in La Liga, nerves were jangling among home fans.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a tense start, Atletico took the lead with, predictably, a ball in behind Barcelona's persistently high defensive line. Baena scampered through on goal and beat Joan Garcia, barely celebrating because he could sense the linesman's raised flag behind him. However, a VAR review showed the Spaniard was level with Pau Cubarsi when he broke, and the goal was reinstated.&nbsp;Barcelona responded rapidly and levelled in the 26th minute when Pedri, back fit to start, played in Raphinha. The Brazilian winger, another player recently back from injury, took the ball around Jan Oblak and slid it into the empty net.&nbsp;Barca should have gone ahead, but Lewandowski spurned a penalty, blazing high and wide of Oblak's goal after Pablo Barrios brought down Dani Olmo. The Polish veteran almost made amends moments later, but Oblak brilliantly clawed out his header from Lamine Yamal's cross.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.&nbsp;

Real Madrid, second, visit Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, aiming to peg Barca back, while Diego Simeone's Atletico are fourth, six points behind the Catalans.

Barcelona produced an impressive comeback to beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Tuesday and move four points clear at the top of La Liga, with coach Hansi Flick saying his side had taken a step forward after some shaky performances. Alex Baena fired Atletico ahead, but Raphinha equalised for the champions before Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres struck to end the visitors' run of 13 straight league games without defeat. Barca might have been more comfortable had Robert Lewandowski not ballooned a first-half penalty over the bar at the partially rebuilt Camp Nou. Real Madrid, second, visit Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, aiming to peg Barca back, while Diego Simeone's Atletico are fourth, six points behind the Catalans. Also read | Man City’s Haaland makes Premier League history in nine-goal thriller against Fulham "We will see (if it's a turning point), but this was one of the best matches from us, I really appreciate what I saw over the 90 minutes," Flick told reporters. "This was the next step... we are coming back to our best level, today was really good." This was Barca's fifth consecutive Liga win after losing the Clasico against Madrid in October, but they have not shone consistently in that period, and coming against a title rival, this display gave Flick's side a welcome boost. "This is the spirit we need to have to turn around games like this," Raphinha told Movistar. “We're building confidence game by game, and these three points are going to be vital for the end of the season; they can decide a title race.” Barca were without defender Ronald Araujo, who is taking a mental health break according to Spanish reports, along with ill midfielder Frenkie de Jong and the longer-term absentees. After a 3-0 thrashing at Chelsea last week in the Champions League, followed by a shaky win over Alaves to claim pole position in La Liga, nerves were jangling among home fans. Following a tense start, Atletico took the lead with, predictably, a ball in behind Barcelona's persistently high defensive line. Baena scampered through on goal and beat Joan Garcia, barely celebrating because he could sense the linesman's raised flag behind him. However, a VAR review showed the Spaniard was level with Pau Cubarsi when he broke, and the goal was reinstated. Barcelona responded rapidly and levelled in the 26th minute when Pedri, back fit to start, played in Raphinha. The Brazilian winger, another player recently back from injury, took the ball around Jan Oblak and slid it into the empty net. Barca should have gone ahead, but Lewandowski spurned a penalty, blazing high and wide of Oblak's goal after Pablo Barrios brought down Dani Olmo. The Polish veteran almost made amends moments later, but Oblak brilliantly clawed out his header from Lamine Yamal's cross. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Real Madrid, second, visit Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, aiming to peg Barca back, while Diego Simeone's Atletico are fourth, six points behind the Catalans.

Barcelona extend La Liga lead with comeback win over rivals Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid were held to a third consecutive La Liga draw in a 1-1 tie at Girona on Sunday, allowing Barcelona to retain pole position. Azzedine Ounahi fired the hosts into a surprise lead before half-time, with Kylian Mbappe earning Madrid a point from the penalty spot. After Barcelona beat Alaves on Saturday to move top of the table, Madrid needed a victory at Girona to reclaim top spot but now sit second, a point behind the champions.&nbsp;Earlier, Alberto Moleiro helped Villarreal, third, move back ahead of fourth-place Atletico Madrid with a stoppage time winner in a 3-2 victory at Real Sociedad.&nbsp;Real Madrid's draw increases the pressure on Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, after recent rumours suggesting his future is insecure in the Madrid dugout.&nbsp;"We are up there, it's all very even, it's a long season and we have to continue," Alonso told reporters. “I liked the reaction from the players. It was not enough to turn it around but we were close, and we have to continue with the unity we have, being self-critical enough, and wanting to win away from home.”&nbsp;Madrid travel to face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday for a fourth consecutive league match on the road, a game moved because of the club's participation in the Spanish Super Cup in January.&nbsp;"The table will be hard-fought, there will be lots of movement," added Alonso.&nbsp;Mbappe and Arda Guler fired off target for Madrid early on in a hotly-contested but scrappy clash, in front of a raucous home crowd. French superstar Mbappe had a goal ruled out for handball moments before Morocco international Ounahi fired Girona ahead, rifling home from just inside the area to stun their illustrious visitors.&nbsp;Catalan minnows Girona, 18th, have twice beaten Real Madrid at Montilivi since making their top flight debut in 2017 and for a while it looked like they were going to manage it again.&nbsp;Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a stunning save to tip away Vanat's drive across goal before Los Blancos fought back. After having a goal disallowed for offside Vinicius was clumsily felled in the box by Hugo Rincon.&nbsp;Mbappe smashed the resulting penalty into the bottom left corner past Gazzaniga's dive for his 14th La Liga goal of the campaign.&nbsp;"Absolutely not the result we wanted tonight, but the league is still on and very long," wrote Mbappe on social media network Instagram. "We need to change this dynamic and show who we are as a team."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Barcelona lead the La Liga table with 34 points, while Madrid sit in second place with one point shy. 

Real Madrid were held to a third consecutive La Liga draw in a 1-1 tie at Girona on Sunday, allowing Barcelona to retain pole position. Azzedine Ounahi fired the hosts into a surprise lead before half-time, with Kylian Mbappe earning Madrid a point from the penalty spot. After Barcelona beat Alaves on Saturday to move top of the table, Madrid needed a victory at Girona to reclaim top spot but now sit second, a point behind the champions. Earlier, Alberto Moleiro helped Villarreal, third, move back ahead of fourth-place Atletico Madrid with a stoppage time winner in a 3-2 victory at Real Sociedad. Real Madrid's draw increases the pressure on Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, after recent rumours suggesting his future is insecure in the Madrid dugout. "We are up there, it's all very even, it's a long season and we have to continue," Alonso told reporters. “I liked the reaction from the players. It was not enough to turn it around but we were close, and we have to continue with the unity we have, being self-critical enough, and wanting to win away from home.” Madrid travel to face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday for a fourth consecutive league match on the road, a game moved because of the club's participation in the Spanish Super Cup in January. "The table will be hard-fought, there will be lots of movement," added Alonso. Mbappe and Arda Guler fired off target for Madrid early on in a hotly-contested but scrappy clash, in front of a raucous home crowd. French superstar Mbappe had a goal ruled out for handball moments before Morocco international Ounahi fired Girona ahead, rifling home from just inside the area to stun their illustrious visitors. Catalan minnows Girona, 18th, have twice beaten Real Madrid at Montilivi since making their top flight debut in 2017 and for a while it looked like they were going to manage it again. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a stunning save to tip away Vanat's drive across goal before Los Blancos fought back. After having a goal disallowed for offside Vinicius was clumsily felled in the box by Hugo Rincon. Mbappe smashed the resulting penalty into the bottom left corner past Gazzaniga's dive for his 14th La Liga goal of the campaign. "Absolutely not the result we wanted tonight, but the league is still on and very long," wrote Mbappe on social media network Instagram. "We need to change this dynamic and show who we are as a team." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Barcelona lead the La Liga table with 34 points, while Madrid sit in second place with one point shy.&nbsp;

La Liga: Real Madrid’s title hopes dented at Girona in third straight draw

Barcelona made a triumphant return to their rebuilt Camp Nou stadium on Saturday following two and a half years in exile with a 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao to go joint top of La Liga.&nbsp;The Spanish champions had planned to reopen their stadium a year ago but construction delays and other setbacks meant they were forced to wait for their homecoming.&nbsp;Ferran Torres netted a brace after Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring. Fermin Lopez also struck in a comfortable win against Athletic, who had Oihan Sancet sent off in the second half.&nbsp;Hansi Flick's side pulled level with Real Madrid at the top of the table. Los Blancos visit Elche on Sunday.&nbsp;"For everyone, the players, the staff, the coaches, it was a special game, and also for the fans to be back here in this stadium is unbelievable," Flick told reporters.&nbsp;"I'm happy with the clean sheet, the four goals and the three points -- the perfect day for us."&nbsp;Barca set off fireworks before and after the game as a little more than 45,000 fans filled the three stands which had been opened.&nbsp;Despite exorbitant prices, the match was virtually sold out. Barca hope to be able to open up more seats by 2026, and be at the full 105,000 capacity next season.&nbsp;"We have to wait, step by step... we are looking forward (to that)," said Flick, who described coaching Barca at Camp Nou as a "dream come true".&nbsp;The coach was able to name Joan Garcia after the goalkeeper had missed the previous nine games injured. Garcia helped the team keep their first clean sheet since September.&nbsp;Fans had to wait much longer than planned to return to Camp Nou, but were quickly able to celebrate the team's first goal at the new stadium.&nbsp;Veteran striker Lewandowski, wearing the captain's armband, opened the scoring in the fourth minute.&nbsp;Eric Garcia, playing in midfield in place of the suspended Frenkie de Jong, won the ball high up the pitch and Lewandowski beat Unai Simon at his near post with a powerful low strike.&nbsp;The Basque goalkeeper got a hand to the ball and should have kept it out, but Lewandowski was able to chalk up his eighth league goal of his injury-hit, stop-start season.&nbsp;"Today was a special day, not only for me but for everyone," Lewandowski told Barca One."I'm very happy that I could score the first goal, coming back to Camp Nou..." he continued.&nbsp;"I think this first goal for me is something that I'm going to remember forever."&nbsp;All-time Barca great Lionel Messi made an impromptu visit to the renovated stadium a couple of weeks ago and fans sang his name in the 10th minute, not forgetting Barca's glittering past even as they began a new era.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The home fans also made clear they had not forgotten Nico Williams's decision not to sign for them and whistled the Spain forward at every opportunity.&nbsp;Former Barca coach Ernesto Valverde's Athletic made life difficult at times for Barca in the first half but without creating too much danger themselves.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Torres at the double</h2>&nbsp;Athletic forward Unai Gomez fired over and Williams curled wide before Barca doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time.&nbsp;Lamine Yamal played Torres through on goal with the outside of his boot and the striker beat Simon, who again could have kept the shot out.&nbsp;The Catalan giants struck again early in the second half when Garcia again pressed well high in Athletic territory and then fed Lopez, who finished neatly.&nbsp;Athletic's miserable afternoon became even worse when midfielder Sancet hacked down Lopez in frustration and was dismissed after a VAR review.&nbsp;Flick brought on Brazilian winger Raphinha in the second half after a spell out injured. He whipped a shot narrowly wide within seconds of his introduction.&nbsp;Barca wrapped up a perfect afternoon back in their home when Yamal dribbled away from three defenders and played another superb pass to put Torres through for his second.Elsewhere, third-place Villarreal kept the pressure on the top two with a 2-1 win over Mallorca to take them within two points of the leaders.&nbsp;Ander Barrenetxea scored a brilliant goal from near the halfway line for Real Sociedad as they overcame Osasuna 3-1 to move into mid-table.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ferran Torres netted a brace after Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring. Fermin Lopez also struck in a comfortable win against Athletic, who had Oihan Sancet sent off in the second half.

Barcelona made a triumphant return to their rebuilt Camp Nou stadium on Saturday following two and a half years in exile with a 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao to go joint top of La Liga. The Spanish champions had planned to reopen their stadium a year ago but construction delays and other setbacks meant they were forced to wait for their homecoming. Ferran Torres netted a brace after Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring. Fermin Lopez also struck in a comfortable win against Athletic, who had Oihan Sancet sent off in the second half. Hansi Flick's side pulled level with Real Madrid at the top of the table. Los Blancos visit Elche on Sunday. "For everyone, the players, the staff, the coaches, it was a special game, and also for the fans to be back here in this stadium is unbelievable," Flick told reporters. "I'm happy with the clean sheet, the four goals and the three points -- the perfect day for us." Barca set off fireworks before and after the game as a little more than 45,000 fans filled the three stands which had been opened. Despite exorbitant prices, the match was virtually sold out. Barca hope to be able to open up more seats by 2026, and be at the full 105,000 capacity next season. "We have to wait, step by step... we are looking forward (to that)," said Flick, who described coaching Barca at Camp Nou as a "dream come true". The coach was able to name Joan Garcia after the goalkeeper had missed the previous nine games injured. Garcia helped the team keep their first clean sheet since September. Fans had to wait much longer than planned to return to Camp Nou, but were quickly able to celebrate the team's first goal at the new stadium. Veteran striker Lewandowski, wearing the captain's armband, opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Eric Garcia, playing in midfield in place of the suspended Frenkie de Jong, won the ball high up the pitch and Lewandowski beat Unai Simon at his near post with a powerful low strike. The Basque goalkeeper got a hand to the ball and should have kept it out, but Lewandowski was able to chalk up his eighth league goal of his injury-hit, stop-start season. "Today was a special day, not only for me but for everyone," Lewandowski told Barca One. "I'm very happy that I could score the first goal, coming back to Camp Nou..." he continued. "I think this first goal for me is something that I'm going to remember forever." All-time Barca great Lionel Messi made an impromptu visit to the renovated stadium a couple of weeks ago and fans sang his name in the 10th minute, not forgetting Barca's glittering past even as they began a new era. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes The home fans also made clear they had not forgotten Nico Williams's decision not to sign for them and whistled the Spain forward at every opportunity. Former Barca coach Ernesto Valverde's Athletic made life difficult at times for Barca in the first half but without creating too much danger themselves. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Torres at the double Athletic forward Unai Gomez fired over and Williams curled wide before Barca doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time. Lamine Yamal played Torres through on goal with the outside of his boot and the striker beat Simon, who again could have kept the shot out. The Catalan giants struck again early in the second half when Garcia again pressed well high in Athletic territory and then fed Lopez, who finished neatly. Athletic's miserable afternoon became even worse when midfielder Sancet hacked down Lopez in frustration and was dismissed after a VAR review. Flick brought on Brazilian winger Raphinha in the second half after a spell out injured. He whipped a shot narrowly wide within seconds of his introduction. Barca wrapped up a perfect afternoon back in their home when Yamal dribbled away from three defenders and played another superb pass to put Torres through for his second. Elsewhere, third-place Villarreal kept the pressure on the top two with a 2-1 win over Mallorca to take them within two points of the leaders. Ander Barrenetxea scored a brilliant goal from near the halfway line for Real Sociedad as they overcame Osasuna 3-1 to move into mid-table. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ferran Torres netted a brace after Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring. Fermin Lopez also struck in a comfortable win against Athletic, who had Oihan Sancet sent off in the second half.

La Liga: Barcelona thrash Athletic Bilbao to inaugurate rebuilt Camp Nou in style

Robert Lewandowski hit a hat-trick to help Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 4-2 on Sunday in La Liga and cut Real Madrid's lead down to three points. The veteran Polish striker's treble helped Hansi Flick's side capitalise on Los Blancos' 0-0 draw earlier on at Rayo Vallecano. Teenager Lamine Yamal also scored for Barca in another gripping game produced by the champions' attacking approach, and Marcus Rashford produced two more assists. Frenkie de Jong was sent off late on for Barca for two yellow cards but by then the champions had secured their victory to move second.Lewandowski has had a stop-start beginning of the season because of injury and Flick said his hat-trick would boost his confidence.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-nottingham-forest-boost-survival-bid-aston-villa-thrash-bournemouth-4-0-1762708769952">Premier League: Forest boost survival bid; Aston Villa thrash Bournemouth 4-0</a>"After the injury I can see a different Robert Lewandowski, he's positive, he came back very early," Flick told reporters."For him, for his confidence, it's great to score three goals today."Lewandowski said the game was "one of the craziest" of the season, but was happy with the result."Vigo is always difficult for us but now we have less points (between us) and Real Madrid," Lewandowski told Movistar.Flick insisted Barcelona would not change their style despite some recent struggles, including a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, and it led to a wild first half.The champions nosed ahead through a Lewandowski penalty on 10 minutes after a handball but Celta equalised a minute later.Rashford missed a one-on-one chance and Celta broke away to score, with Sergio Carreira scampering behind Barca's high defensive line.Missing several injured stars Flick had called on his team to show more fight in their absence and they were more energised at Balaidos.Looking back to his best, Lewandowski grabbed his second from an inviting Rashford cross to put Barca back in front on 37 minutes.Celta quickly hit back again, this time through Borja Iglesias, who smashed home from the edge of the box.However, Barca went in with the lead when Rashford's deflected cross found teenage star Yamal, who beat Ionut Radu at his near post.Both teams were more stable in the second half, with Barca dominating and Celta forced to sit back.Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with a header from Rashford's corner after 73 minutes to wrap up the win.It was the striker's seventh league goal of the season in just four starts, showing his finishing quality has not diminished at the age of 37."We have two weeks to disconnect now but I hope when we come back we play a lot better, it's the perfect moment to change things that aren't working," said Lewandowski."Flick asked if I needed a rest and I said no... I felt very good physically today and I'm very happy."- Madrid frustrated - Earlier, Real Madrid were left frustrated in their goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, giving champions Barcelona a chance to close in on them.Rayo battled strongly in the derby clash and although Real Madrid had the better chances, the hosts also had opportunities to win a scrappy game.They managed to limit La Liga top scorer Kylian Mbappe's influence, while keeping Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham safely at arm's length as well.Madrid were hoping to bounce back from their Champions League defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday but Alonso's team dropped points for only the second time this season in the league."I want to keep growing, improving, with positive and constructive self-criticism -- this is Real Madrid, we all know where we are and what we want," coach Xabi Alonso told reporters."We're in November, there's a long way to go, we need to be demanding of ourselves (but) also be measured."Inigo Perez's Rayo threatened first, when Andrei Ratiu fired straight at Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.After that Madrid began to take control but the hosts, in mid-table, held firm.Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla made a fine instinctive save to push away a Vinicius effort and the hosts starved Madrid superstar Mbappe of the ball.De Frutos and Alvaro Garcia came close for Rayo in the second half while Bellingham forced Batalla into another good save.

Flick insisted Barcelona would not change their style despite some recent struggles, including a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, and it led to a wild first half.

Robert Lewandowski hit a hat-trick to help Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 4-2 on Sunday in La Liga and cut Real Madrid's lead down to three points. The veteran Polish striker's treble helped Hansi Flick's side capitalise on Los Blancos' 0-0 draw earlier on at Rayo Vallecano. Teenager Lamine Yamal also scored for Barca in another gripping game produced by the champions' attacking approach, and Marcus Rashford produced two more assists. Frenkie de Jong was sent off late on for Barca for two yellow cards but by then the champions had secured their victory to move second. Lewandowski has had a stop-start beginning of the season because of injury and Flick said his hat-trick would boost his confidence. Also Read - Premier League: Forest boost survival bid; Aston Villa thrash Bournemouth 4-0 "After the injury I can see a different Robert Lewandowski, he's positive, he came back very early," Flick told reporters. "For him, for his confidence, it's great to score three goals today." Lewandowski said the game was "one of the craziest" of the season, but was happy with the result. "Vigo is always difficult for us but now we have less points (between us) and Real Madrid," Lewandowski told Movistar. Flick insisted Barcelona would not change their style despite some recent struggles, including a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, and it led to a wild first half. The champions nosed ahead through a Lewandowski penalty on 10 minutes after a handball but Celta equalised a minute later. Rashford missed a one-on-one chance and Celta broke away to score, with Sergio Carreira scampering behind Barca's high defensive line. Missing several injured stars Flick had called on his team to show more fight in their absence and they were more energised at Balaidos. Looking back to his best, Lewandowski grabbed his second from an inviting Rashford cross to put Barca back in front on 37 minutes. Celta quickly hit back again, this time through Borja Iglesias, who smashed home from the edge of the box. However, Barca went in with the lead when Rashford's deflected cross found teenage star Yamal, who beat Ionut Radu at his near post. Both teams were more stable in the second half, with Barca dominating and Celta forced to sit back. Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with a header from Rashford's corner after 73 minutes to wrap up the win. It was the striker's seventh league goal of the season in just four starts, showing his finishing quality has not diminished at the age of 37. "We have two weeks to disconnect now but I hope when we come back we play a lot better, it's the perfect moment to change things that aren't working," said Lewandowski. "Flick asked if I needed a rest and I said no... I felt very good physically today and I'm very happy." - Madrid frustrated - Earlier, Real Madrid were left frustrated in their goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, giving champions Barcelona a chance to close in on them. Rayo battled strongly in the derby clash and although Real Madrid had the better chances, the hosts also had opportunities to win a scrappy game. They managed to limit La Liga top scorer Kylian Mbappe's influence, while keeping Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham safely at arm's length as well. Madrid were hoping to bounce back from their Champions League defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday but Alonso's team dropped points for only the second time this season in the league. "I want to keep growing, improving, with positive and constructive self-criticism -- this is Real Madrid, we all know where we are and what we want," coach Xabi Alonso told reporters. "We're in November, there's a long way to go, we need to be demanding of ourselves (but) also be measured." Inigo Perez's Rayo threatened first, when Andrei Ratiu fired straight at Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. After that Madrid began to take control but the hosts, in mid-table, held firm. Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla made a fine instinctive save to push away a Vinicius effort and the hosts starved Madrid superstar Mbappe of the ball. De Frutos and Alvaro Garcia came close for Rayo in the second half while Bellingham forced Batalla into another good save.

Flick insisted Barcelona would not change their style despite some recent struggles, including a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, and it led to a wild first half.

La Liga: Lewandowski hat-trick helps Barcelona cut Real Madrid lead to three points

Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid romped to a 4-0 win over Valencia on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of La Liga. Villarreal continued their strong start to the season by thrashing Rayo Vallecano 4-0 to climb above champions Barcelona into second place provisionally. Atletico Madrid earned a comfortable 3-0 win over Sevilla to tighten their grip on fourth and pull level on points with champions Barca, who host Elche on Sunday looking to cut Madrid's lead back to five points.&nbsp;After Mbappe's double Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carreras also scored for rampant Real as they racked up an easy victory ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash at Liverpool.&nbsp;Vinicius started on the left of Madrid's attack after he apologised for his high-profile sulk following his substitution in the Clasico win over Barcelona last weekend. The Brazilian missed a penalty in the first half, after appearing to ask Mbappe to take it, but otherwise turned in a decent performance.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-premier-league-arsenal-cruise-against-burnley-man-utd-held-by-forest-1762021923162">Premier League: Arsenal cruise against Burnley, Man Utd held by Forest</a>&nbsp;"I want them to score the penalties, they are good opportunities," Real Madrid coach Alonso told reporters.&nbsp;Mbappe netted a penalty to open the scoring and Alonso confirmed the French superstar is the man tasked with taking the spot kicks.&nbsp;"The first was scored by Kylian and the second I would have liked to be scored too, but it's not a big topic, Kylian is still the first choice taker... (Vinicius) had a very good game," said Alonso.&nbsp;Alonso went with arguably his strongest side, despite his team's advantage in the table and the impending visit to Anfield.&nbsp;Mbappe's double and Bellingham's strike gave Madrid a commanding three-goal lead at the break and effectively finished the game.&nbsp;Mbappe has now scored 18 goals across all competitions in 14 games, and leads the Spanish scoring charts with 12 in La Liga.&nbsp;"Time will tell (how many he can score), you can't really extrapolate how many goals he'll get based on his average (so far)," said Alonso. “Kylian has that ease of finding the net, of being in the right place... he will score many goals.”&nbsp;After netting from the spot following a Cesar Tarrega handball, Mbappe volleyed home Arda Guler's cross for Madrid's second.&nbsp;Following Vinicius' missed penalty, Bellingham brilliantly found the bottom corner with a powerful drive.&nbsp;The England international has been in sparkling form over the past fortnight, with goals against Juventus and Barcelona.&nbsp;Madrid cruised through the second half until Carreras smashed home the fourth in the 82nd minute. The Portuguese left-back rifled into the top right corner to score the goal of the night and his first for the club.&nbsp;"I'm proud, these things happen when they happen, I wasn't in a hurry, my job is (defending)," said Carreras.&nbsp;Valencia are winless in six league games and down in 18th.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Atletico earned a comfortable 3-0 win over Sevilla to tighten their grip on fourth and pull level on points with champions Barca, who host Elche on Sunday looking to cut Madrid's lead back to five points.

Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid romped to a 4-0 win over Valencia on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of La Liga. Villarreal continued their strong start to the season by thrashing Rayo Vallecano 4-0 to climb above champions Barcelona into second place provisionally. Atletico Madrid earned a comfortable 3-0 win over Sevilla to tighten their grip on fourth and pull level on points with champions Barca, who host Elche on Sunday looking to cut Madrid's lead back to five points. After Mbappe's double Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carreras also scored for rampant Real as they racked up an easy victory ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash at Liverpool. Vinicius started on the left of Madrid's attack after he apologised for his high-profile sulk following his substitution in the Clasico win over Barcelona last weekend. The Brazilian missed a penalty in the first half, after appearing to ask Mbappe to take it, but otherwise turned in a decent performance. Also read | Premier League: Arsenal cruise against Burnley, Man Utd held by Forest "I want them to score the penalties, they are good opportunities," Real Madrid coach Alonso told reporters. Mbappe netted a penalty to open the scoring and Alonso confirmed the French superstar is the man tasked with taking the spot kicks. "The first was scored by Kylian and the second I would have liked to be scored too, but it's not a big topic, Kylian is still the first choice taker... (Vinicius) had a very good game," said Alonso. Alonso went with arguably his strongest side, despite his team's advantage in the table and the impending visit to Anfield. Mbappe's double and Bellingham's strike gave Madrid a commanding three-goal lead at the break and effectively finished the game. Mbappe has now scored 18 goals across all competitions in 14 games, and leads the Spanish scoring charts with 12 in La Liga. "Time will tell (how many he can score), you can't really extrapolate how many goals he'll get based on his average (so far)," said Alonso. “Kylian has that ease of finding the net, of being in the right place... he will score many goals.” After netting from the spot following a Cesar Tarrega handball, Mbappe volleyed home Arda Guler's cross for Madrid's second. Following Vinicius' missed penalty, Bellingham brilliantly found the bottom corner with a powerful drive. The England international has been in sparkling form over the past fortnight, with goals against Juventus and Barcelona. Madrid cruised through the second half until Carreras smashed home the fourth in the 82nd minute. The Portuguese left-back rifled into the top right corner to score the goal of the night and his first for the club. "I'm proud, these things happen when they happen, I wasn't in a hurry, my job is (defending)," said Carreras. Valencia are winless in six league games and down in 18th. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Atletico earned a comfortable 3-0 win over Sevilla to tighten their grip on fourth and pull level on points with champions Barca, who host Elche on Sunday looking to cut Madrid's lead back to five points.

Mbappe hits brace in win over Valencia as Real Madrid extend La Liga lead

Brazilian forward Vinicius has issued a public apology to Real Madrid after his angered reaction to being substituted during a tense 2-1 win over arch-rival Barcelona at the weekend.&nbsp;Vinicius remonstrated with coach Xabi Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after he was hauled off in the 72nd minute and replaced with Rodrygo.&nbsp;Vinicius did not mention the Real Madrid coach in his apology.&nbsp;"Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done it in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, club and president," said the 25-year-old.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;"Sometimes passion gets the better of me by always wanting to win and help my team.&nbsp;My competitive nature is born from the love I feel for this club and for everything it represents. I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one," Vinícius said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;The player did return to the pitch-side to see out the match, and was one of the players embroiled in a stand off with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.&nbsp;Alonso said after the game that the matter of Vinicius's huff would be dealt with in the dressing room.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Vinicius remonstrated with coach Xabi Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after he was hauled off in the 72nd minute and replaced with Rodrygo.

Brazilian forward Vinicius has issued a public apology to Real Madrid after his angered reaction to being substituted during a tense 2-1 win over arch-rival Barcelona at the weekend. Vinicius remonstrated with coach Xabi Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after he was hauled off in the 72nd minute and replaced with Rodrygo. Vinicius did not mention the Real Madrid coach in his apology. "Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done it in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, club and president," said the 25-year-old. ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history "Sometimes passion gets the better of me by always wanting to win and help my team. My competitive nature is born from the love I feel for this club and for everything it represents. I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one," Vinícius said. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more The player did return to the pitch-side to see out the match, and was one of the players embroiled in a stand off with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. Alonso said after the game that the matter of Vinicius's huff would be dealt with in the dressing room. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Vinicius remonstrated with coach Xabi Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after he was hauled off in the 72nd minute and replaced with Rodrygo.

La Liga: Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr apologises for El Clasico substitution huff

The cancellation of La Liga's plan to hold a Barcelona match in Miami in December is a "missed opportunity" for Spanish football, the league's president said Wednesday, while elsewhere its collapse was celebrated. Champions Barca were set to face Villarreal in the United States on December 20, which would have been the first European league fixture to be played abroad. The match will now be held at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica home as normal. La Liga said their promoter for the match decided to cancel the organisation of the event because of "uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks".Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-olympic-gold-medallist-neeraj-chopra-is-now-a-lt-colonel-in-territorial-army-1761146679838">WATCH | Neeraj Chopra is now a Lt. Colonel in Territorial Army</a>The league's president Javier Tebas took to X to express regret at not being able to seize "this historic opportunity", adding that Spanish football had missed a chance to "develop, to project itself in the world and reinforce its future".Villarreal were furious about the timing of the announcement to cancel the plans -- the news breaking during their Champions League defeat by Manchester City on Tuesday -- and also blasted La Liga's management of the whole event."(We) wish to express our deep displeasure with La Liga over the poor handling of the match scheduled to be played in Miami," said the club in a statement.Villarreal said there had been "no progress" in terms of organisation and the club would have "withdrawn from the project" themselves later in the week if various issues were not resolved to their satisfaction at a planned meeting with La Liga.The plan to hold the match in the United States had also been criticised by various parties within Spain, contributing towards its cancellation.The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) organised protests against it last weekend, with players from every team remaining immobile for 15 seconds at the start of each league match.Spanish giants Real Madrid also railed against it institutionally, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Tuesday it would adulterate the competition.Madrid captain Dani Carvajal told Tebas the game being held abroad would be "a stain" on the competition.Tebas added: "We are appealing to the 'integrity of the competition' from those who have been questioning this same integrity for years, putting pressure on referees and managers, constructing distorted narratives or using political and media pressure as a sporting tool."The president of Spain's Sports Council (CSD), Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes, said La Liga had not gone the right way about trying to arrange the game."The episode we experienced with Miami... shows that this is not the way to do things," he said on Wednesday."Before taking an initiative of this nature -- a decision so significant that it could undoubtedly have affected the integrity of the competition -- it was necessary to have dialogue, an agreement among the participants, all the clubs."Of course, the players should be considered, as well as the fans."<h2>'Seismic victory'</h2>Rodriguez Uribes said "absolute transparency" was necessary, as well as "appropriate regulations" in place for this kind of game, which do not currently exist."At the CSD we will always prefer -- as we have said from the very beginning -- to bring sporting events to Spain rather than take them out," he added.The AFE released a statement highlighting "the lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence" from La Liga around the game."The players spoke out unanimously on the pitch last week to send a powerful message: without players, there is no football," added the footballers' association.In February, Serie A still plan to hold a match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, despite a similar backlash from both fans and players.Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a representative body on fan issues, celebrated the cancelation of the Miami match as a "seismic victory", and warned the Italian top flight to abandon their plans."Doubling down on this failed idea would be an act of self-inflicted damage to the league's reputation, to Italian football, and to the game as a whole," said FSE in a statement.

The league's president Javier Tebas took to X to express regret at not being able to seize "this historic opportunity", adding that Spanish football had missed a chance to "develop, to project itself in the world and reinforce its future".

The cancellation of La Liga's plan to hold a Barcelona match in Miami in December is a "missed opportunity" for Spanish football, the league's president said Wednesday, while elsewhere its collapse was celebrated. Champions Barca were set to face Villarreal in the United States on December 20, which would have been the first European league fixture to be played abroad. The match will now be held at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica home as normal. La Liga said their promoter for the match decided to cancel the organisation of the event because of "uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks". Also Read - WATCH | Neeraj Chopra is now a Lt. Colonel in Territorial Army The league's president Javier Tebas took to X to express regret at not being able to seize "this historic opportunity", adding that Spanish football had missed a chance to "develop, to project itself in the world and reinforce its future". Villarreal were furious about the timing of the announcement to cancel the plans -- the news breaking during their Champions League defeat by Manchester City on Tuesday -- and also blasted La Liga's management of the whole event. "(We) wish to express our deep displeasure with La Liga over the poor handling of the match scheduled to be played in Miami," said the club in a statement. Villarreal said there had been "no progress" in terms of organisation and the club would have "withdrawn from the project" themselves later in the week if various issues were not resolved to their satisfaction at a planned meeting with La Liga. The plan to hold the match in the United States had also been criticised by various parties within Spain, contributing towards its cancellation. The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) organised protests against it last weekend, with players from every team remaining immobile for 15 seconds at the start of each league match. Spanish giants Real Madrid also railed against it institutionally, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Tuesday it would adulterate the competition. Madrid captain Dani Carvajal told Tebas the game being held abroad would be "a stain" on the competition. Tebas added: "We are appealing to the 'integrity of the competition' from those who have been questioning this same integrity for years, putting pressure on referees and managers, constructing distorted narratives or using political and media pressure as a sporting tool." The president of Spain's Sports Council (CSD), Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes, said La Liga had not gone the right way about trying to arrange the game. "The episode we experienced with Miami... shows that this is not the way to do things," he said on Wednesday. "Before taking an initiative of this nature -- a decision so significant that it could undoubtedly have affected the integrity of the competition -- it was necessary to have dialogue, an agreement among the participants, all the clubs. "Of course, the players should be considered, as well as the fans." 'Seismic victory' Rodriguez Uribes said "absolute transparency" was necessary, as well as "appropriate regulations" in place for this kind of game, which do not currently exist. "At the CSD we will always prefer -- as we have said from the very beginning -- to bring sporting events to Spain rather than take them out," he added. The AFE released a statement highlighting "the lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence" from La Liga around the game. "The players spoke out unanimously on the pitch last week to send a powerful message: without players, there is no football," added the footballers' association. In February, Serie A still plan to hold a match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, despite a similar backlash from both fans and players. Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a representative body on fan issues, celebrated the cancelation of the Miami match as a "seismic victory", and warned the Italian top flight to abandon their plans. "Doubling down on this failed idea would be an act of self-inflicted damage to the league's reputation, to Italian football, and to the game as a whole," said FSE in a statement.

The league's president Javier Tebas took to X to express regret at not being able to seize "this historic opportunity", adding that Spanish football had missed a chance to "develop, to project itself in the world and reinforce its future".

No Barcelona vs Villarreal match in Miami anymore - La Liga president rues 'missed opportunity'

Spanish La Liga's ambitious plan to host Villarreal's league game against Barcelona in Miami on December 20 has been cancelled. The promoters in charge pulled the plug, citing uncertain signals coming from Spain. It would have been the first-ever European league game played outside the continent.


La Liga Dumps Plan To Host Villarreal vs Barca Game In Miami

La Liga's plan to hold a Barcelona match in Miami in December has been called off because of "uncertainty" about the game within Spain, the Spanish top flight said in a statement Tuesday. Champions Barca were set to face Villarreal in the United States on December 20, which would have been the first European league fixture to be played abroad. La Liga said their promoter for the match decided to cancel the organisation of the event because of "uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks".&nbsp;The Spanish top flight said they "deeply regret that the project, which represented a historic and unparalleled opportunity to take Spanish football to the international stage, cannot go ahead".&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cheikh-toure-ghanaian-police-open-investigation-into-suspicious-death-of-20-year-old-senegalese-footballer-1761041173948">Ghanaian police open investigation into ‘suspicious’ death of 20-year-old Senegalese footballer</a>&nbsp;Tickets for the game at the Hard Rock Stadium were due to become available on Tuesday but organisers said the presale was "delayed" before the plan was scrapped.&nbsp;The match will now be held at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica home as normal.&nbsp;"Barcelona respect and accept the decision to cancel the match against Villarreal in Miami... just as we respected and accepted the decision to play when it was made at the time," said Barca in a statement.&nbsp;The Catalan giants said they regret "the lost opportunity to expand the image of the competition in a strategic market with growth potential" and that US-based fans "will be deprived of witnessing" the game in the flesh.&nbsp;La Liga published their statement during Villarreal's 2-0 Champions League defeat by Manchester City.&nbsp;"It seems to me an absolute lack of respect to put out a statement at half-time of a game about something that was planned but will not happen," said Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral. "It's a lack of respect to the directors of the club, the club itself, the professionals and the fans.&nbsp;"Tomorrow the club will make a statement about what they think, those are my thoughts."&nbsp;The plan to hold the match in the United States was criticised by various parties.&nbsp;The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) organised protests against it last weekend, with players from every team not moving for 15 seconds at the start of each league match.&nbsp;Spanish giants Real Madrid also railed against it institutionally, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Tuesday it would adulterate the competition.&nbsp;Madrid captain Dani Carvajal told La Liga president Javier Tebas the game being held abroad would be "a stain" on the competition.&nbsp;La Liga have been trying to hold a match abroad for several years, with this the closest they have got after European football governing body UEFA granted them permission.&nbsp;UEFA said they opposed the idea of games being played overseas but would allow it on an exceptional basis, along with a Serie A match set to take place in Australia in February between AC Milan and Como.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

La Liga said their promoter for the match decided to cancel the organisation of the event because of "uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks".

La Liga's plan to hold a Barcelona match in Miami in December has been called off because of "uncertainty" about the game within Spain, the Spanish top flight said in a statement Tuesday. Champions Barca were set to face Villarreal in the United States on December 20, which would have been the first European league fixture to be played abroad. La Liga said their promoter for the match decided to cancel the organisation of the event because of "uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks". The Spanish top flight said they "deeply regret that the project, which represented a historic and unparalleled opportunity to take Spanish football to the international stage, cannot go ahead". Also read | Ghanaian police open investigation into ‘suspicious’ death of 20-year-old Senegalese footballer Tickets for the game at the Hard Rock Stadium were due to become available on Tuesday but organisers said the presale was "delayed" before the plan was scrapped. The match will now be held at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica home as normal. "Barcelona respect and accept the decision to cancel the match against Villarreal in Miami... just as we respected and accepted the decision to play when it was made at the time," said Barca in a statement. The Catalan giants said they regret "the lost opportunity to expand the image of the competition in a strategic market with growth potential" and that US-based fans "will be deprived of witnessing" the game in the flesh. La Liga published their statement during Villarreal's 2-0 Champions League defeat by Manchester City. "It seems to me an absolute lack of respect to put out a statement at half-time of a game about something that was planned but will not happen," said Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral. "It's a lack of respect to the directors of the club, the club itself, the professionals and the fans. "Tomorrow the club will make a statement about what they think, those are my thoughts." The plan to hold the match in the United States was criticised by various parties. The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) organised protests against it last weekend, with players from every team not moving for 15 seconds at the start of each league match. Spanish giants Real Madrid also railed against it institutionally, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Tuesday it would adulterate the competition. Madrid captain Dani Carvajal told La Liga president Javier Tebas the game being held abroad would be "a stain" on the competition. La Liga have been trying to hold a match abroad for several years, with this the closest they have got after European football governing body UEFA granted them permission. UEFA said they opposed the idea of games being played overseas but would allow it on an exceptional basis, along with a Serie A match set to take place in Australia in February between AC Milan and Como. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

La Liga said their promoter for the match decided to cancel the organisation of the event because of "uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks".

Barcelona’s Miami fixture against Villareal off charts now: La Liga

Barcelona will face Villarreal in Miami in a La Liga match on December 20, the Spanish top flight said Wednesday, making it the first European league fixture to be played abroad. Earlier this week, European football governing body UEFA said they opposed the idea of games being played overseas but would permit it on an exceptional basis, along with a Serie A match in Australia in February between AC Milan and Como."With this match we take a historic step that projects La Liga and Spanish football into a new dimension," said La Liga president Javier Tebas in a statement."We understand and respect the concerns that this decision may generate, but it is important to put it into context -- it is a single match out of the 380 that make up the season."The game was due to be played at Villarreal's home stadium but will now take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in the United States, in Florida.Villarreal will take measures to compensate season ticket holders after the game was moved."Villarreal season ticket holders will be able to travel for free to the match, and those who choose not to travel to Miami will enjoy a 30 percent discount on their season ticket price as part of the measures designed to reward their support and loyalty," said La Liga.In September a total of 18 fan groups from both teams involved expressed their "complete opposition" to the match taking place abroad.La Liga have attempted to play matches overseas dating back to 2017 but the Spanish football federation (RFEF) frequently resisted, despite hosting the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia themselves.Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid have also expressed their disapproval at the decision to take a La Liga game abroad.They said in August hosting the game in Miami would "alter the competitive balance" of the league and set an "unacceptable precedent".

The game was due to be played at Villarreal's home stadium but will now take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in the United States, in Florida. Villarreal will take measures to compensate season ticket holders after the game was moved.

Barcelona will face Villarreal in Miami in a La Liga match on December 20, the Spanish top flight said Wednesday, making it the first European league fixture to be played abroad. Earlier this week, European football governing body UEFA said they opposed the idea of games being played overseas but would permit it on an exceptional basis, along with a Serie A match in Australia in February between AC Milan and Como. "With this match we take a historic step that projects La Liga and Spanish football into a new dimension," said La Liga president Javier Tebas in a statement. "We understand and respect the concerns that this decision may generate, but it is important to put it into context -- it is a single match out of the 380 that make up the season." The game was due to be played at Villarreal's home stadium but will now take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in the United States, in Florida. Villarreal will take measures to compensate season ticket holders after the game was moved. "Villarreal season ticket holders will be able to travel for free to the match, and those who choose not to travel to Miami will enjoy a 30 percent discount on their season ticket price as part of the measures designed to reward their support and loyalty," said La Liga. In September a total of 18 fan groups from both teams involved expressed their "complete opposition" to the match taking place abroad. La Liga have attempted to play matches overseas dating back to 2017 but the Spanish football federation (RFEF) frequently resisted, despite hosting the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia themselves. Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid have also expressed their disapproval at the decision to take a La Liga game abroad. They said in August hosting the game in Miami would "alter the competitive balance" of the league and set an "unacceptable precedent".

The game was due to be played at Villarreal's home stadium but will now take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in the United States, in Florida. Villarreal will take measures to compensate season ticket holders after the game was moved.

La Liga: Barcelona to play Villarreal in Miami in first European league fixture abroad

UEFA on Monday said it had "reluctantly" approved the staging of a La Liga and a Serie A match in the United States and Australia respectively despite fan protests.&nbsp;"While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.&nbsp;UEFA made its ruling after Spain's La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida.&nbsp;Italy's Serie A also decided to stage the encounter between AC Milan and Como on February 8 in Perth, Australia, to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Milan's San Siro stadium.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;But that sparked protests from European supporters groups who branded the moves "absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible".&nbsp;In its statement, UEFA said that it had "reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country".&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;But despite "the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions", UEFA said that it had found no clear regulatory framework in FIFA's statutes that would allow it to oppose the moves.&nbsp;"The UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it," European football's governing body said in its statement.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA made its ruling after Spain's La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida.

UEFA on Monday said it had "reluctantly" approved the staging of a La Liga and a Serie A match in the United States and Australia respectively despite fan protests. "While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement. UEFA made its ruling after Spain's La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida. Italy's Serie A also decided to stage the encounter between AC Milan and Como on February 8 in Perth, Australia, to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Milan's San Siro stadium. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more But that sparked protests from European supporters groups who branded the moves "absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible". In its statement, UEFA said that it had "reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country". ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history But despite "the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions", UEFA said that it had found no clear regulatory framework in FIFA's statutes that would allow it to oppose the moves. "The UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it," European football's governing body said in its statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA made its ruling after Spain's La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida.

UEFA 'reluctantly' approves European league games in US, Australia

Spanish champions Barcelona collapsed in a shock 4-1 demolition at Sevilla on Sunday (Oct 5) in La Liga, with Alexis Sanchez scoring against his former side and Robert Lewandowski missing a penalty for the visitors. The Catalans sit second in the table after their first league defeat of the campaign, two points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid following Los Blancos' victory over Villarreal on Saturday, while Sevilla rise to sixth.&nbsp;Real Betis moved fourth with a 2-1 win at Espanyol, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty save by their goalkeeper Pau Lopez, who formerly played for the Catalans.&nbsp;Atletico Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo after having Clement Lenglet sent off in the first half and sit fifth.&nbsp;Veteran Chilean winger Sanchez put Sevilla ahead from the penalty spot early on against Barca, and Isaac Romero doubled the hosts' lead after having already missed two good chances. Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back before half-time, but Lewandowski fired wide from the spot to spurn his team's best chance of an equaliser. Jose Carmona and Akor Adams wrapped up Sevilla's emphatic win in the final stages, as Hansi Flick's side fell to an unusually heavy defeat.&nbsp;"The team's first 45 minutes were horrendous. I think we've not played a game as bad as that, and we must be self-critical," Barca midfielder Pedri Gonzalez told the club's media channel.&nbsp;Flick defended his team despite their loss, saying that he was pleased with their reaction in the second half.&nbsp;"It's one match and we lost it, and we have to keep going," he said.&nbsp;Barcelona were still licking their wounds after Paris Saint-Germain beat them late on in the Champions League on Wednesday, and were without injured teenage star Lamine Yamal.&nbsp;"In the first half, we didn't know how to defend well or attack well," Pedri told Movistar of his team's sluggish display.&nbsp;The rout began when Ronald Araujo clumsily grappled with Romero in the box and conceded a penalty.&nbsp;Sanchez dispatched it, with the 36-year-old sending Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way to fire Matias Almeyda's side ahead.<h2>Sevilla rampant</h2>&nbsp;Romero swept into the bottom corner from Ruben Vargas's cutback for the second as Barca were opened up easily again.&nbsp;Rashford was the first Barcelona player to awake from their slumber and pulled the champions back into the game deep in first-half stoppage time, volleying home Pedri's cross for his first La Liga goal.&nbsp;Having won just one league game at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in 2025 before Barcelona's visit, the hosts' nerves began to shake.&nbsp;Sevilla substitute Adnan Januzaj conceded a penalty for felling Balde as he flew into the box, granting Barca a golden chance to level.&nbsp;Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski stuttered twice in his run-up before firing wide of the post.&nbsp;Youngster Roony Bardghji could have equalised but fired straight at the goalkeeper after Lewandowski's flick-on sent him in on goal.&nbsp;Sevilla wrapped up their win late on through full-back Carmona, who drilled a low effort past Szczesny and into the far corner, and Adams.&nbsp;"I'm very happy for the victory, we needed to win at home," said Sevilla coach Almeyda. “We couldn't give them a metre of space... we knew what we had to do and we're on a good path.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The Catalans sit second in the table after their first league defeat of the campaign, two points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid following Los Blancos' victory over Villarreal on Saturday, while Sevilla rise to sixth.

Spanish champions Barcelona collapsed in a shock 4-1 demolition at Sevilla on Sunday (Oct 5) in La Liga, with Alexis Sanchez scoring against his former side and Robert Lewandowski missing a penalty for the visitors. The Catalans sit second in the table after their first league defeat of the campaign, two points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid following Los Blancos' victory over Villarreal on Saturday, while Sevilla rise to sixth. Real Betis moved fourth with a 2-1 win at Espanyol, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty save by their goalkeeper Pau Lopez, who formerly played for the Catalans. Atletico Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo after having Clement Lenglet sent off in the first half and sit fifth. Veteran Chilean winger Sanchez put Sevilla ahead from the penalty spot early on against Barca, and Isaac Romero doubled the hosts' lead after having already missed two good chances. Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back before half-time, but Lewandowski fired wide from the spot to spurn his team's best chance of an equaliser. Jose Carmona and Akor Adams wrapped up Sevilla's emphatic win in the final stages, as Hansi Flick's side fell to an unusually heavy defeat. "The team's first 45 minutes were horrendous. I think we've not played a game as bad as that, and we must be self-critical," Barca midfielder Pedri Gonzalez told the club's media channel. Flick defended his team despite their loss, saying that he was pleased with their reaction in the second half. "It's one match and we lost it, and we have to keep going," he said. Barcelona were still licking their wounds after Paris Saint-Germain beat them late on in the Champions League on Wednesday, and were without injured teenage star Lamine Yamal. "In the first half, we didn't know how to defend well or attack well," Pedri told Movistar of his team's sluggish display. The rout began when Ronald Araujo clumsily grappled with Romero in the box and conceded a penalty. Sanchez dispatched it, with the 36-year-old sending Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way to fire Matias Almeyda's side ahead. Sevilla rampant Romero swept into the bottom corner from Ruben Vargas's cutback for the second as Barca were opened up easily again. Rashford was the first Barcelona player to awake from their slumber and pulled the champions back into the game deep in first-half stoppage time, volleying home Pedri's cross for his first La Liga goal. Having won just one league game at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in 2025 before Barcelona's visit, the hosts' nerves began to shake. Sevilla substitute Adnan Januzaj conceded a penalty for felling Balde as he flew into the box, granting Barca a golden chance to level. Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski stuttered twice in his run-up before firing wide of the post. Youngster Roony Bardghji could have equalised but fired straight at the goalkeeper after Lewandowski's flick-on sent him in on goal. Sevilla wrapped up their win late on through full-back Carmona, who drilled a low effort past Szczesny and into the far corner, and Adams. "I'm very happy for the victory, we needed to win at home," said Sevilla coach Almeyda. “We couldn't give them a metre of space... we knew what we had to do and we're on a good path.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The Catalans sit second in the table after their first league defeat of the campaign, two points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid following Los Blancos' victory over Villarreal on Saturday, while Sevilla rise to sixth.

La Liga: Sevilla demolish toothless Barcelona as Atletico drop points

Barcelona midfielder Gavi is to undergo surgery on his injured meniscus after other treatment failed to resolve his problem, the Catalan giants said on Monday. The 21-year-old midfielder has not played since late August due to the problem and the club said he would undergo an arthroscopy on the knee on Tuesday.&nbsp;It is the same knee in which he suffered a torn cruciate ligament and another meniscus injury in 2023.&nbsp;Having first received a "conservation course of treatment" in a bid to fix the problem, Gavi was put through "intense sports stress tests" on Sunday, the La Liga champions said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;"In order to guarantee the best possible recovery and return to competitive action, this Tuesday Gavi will undergo an arthroscopic examination," Barca said in a statement.&nbsp;His previous surgery on the knee in November 2023 kept Gavi out of action for a year.&nbsp;Barca made no mention of how long it would be before Gavi plays again.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;But the club also confirmed that Fermin Lopez, who played for half an hour in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Getafe, had suffered a muscular injury in his hip.&nbsp;"He will be out of action for around three weeks," Barca said.&nbsp;Gavi and Lopez join the likes of forward Lamine Yamal, full-back Alejandro Balde and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on the treatment table.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gavi's previous surgery on the knee in November 2023 kept Gavi out of action for a year. Barca made no mention of how long it would be before Gavi plays again.

Barcelona midfielder Gavi is to undergo surgery on his injured meniscus after other treatment failed to resolve his problem, the Catalan giants said on Monday. The 21-year-old midfielder has not played since late August due to the problem and the club said he would undergo an arthroscopy on the knee on Tuesday. It is the same knee in which he suffered a torn cruciate ligament and another meniscus injury in 2023. Having first received a "conservation course of treatment" in a bid to fix the problem, Gavi was put through "intense sports stress tests" on Sunday, the La Liga champions said. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) "In order to guarantee the best possible recovery and return to competitive action, this Tuesday Gavi will undergo an arthroscopic examination," Barca said in a statement. His previous surgery on the knee in November 2023 kept Gavi out of action for a year. Barca made no mention of how long it would be before Gavi plays again. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details But the club also confirmed that Fermin Lopez, who played for half an hour in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Getafe, had suffered a muscular injury in his hip. "He will be out of action for around three weeks," Barca said. Gavi and Lopez join the likes of forward Lamine Yamal, full-back Alejandro Balde and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on the treatment table. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gavi's previous surgery on the knee in November 2023 kept Gavi out of action for a year. Barca made no mention of how long it would be before Gavi plays again.

Gavi to undergo knee operation on meniscus injury: Barcelona

Ferran Torres struck twice for champions Barcelona as they beat Getafe 3-0 on Sunday to stay on Real Madrid's tails at the top of La Liga. Dani Olmo was also on target for the Catalans, who trail leaders Madrid by two points after Xabi Alonso's side beat Espanyol on Saturday to maintain their 100 percent record. Atletico Madrid's stuttering start to the season continued in a 1-1 draw at Mallorca, in which their striker Julian Alvarez missed a penalty.Playing at the 6,000 capacity Johan Cruyff stadium besides their training ground again as the club waits for the necessary licences to reopen their renovated Camp Nou home, Barcelona dominated an unambitious Getafe team.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ballon-d-or-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-football-s-prestigious-honour-contenders-live-streaming-and-more-ousmane-demb-l-lamine-yamal-1758450757122">Ballon d'Or 2025: All you need to know about football's prestigious honour</a>Despite his brace against Newcastle in the Champions League, German coach Hansi Flick left Marcus Rashford on the bench, with Spanish media reporting that it was because the England international was late for a morning meeting.Flick has dropped other players from the line-up for the same offence in the past, including defender Jules Kounde."(Rotation) is normal because every three or four days we have a match, we need fresh legs on the pitch," said Flick, when asked why Rashford did not start.Rashford's replacement as the stand-in for injured teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, Torres, took his chance with both hands."We have a lot of matches so it's really good to have everyone on this (level of) performance," added Flick.The Spaniard opened the scoring with a powerful finish at the end of a slick move, with Olmo backheeling the ball into his path in the box.Torres's second finish was even better, guided into the bottom left corner from outside the box after Raphinha sent him through on goal.The forward crashed a shot off the bar as a first half hat-trick beckoned.Several Barca players lost their temper before the break as Getafe put in several hard and late tackles, with Kounde the victim of many of them.Flick sent on Rashford for Raphinha at half-time, perhaps in order to save the Brazilian from a potential red card."A lot of the time, they don't try to do anything apart from too many fouls, in my opinion, but we managed it well," Torres told DAZN."I said to the team: we have to focus on our match, not on their match," said Flick.Rashford created Barcelona's third, zipping inside from the right flank and unselfishly cutting the ball back for Olmo to finish, and had two efforts of his own saved by Getafe goalkeeper David Soria.The only bad news for Barca was substitute Fermin Lopez appearing to pull up hurt in stoppage time.<h2>Frustrated Atletico</h2>Earlier, Atletico were held by Mallorca despite outplaying the hosts.Diego Simeone's side, reduced to 10 men after Alexander Sorloth's red card, took the lead through Conor Gallagher but Vedat Muriqi levelled in the 85th minute.The draw left Atletico 12th, having won just one of their first five league matches."I think we dominated the game from start to end, until we scored and they, with one more player, turned up the pressure," Atletico captain Koke told DAZN."It's clear that what matters is scoring goals and they don't want to go in."The draw leaves Atletico nine points behind leaders Real Madrid, and seven behind Barcelona.Licking their wounds after a painful late Champions League defeat at Liverpool in midweek, Atletico were left with a similar feeling."We have to improve to hold on in games... (but) we're building a new team, a lot of players have come in. We're on the right path," said Simeone.Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman made several saves, including from Alvarez's penalty after captain Antonio Raillo handled David Hancko's shot in the first half.The Rojiblancos' job was made harder when Sorloth was dismissed for a high challenge on Raillo in the 72nd minute, but a few minutes later they took the lead as Gallagher netted a rebound.Simeone's side could not hold on and Muriqi nodded the hosts level with five minutes remaining.

Despite his brace against Newcastle in the Champions League, German coach Hansi Flick left Marcus Rashford on the bench, with Spanish media reporting that it was because the England international was late for a morning meeting.

Ferran Torres struck twice for champions Barcelona as they beat Getafe 3-0 on Sunday to stay on Real Madrid's tails at the top of La Liga. Dani Olmo was also on target for the Catalans, who trail leaders Madrid by two points after Xabi Alonso's side beat Espanyol on Saturday to maintain their 100 percent record. Atletico Madrid's stuttering start to the season continued in a 1-1 draw at Mallorca, in which their striker Julian Alvarez missed a penalty. Playing at the 6,000 capacity Johan Cruyff stadium besides their training ground again as the club waits for the necessary licences to reopen their renovated Camp Nou home, Barcelona dominated an unambitious Getafe team. Also Read - Ballon d'Or 2025: All you need to know about football's prestigious honour Despite his brace against Newcastle in the Champions League, German coach Hansi Flick left Marcus Rashford on the bench, with Spanish media reporting that it was because the England international was late for a morning meeting. Flick has dropped other players from the line-up for the same offence in the past, including defender Jules Kounde. "(Rotation) is normal because every three or four days we have a match, we need fresh legs on the pitch," said Flick, when asked why Rashford did not start. Rashford's replacement as the stand-in for injured teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, Torres, took his chance with both hands. "We have a lot of matches so it's really good to have everyone on this (level of) performance," added Flick. The Spaniard opened the scoring with a powerful finish at the end of a slick move, with Olmo backheeling the ball into his path in the box. Torres's second finish was even better, guided into the bottom left corner from outside the box after Raphinha sent him through on goal. The forward crashed a shot off the bar as a first half hat-trick beckoned. Several Barca players lost their temper before the break as Getafe put in several hard and late tackles, with Kounde the victim of many of them. Flick sent on Rashford for Raphinha at half-time, perhaps in order to save the Brazilian from a potential red card. "A lot of the time, they don't try to do anything apart from too many fouls, in my opinion, but we managed it well," Torres told DAZN. "I said to the team: we have to focus on our match, not on their match," said Flick. Rashford created Barcelona's third, zipping inside from the right flank and unselfishly cutting the ball back for Olmo to finish, and had two efforts of his own saved by Getafe goalkeeper David Soria. The only bad news for Barca was substitute Fermin Lopez appearing to pull up hurt in stoppage time. Frustrated Atletico Earlier, Atletico were held by Mallorca despite outplaying the hosts. Diego Simeone's side, reduced to 10 men after Alexander Sorloth's red card, took the lead through Conor Gallagher but Vedat Muriqi levelled in the 85th minute. The draw left Atletico 12th, having won just one of their first five league matches. "I think we dominated the game from start to end, until we scored and they, with one more player, turned up the pressure," Atletico captain Koke told DAZN. "It's clear that what matters is scoring goals and they don't want to go in." The draw leaves Atletico nine points behind leaders Real Madrid, and seven behind Barcelona. Licking their wounds after a painful late Champions League defeat at Liverpool in midweek, Atletico were left with a similar feeling. "We have to improve to hold on in games... (but) we're building a new team, a lot of players have come in. We're on the right path," said Simeone. Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman made several saves, including from Alvarez's penalty after captain Antonio Raillo handled David Hancko's shot in the first half. The Rojiblancos' job was made harder when Sorloth was dismissed for a high challenge on Raillo in the 72nd minute, but a few minutes later they took the lead as Gallagher netted a rebound. Simeone's side could not hold on and Muriqi nodded the hosts level with five minutes remaining.

Despite his brace against Newcastle in the Champions League, German coach Hansi Flick left Marcus Rashford on the bench, with Spanish media reporting that it was because the England international was late for a morning meeting.

La Liga: Torres brace helps Barcelona stay on Real Madrid's tail, Mallorca hold Atletico

Kylian Mbappe was at his brilliant best as Real Madrid showed grit to claim a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday, despite playing for an hour with 10 men after Dean Huijsen's red card. Mbappe and Arda Guler's first-half goals were enough for Los Blancos to maintain their 100 percent record, with Mikel Oyarzabal pulling one back for the hosts from the penalty spot.&nbsp;Xabi Alonso's side top the table on 12 points from four games, three ahead of second-placed Athletic Bilbao after they fell 1-0 against Alaves to tarnish their own perfect start.&nbsp;Atletico Madrid earned their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over fourth-place Villarreal, while champions Barcelona host Valencia on Sunday.&nbsp;Madrid defender Huijsen was dismissed for pulling down Oyarzabal as he ran through on goal with Madrid leading 1-0 through Mbappe's opener, and the Frenchman set up Guler for the second.&nbsp;"The red card changed the game a bit but we weren't afraid, we scored the second... we suffered as a team, but we go home with the three points," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.&nbsp;"The start to the season has been very good, and mine too, but the season is nine months, 11 with a World Cup, so I have to play well for a lot more time (to come)."&nbsp;Madrid lined up with Dani Carvajal at right-back, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, while Fede Valverde was rested and Dani Ceballos came in.&nbsp;Mbappe broke the deadlock after 12 minutes when he sprinted on to a loose back-pass, beating two defenders for pace before producing a clinical finish for his fourth league goal this season.&nbsp;Madrid's task grew harder when Spanish centre-back Huijsen, signed from Bournemouth this summer, was dismissed for pulling back Oyarzabal as he ran towards goal.&nbsp;"For me it was a yellow card, (Militao) was close and the ball was not under control, and seeing the replay didn't change my mind," Alonso said.&nbsp;"I asked about it, (the referee) explained it and it didn't convince me."&nbsp;Despite their numerical disadvantage Guler doubled Madrid's lead before the break with a neat finish after a superb run from French superstar Mbappe, who teed him up after floating inside from the left.&nbsp;The hosts improved in the second half and won a penalty after a Carvajal handball, which Oyarzabal dispatched, but they could not find a way back.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a><h2>Sole leaders</h2>Madrid's victory ensures they will be sole leaders, as Ernesto Valverde's Athletic stumbled in a Basque derby.&nbsp;Alejandro Berenguer's own goal, deflecting Denis Suarez's cross into his own net, split the teams at San Mames as hosts Athletic dominated but could not avoid defeat by Alaves.&nbsp;Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid suffered two defeats and a draw in their opening fixtures but produced a far more impressive display to triumph at their Metropolitano stadium against Villarreal with goals from Pablo Barrios and debutant Nico Gonzalez.&nbsp;The Rojiblancos were forced to bring off Julian Alvarez, Robin Le Normand and David Hancko with knocks, a worry ahead of their Champions League opener at Liverpool on Wednesday.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;"Our fans supported us today when we needed it most," Atletico skipper Koke told Movistar.&nbsp;"Hopefully the (hurt) players rest well, we have a very important game against Liverpool."Simeone said he was pleased with his team's performance and will find out more information on Sunday about the players who went off with knocks.&nbsp;"It's a shame we didn't have the calm we needed (to score more), but I'm very happy with the team," said Simeone.&nbsp;"I haven't spoken to the doctor about the players who went off hurt, but in general it's discomfort, knocks -- tomorrow we'll know more."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Xabi Alonso's side top the table on 12 points from four games, three ahead of second-placed Athletic Bilbao after they fell 1-0 against Alaves to tarnish their own perfect start.

Kylian Mbappe was at his brilliant best as Real Madrid showed grit to claim a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday, despite playing for an hour with 10 men after Dean Huijsen's red card. Mbappe and Arda Guler's first-half goals were enough for Los Blancos to maintain their 100 percent record, with Mikel Oyarzabal pulling one back for the hosts from the penalty spot. Xabi Alonso's side top the table on 12 points from four games, three ahead of second-placed Athletic Bilbao after they fell 1-0 against Alaves to tarnish their own perfect start. Atletico Madrid earned their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over fourth-place Villarreal, while champions Barcelona host Valencia on Sunday. Madrid defender Huijsen was dismissed for pulling down Oyarzabal as he ran through on goal with Madrid leading 1-0 through Mbappe's opener, and the Frenchman set up Guler for the second. "The red card changed the game a bit but we weren't afraid, we scored the second... we suffered as a team, but we go home with the three points," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV. "The start to the season has been very good, and mine too, but the season is nine months, 11 with a World Cup, so I have to play well for a lot more time (to come)." Madrid lined up with Dani Carvajal at right-back, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, while Fede Valverde was rested and Dani Ceballos came in. Mbappe broke the deadlock after 12 minutes when he sprinted on to a loose back-pass, beating two defenders for pace before producing a clinical finish for his fourth league goal this season. Madrid's task grew harder when Spanish centre-back Huijsen, signed from Bournemouth this summer, was dismissed for pulling back Oyarzabal as he ran towards goal. "For me it was a yellow card, (Militao) was close and the ball was not under control, and seeing the replay didn't change my mind," Alonso said. "I asked about it, (the referee) explained it and it didn't convince me." Despite their numerical disadvantage Guler doubled Madrid's lead before the break with a neat finish after a superb run from French superstar Mbappe, who teed him up after floating inside from the left. The hosts improved in the second half and won a penalty after a Carvajal handball, which Oyarzabal dispatched, but they could not find a way back. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Sole leaders Madrid's victory ensures they will be sole leaders, as Ernesto Valverde's Athletic stumbled in a Basque derby. Alejandro Berenguer's own goal, deflecting Denis Suarez's cross into his own net, split the teams at San Mames as hosts Athletic dominated but could not avoid defeat by Alaves. Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid suffered two defeats and a draw in their opening fixtures but produced a far more impressive display to triumph at their Metropolitano stadium against Villarreal with goals from Pablo Barrios and debutant Nico Gonzalez. The Rojiblancos were forced to bring off Julian Alvarez, Robin Le Normand and David Hancko with knocks, a worry ahead of their Champions League opener at Liverpool on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details "Our fans supported us today when we needed it most," Atletico skipper Koke told Movistar. "Hopefully the (hurt) players rest well, we have a very important game against Liverpool." Simeone said he was pleased with his team's performance and will find out more information on Sunday about the players who went off with knocks. "It's a shame we didn't have the calm we needed (to score more), but I'm very happy with the team," said Simeone. "I haven't spoken to the doctor about the players who went off hurt, but in general it's discomfort, knocks -- tomorrow we'll know more." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Xabi Alonso's side top the table on 12 points from four games, three ahead of second-placed Athletic Bilbao after they fell 1-0 against Alaves to tarnish their own perfect start.

La Liga: Kylian Mbappe shines as 10-man Real Madrid defeat Real Sociedad

An Espanyol fan who racially abused Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams was sentenced to a year in prison on Wednesday by a Barcelona court. The supporter was accused of making racist gestures and chants towards the Ghana international in January 2020 at the RCDE Stadium.&nbsp;The fan will not have to serve the prison time, in accordance with Spanish law, because the sentence is under two years and they have no prior convictions.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;They were fined around 1,000 euros ($1,200) and banned from going to football stadiums for the next three years, said a statement from the High Court of Justice of Catalonia.The Spanish Prosecutor's Office was initially looking for a two-year sentence but agreed a deal with the accused.&nbsp;"Today's ruling represents another milestone in the fight against racism in football and the eradication of all forms of violence inside and outside stadiums," said La Liga in a statement.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;Spanish football has been plagued by racist incidents in recent years.&nbsp;In February this year another match between Espanyol and Athletic at the same ground was stopped after allegations visiting forward Maroan Sannadi was being racially abused by home fans.&nbsp;Then in June four Atletico Madrid ultras were dealt suspended jail sentences for hanging a dummy of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior from a bridge in what police deemed a "hate crime".&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;Brazil's Vinicius has been targeted several times since he moved to Madrid in 2018, with various court convictions for the offenders.&nbsp;In June 2024 three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for abusing the Madrid star.&nbsp;Vinicius, Inaki Williams and his younger brother Nico Williams have been key figures in the fight against racism in Spanish football.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The fan will not have to serve the prison time, in accordance with Spanish law, because the sentence is under two years and they have no prior convictions.

An Espanyol fan who racially abused Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams was sentenced to a year in prison on Wednesday by a Barcelona court. The supporter was accused of making racist gestures and chants towards the Ghana international in January 2020 at the RCDE Stadium. The fan will not have to serve the prison time, in accordance with Spanish law, because the sentence is under two years and they have no prior convictions. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) They were fined around 1,000 euros ($1,200) and banned from going to football stadiums for the next three years, said a statement from the High Court of Justice of Catalonia. The Spanish Prosecutor's Office was initially looking for a two-year sentence but agreed a deal with the accused. "Today's ruling represents another milestone in the fight against racism in football and the eradication of all forms of violence inside and outside stadiums," said La Liga in a statement. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out Spanish football has been plagued by racist incidents in recent years. In February this year another match between Espanyol and Athletic at the same ground was stopped after allegations visiting forward Maroan Sannadi was being racially abused by home fans. Then in June four Atletico Madrid ultras were dealt suspended jail sentences for hanging a dummy of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior from a bridge in what police deemed a "hate crime". ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details Brazil's Vinicius has been targeted several times since he moved to Madrid in 2018, with various court convictions for the offenders. In June 2024 three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for abusing the Madrid star. Vinicius, Inaki Williams and his younger brother Nico Williams have been key figures in the fight against racism in Spanish football. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The fan will not have to serve the prison time, in accordance with Spanish law, because the sentence is under two years and they have no prior convictions.

Inaki Williams racial abuse case: Espanyol fan sentenced to prison, fined $1,200 and receives stadium ban

Kylian Mbappe struck from the penalty spot as Real Madrid beat a dogged Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday to make a winning start in La Liga under new coach Xabi Alonso. The France striker, last season's European Golden Shoe winner, scored early in the second half after he was fouled in the area by Osasuna defender Juan Cruz.&nbsp;It was enough to seal the points in Alonso's first game in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Madrid now unbeaten in their opening fixture of a league campaign since 2008."You can see that Kylian wants to do even more after this first year where he did great things," said Alonso.&nbsp;Mbappe finished as La Liga's top scorer with 31 goals in his first season in Spain, and is now wearing the number 10 shirt vacated by Luka Modric after the Croatian left for AC Milan last month.&nbsp;"I don't know if it's linked to the new number or not, or simply to his desire to win, but he wants to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his team-mates," added Alonso.&nbsp;"You can see his desire every day. Today he created those decisive moments that enable us to win matches."&nbsp;Madrid had a shortened pre-season after their run to the Club World Cup semi-finals in July, but Alonso has been adamant that would not be used as an excuse after their request for the Osasuna match to be postponed to a later date was rejected.&nbsp;"To start on the right foot is key in La Liga. We know we weren't well prepared," Madrid defender Dani Carvajal told DAZN. "But we basically didn't suffer and it was a complete display."&nbsp;Spain international Carvajal came off the bench for his first league appearance since October after a long-term knee injury, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a><h2>New faces in Madrid</h2>Alexander-Arnold made his La Liga debut after his move from Liverpool, with former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and left-back Alvaro Carreras other summer arrivals included in the starting line-up.&nbsp;Madrid though were without England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is expected to be sidelined until October as he recovers from a operation to solve a recurrent shoulder issue.&nbsp;Madrid are looking to turn the page on a disappointing end to the Carlo Ancelotti era after relinquishing both their domestic and European crowns last season.&nbsp;Alonso's side had to show patience against an Osasuna team that finished ninth last term, with the hosts largely restricted to long-range efforts from centre-backs Huijsen and Eder Militao in the first half.&nbsp;Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera was equal to both, while Mbappe failed to connect cleanly after being picked out by Vinicius Junior before he curled another shot wide as Madrid struggled to break down their opponents.&nbsp;But Mbappe grabbed the only goal six minutes after half-time after he went down following a clumsy challenge by Cruz as he tried to cut past the defender.&nbsp;Mbappe duly got up and running for the new campaign as he sent Herrera the wrong way from the spot.&nbsp;Alonso handed 18-year-old Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono his debut midway through the second half as Madrid controlled the game and seldom looked troubled.Ante Budimir headed over in a rare opportunity for Osasuna and Mastantuono was denied late on by Herrera.&nbsp;Osasuna finished the match with 10 men with Abel Bretones sent off in stoppage time for throwing an arm to block the run of Gonzalo Garcia.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Real Madrid had a shortened pre-season after their run to the Club World Cup semi-finals in July, but Alonso has been adamant that would not be used as an excuse after their request for the Osasuna match to be postponed to a later date was rejected.

Kylian Mbappe struck from the penalty spot as Real Madrid beat a dogged Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday to make a winning start in La Liga under new coach Xabi Alonso. The France striker, last season's European Golden Shoe winner, scored early in the second half after he was fouled in the area by Osasuna defender Juan Cruz. It was enough to seal the points in Alonso's first game in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Madrid now unbeaten in their opening fixture of a league campaign since 2008. "You can see that Kylian wants to do even more after this first year where he did great things," said Alonso. Mbappe finished as La Liga's top scorer with 31 goals in his first season in Spain, and is now wearing the number 10 shirt vacated by Luka Modric after the Croatian left for AC Milan last month. "I don't know if it's linked to the new number or not, or simply to his desire to win, but he wants to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his team-mates," added Alonso. "You can see his desire every day. Today he created those decisive moments that enable us to win matches." Madrid had a shortened pre-season after their run to the Club World Cup semi-finals in July, but Alonso has been adamant that would not be used as an excuse after their request for the Osasuna match to be postponed to a later date was rejected. "To start on the right foot is key in La Liga. We know we weren't well prepared," Madrid defender Dani Carvajal told DAZN. "But we basically didn't suffer and it was a complete display." Spain international Carvajal came off the bench for his first league appearance since October after a long-term knee injury, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) New faces in Madrid Alexander-Arnold made his La Liga debut after his move from Liverpool, with former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and left-back Alvaro Carreras other summer arrivals included in the starting line-up. Madrid though were without England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is expected to be sidelined until October as he recovers from a operation to solve a recurrent shoulder issue. Madrid are looking to turn the page on a disappointing end to the Carlo Ancelotti era after relinquishing both their domestic and European crowns last season. Alonso's side had to show patience against an Osasuna team that finished ninth last term, with the hosts largely restricted to long-range efforts from centre-backs Huijsen and Eder Militao in the first half. Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera was equal to both, while Mbappe failed to connect cleanly after being picked out by Vinicius Junior before he curled another shot wide as Madrid struggled to break down their opponents. But Mbappe grabbed the only goal six minutes after half-time after he went down following a clumsy challenge by Cruz as he tried to cut past the defender. Mbappe duly got up and running for the new campaign as he sent Herrera the wrong way from the spot. Alonso handed 18-year-old Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono his debut midway through the second half as Madrid controlled the game and seldom looked troubled. Ante Budimir headed over in a rare opportunity for Osasuna and Mastantuono was denied late on by Herrera. Osasuna finished the match with 10 men with Abel Bretones sent off in stoppage time for throwing an arm to block the run of Gonzalo Garcia. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Real Madrid had a shortened pre-season after their run to the Club World Cup semi-finals in July, but Alonso has been adamant that would not be used as an excuse after their request for the Osasuna match to be postponed to a later date was rejected.

Kylian Mbappe lifts Real Madrid past Osasuna in La Liga opener

Spanish champions Barcelona opened their Liga campaign on Saturday with an island cruise as they played almost an hour against nine men on their way to a 3-0 victory in Mallorca. Barcelona's second-half stroll did not please coach Hansi Flick.&nbsp;"They're three important points, but I didn't like the match," he told broadcaster Movistar. "After going two goals up and following Mallorca's two red cards, I think the team only gave 50 percent and I didn't like that."&nbsp;"Playing at 50 or 60 per cent is not possible against nine players."&nbsp;Two of Barcelona's Ballon d'Or nominees combined to put the visitors ahead after seven minutes, Lamine Yamal crossing for Raphinha to head in.&nbsp;Yamal played a key role in the second goal after 23 minutes. Mallorca defender Antonio Raillo headed away the teenager's shot and then fell to the ground.&nbsp;As the referee waved play on and Mallorca failed to clear, the ball fell to Ferran Torres. He fired home from the edge of the box.&nbsp;"If I would be on the other side of the decision I also would be not happy but I always say to my team until the referee stops the match we have to continue," said Flick speaking in English at the post-match press conference.&nbsp;"The referee didn't stop the match so there you go. That they are unhappy with that decision I can also imagine."&nbsp;Manu Morlanes was one of two Mallorca players booked for dissent as they told the referee he should have stopped the game.&nbsp;Ten minutes later, Morlanes received a second yellow for a challenge on the rampant Yamal and was sent off.&nbsp;In the 39th minute, as Barcelona's debutant goalkeeper Joan Garcia jumped to head a ball clear, Mallorca striker Vedat Muriqi challenged with his boot so high he planted his studs on Garcia's cheek. Muriqi also saw red.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;Barcelona strolled through the second half. Flick brought on summer loan signing Marcus Rashford, whose league registration only cleared on Saturday morning, for his Liga debut.&nbsp;Deep into injury time Yamal picked up the ball on the right, left three defenders trailing as he cut across the top of the penalty area and curled a left-foot shot into the top corner with the final kick of the game.&nbsp;"He surprises you every day. He's a spectacular player," said Flick.&nbsp;In the evening's late games Valencia drew 1-1 at home to Real Sociedad. Diego Lopez gave the hosts a 57th-minute lead, Takefusa Kubo replied three minutes later.&nbsp;In Vitoria, Argentine centre back Facundo Tenaglia fired home from close range after a free kick in added time to give hosts Alaves a 2-1 victory over promoted Levante.&nbsp;Atletico Madrid start their campaign on Sunday at home to Sevilla. Real Madrid close the opening round on Tuesday against Osasuna.&nbsp;On Friday, Jorge de Frutos scored the first goal of the new La Liga season to set Rayo Vallecano on their way to a 3-1 win over 10-man Girona.&nbsp;Real Oviedo's return to the top flight after a 24-year absence began on a flat note with a 2-0 defeat at Villarreal.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Two of Barcelona's Ballon d'Or nominees combined to put the visitors ahead after seven minutes, Lamine Yamal crossing for Raphinha to head in.

Spanish champions Barcelona opened their Liga campaign on Saturday with an island cruise as they played almost an hour against nine men on their way to a 3-0 victory in Mallorca. Barcelona's second-half stroll did not please coach Hansi Flick. "They're three important points, but I didn't like the match," he told broadcaster Movistar. "After going two goals up and following Mallorca's two red cards, I think the team only gave 50 percent and I didn't like that." "Playing at 50 or 60 per cent is not possible against nine players." Two of Barcelona's Ballon d'Or nominees combined to put the visitors ahead after seven minutes, Lamine Yamal crossing for Raphinha to head in. Yamal played a key role in the second goal after 23 minutes. Mallorca defender Antonio Raillo headed away the teenager's shot and then fell to the ground. As the referee waved play on and Mallorca failed to clear, the ball fell to Ferran Torres. He fired home from the edge of the box. "If I would be on the other side of the decision I also would be not happy but I always say to my team until the referee stops the match we have to continue," said Flick speaking in English at the post-match press conference. "The referee didn't stop the match so there you go. That they are unhappy with that decision I can also imagine." Manu Morlanes was one of two Mallorca players booked for dissent as they told the referee he should have stopped the game. Ten minutes later, Morlanes received a second yellow for a challenge on the rampant Yamal and was sent off. In the 39th minute, as Barcelona's debutant goalkeeper Joan Garcia jumped to head a ball clear, Mallorca striker Vedat Muriqi challenged with his boot so high he planted his studs on Garcia's cheek. Muriqi also saw red. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Barcelona strolled through the second half. Flick brought on summer loan signing Marcus Rashford, whose league registration only cleared on Saturday morning, for his Liga debut. Deep into injury time Yamal picked up the ball on the right, left three defenders trailing as he cut across the top of the penalty area and curled a left-foot shot into the top corner with the final kick of the game. "He surprises you every day. He's a spectacular player," said Flick. In the evening's late games Valencia drew 1-1 at home to Real Sociedad. Diego Lopez gave the hosts a 57th-minute lead, Takefusa Kubo replied three minutes later. In Vitoria, Argentine centre back Facundo Tenaglia fired home from close range after a free kick in added time to give hosts Alaves a 2-1 victory over promoted Levante. Atletico Madrid start their campaign on Sunday at home to Sevilla. Real Madrid close the opening round on Tuesday against Osasuna. On Friday, Jorge de Frutos scored the first goal of the new La Liga season to set Rayo Vallecano on their way to a 3-1 win over 10-man Girona. Real Oviedo's return to the top flight after a 24-year absence began on a flat note with a 2-0 defeat at Villarreal. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Two of Barcelona's Ballon d'Or nominees combined to put the visitors ahead after seven minutes, Lamine Yamal crossing for Raphinha to head in.

Barcelona open La Liga title defence strolling past nine-man Mallorca

Barcelona on Friday reinstated goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as captain after resolving a dispute over the German's fitness. The club had started disciplinary action on Tuesday and stripped Ter Stegen of the club captaincy on Thursday over a row concerning his fitness after he underwent back surgery at the end of July.&nbsp;Local media reported that the 33-year-old had refused to cooperate and release his medical details so the club tried to have him classified by La Liga as a long-term injury, which would allow Barcelona to deduct part of his pay from their official wage bill.&nbsp;But in a late night statement Barcelona reported the player had signed the necessary paperwork.&nbsp;"The disciplinary file is considered closed and the player regains the first team captaincy with immediate effect" Barca added.&nbsp;Earlier Friday Ter Stegen had taken to social media to defend himself.&nbsp;"In recent weeks, many things have been said about me - some of them entirely unfounded," he wrote on Instagram. "Therefore, I feel it is necessary to express my version of events respectfully, yet clearly."&nbsp;"I am fully willing to collaborate with the club's management to resolve this matter and to provide the requested authorisation," Ter Stegen wrote.&nbsp;With the new Liga season approaching, Barcelona are again struggling to satisfy Spanish financial fair play rules. If they cannot, they may not be able to register new players.Ter Stegen said if the club was in a financial bind, it should not blame his back problems."I would also like to clarify that all of the club's signings and contract renewals were completed prior to my surgery," he wrote.&nbsp;"The decision to undergo surgery was fully approved by the club, and always with the intention of prioritising my health and long-term sporting career which of course are fully aligned with those of FCB to have myself available on the pitch as soon as possible to keep winning trophies."&nbsp;He added that his new surgery should not interfere with the "registration of other colleagues whom I greatly respect and look forward to share locker room with for many seasons".&nbsp;"My commitment to these colors remains absolute."&nbsp;Ter Stegen's place is under threat from one of the summer signings, 24-year-old Joan Garcia, and 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny, the Polish veteran who has been rewarded with a contract extension for taking over during last season's Liga title-winning campaign.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Barcelona started disciplinary action on Tuesday and stripped Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the club captaincy on Thursday over a row concerning his fitness after he underwent back surgery at the end of July. 

Barcelona on Friday reinstated goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as captain after resolving a dispute over the German's fitness. The club had started disciplinary action on Tuesday and stripped Ter Stegen of the club captaincy on Thursday over a row concerning his fitness after he underwent back surgery at the end of July. Local media reported that the 33-year-old had refused to cooperate and release his medical details so the club tried to have him classified by La Liga as a long-term injury, which would allow Barcelona to deduct part of his pay from their official wage bill. But in a late night statement Barcelona reported the player had signed the necessary paperwork. "The disciplinary file is considered closed and the player regains the first team captaincy with immediate effect" Barca added. Earlier Friday Ter Stegen had taken to social media to defend himself. "In recent weeks, many things have been said about me - some of them entirely unfounded," he wrote on Instagram. "Therefore, I feel it is necessary to express my version of events respectfully, yet clearly." "I am fully willing to collaborate with the club's management to resolve this matter and to provide the requested authorisation," Ter Stegen wrote. With the new Liga season approaching, Barcelona are again struggling to satisfy Spanish financial fair play rules. If they cannot, they may not be able to register new players. Ter Stegen said if the club was in a financial bind, it should not blame his back problems. "I would also like to clarify that all of the club's signings and contract renewals were completed prior to my surgery," he wrote. "The decision to undergo surgery was fully approved by the club, and always with the intention of prioritising my health and long-term sporting career which of course are fully aligned with those of FCB to have myself available on the pitch as soon as possible to keep winning trophies." He added that his new surgery should not interfere with the "registration of other colleagues whom I greatly respect and look forward to share locker room with for many seasons". "My commitment to these colors remains absolute." Ter Stegen's place is under threat from one of the summer signings, 24-year-old Joan Garcia, and 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny, the Polish veteran who has been rewarded with a contract extension for taking over during last season's Liga title-winning campaign. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Barcelona started disciplinary action on Tuesday and stripped Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the club captaincy on Thursday over a row concerning his fitness after he underwent back surgery at the end of July.&nbsp;

Barcelona reinstate Marc-Andre ter Stegen as captain after resolving dispute

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to miss up to 12 weeks recovering from a shoulder operation after the Spanish giants said Wednesday he had successfully undergone surgery. "Our player Jude Bellingham has undergone successful surgery for a recurrent left shoulder dislocation," said Real Madrid in a statement. "Bellingham will now begin a period of rehabilitation prior to his return to recovery work." While Madrid did not specify the expected length of his recovery time, Spanish media have reported it will take around 12 weeks for him to return to action.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-why-wyndham-clark-us-open-2023-winner-banned-by-oakmont-club-1752685999423">Wyndham Clark, US Open 2023 winner, banned by Oakmont club for locker damages</a>Bellingham has been struggling with shoulder discomfort after dislocating it in a La Liga match in November 2023, and playing with a brace under his shirt since then.The England midfielder held off on the operation until after Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup this summer, with Xabi Alonso's side reaching the semi-finals.Bellingham is set to miss the La Liga visit to face rivals Atletico Madrid in late September, as well as the club's first two Champions League matches.The 22-year-old midfielder should be back in action by the time Madrid host Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season in late October."I've got the point where... I'm fed up with the brace, and having to tug on it and having (other) players tug on it, and it rearranging all the time," said Bellingham during the Club World Cup.The midfielder will also miss World Cup qualifiers with England against Andorra and Serbia on September 6 and 9 respectively.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The England midfielder held off on the operation until after Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup this summer, with Xabi Alonso's side reaching the semi-finals.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to miss up to 12 weeks recovering from a shoulder operation after the Spanish giants said Wednesday he had successfully undergone surgery. "Our player Jude Bellingham has undergone successful surgery for a recurrent left shoulder dislocation," said Real Madrid in a statement. "Bellingham will now begin a period of rehabilitation prior to his return to recovery work." While Madrid did not specify the expected length of his recovery time, Spanish media have reported it will take around 12 weeks for him to return to action. Also Read - Wyndham Clark, US Open 2023 winner, banned by Oakmont club for locker damages Bellingham has been struggling with shoulder discomfort after dislocating it in a La Liga match in November 2023, and playing with a brace under his shirt since then. The England midfielder held off on the operation until after Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup this summer, with Xabi Alonso's side reaching the semi-finals. Bellingham is set to miss the La Liga visit to face rivals Atletico Madrid in late September, as well as the club's first two Champions League matches. The 22-year-old midfielder should be back in action by the time Madrid host Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season in late October. "I've got the point where... I'm fed up with the brace, and having to tug on it and having (other) players tug on it, and it rearranging all the time," said Bellingham during the Club World Cup. The midfielder will also miss World Cup qualifiers with England against Andorra and Serbia on September 6 and 9 respectively. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The England midfielder held off on the operation until after Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup this summer, with Xabi Alonso's side reaching the semi-finals.

England and Real Madrid mid-fielder Jude Bellingham out for 12 weeks after surgery

As Barcelona clinched their 28th La Liga title on Monday (26 May), let us have a look at the top five goal scorers this season.

From Kylian Mbappe to Ante Budimir: 5 most goal scorers in La Liga this season

French striker<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kylian-mbappe"> Kylian Mbappe </a>has claimed the European Golden Shoe for the very first time in his career and that too in some fashion. The 25-year-old forward, hit a brace in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/real-madrid">Real Madrid’s</a> 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday (24 May), in their final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/la-liga">La Liga </a>match of the season.&nbsp;The match was played at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. With those two goals, Mbappe finished the season with 31 goals in La Liga, making him the top scorer not only in Spain but also across the five major leagues in Europe.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">👟🥇👏 ¡<a href="https://twitter.com/KMbappe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KMbappe</a>, Bota de Oro 2024-25! <a href="https://t.co/k8iZZpCpdy">pic.twitter.com/k8iZZpCpdy</a>&mdash; Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/1926760316706095445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The European Golden Shoe is given to the player who scores the most goals in league matches across Europe, but it’s based on a certain points system.&nbsp;Goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues: La Liga, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 &nbsp;are worth two points each. Conversely, goals from lower-ranked leagues like Portugal’s Primeira Liga are worth 1.5 points.&nbsp;Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-psg-beat-reims-to-win-french-cup-ahead-of-champions-league-final-1748147593773"> PSG beat Reims to win French Cup ahead of Champions League final</a>&nbsp;Even though Sporting CP’s Victor Gyokeres scored 39 league goals in the Portuguese league, he earned 58.5 points (39 goals × 1.5 points per goal) compared to Mbappe’s 62 points (31 goals × 2 points per goal).&nbsp;Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah came close as well. He needed a hat-trick in Liverpool’s final match against Crystal Palace to equal Mbappe’s score. However, Salah only managed one goal in a 1-1 draw, ending with 58 points.&nbsp;Mbappe's Golden Shoe win is historic as he became the only third Real Madrid player ever to win this title, after Hugo Sanchez in 1989-90 and Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who won it thrice with Los Blancos.&nbsp;Kylian's performance at Anoeta Stadium sealed not just a win for Real Madrid, but a personal milestone that places him among Europe's elite forwards. With this, the French star has added another feather to his growing list of achievements.

French striker Kylian Mbappe has claimed the European Golden Shoe for the very first time in his career and that too in some fashion.

French striker Kylian Mbappe has claimed the European Golden Shoe for the very first time in his career and that too in some fashion. The 25-year-old forward, hit a brace in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday (24 May), in their final La Liga match of the season. The match was played at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. With those two goals, Mbappe finished the season with 31 goals in La Liga, making him the top scorer not only in Spain but also across the five major leagues in Europe.

French striker Kylian Mbappe has claimed the European Golden Shoe for the very first time in his career and that too in some fashion.

Golden glory: Kylian Mbappe wins European Golden Shoe in debut season with Real Madrid

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/barcelona" rel="dofollow">Barcelona</a> coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hansi-flick" rel="dofollow">Hansi Flick</a> said early Friday that the backbone of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lamine-yamal-fermin-lopez-on-scoresheet-as-barcelona-seal-la-liga-crown-at-espanyol-9073562" rel="dofollow">La Liga triumph this season</a> was the "family" the club has become.
The German's team wrapped up their 28th Spanish title on Thursday night with a 2-0 win at Espanyol to complete a domestic treble, following Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup victories.
"I think the most important thing is... it's really fantastic that everyone at this club has their job and they're doing it with a lot of passion, a really good attitude and mentality, and everyone knows how important they are," Flick told reporters.
"This helps a lot to reach our goals, and of course, the players and the atmosphere in the dressing room, this is so great, I never had this before.
"Everyone really takes care of each other and... it's unique."
Barcelona will celebrate their title triumph with a bus parade on Friday, but didn't on the pitch at Espanyol after an incident in 2023.
When Xavi Hernandez's Barca won the title at the RCDE Stadium, they were chased off the pitch by angry home fans who rushed towards them.
"On the pitch, it was clear we could not celebrate there... two years ago (there was trouble)," Flick continued.
"It's also about respect for the fans here, so, of course, we celebrated in the dressing room, fantastic, the players could do that, really good.
"Tomorrow I will stand a little bit in the background, and I also will enjoy it. When I see the people are happy and smiling, I will enjoy it."
Despite his joy at winning the league, Flick also thought about some negative moments during the season, including the shock death of club doctor Carles Minarro in March.
"Carles is now here," said Flick, pointing towards the ceiling.
"He (would be) very proud about our team, what (we) saw in the last couple of months, so we think about him always.
"(We don't) forget him, because he was a great part of our team and will always have a place in our hearts."
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Flick's team wrapped up their 28th Spanish title on Thursday night with a 2-0 win at Espanyol to complete a domestic treble, following Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup victories. Sports, Football

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said early Friday that the backbone of their La Liga triumph this season was the "family" the club has become. The German's team wrapped up their 28th Spanish title on Thursday night with a 2-0 win at Espanyol to complete a domestic treble, following Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup victories. "I think the most important thing is... it's really fantastic that everyone at this club has their job and they're doing it with a lot of passion, a really good attitude and mentality, and everyone knows how important they are," Flick told reporters. "This helps a lot to reach our goals, and of course, the players and the atmosphere in the dressing room, this is so great, I never had this before. "Everyone really takes care of each other and... it's unique." Barcelona will celebrate their title triumph with a bus parade on Friday, but didn't on the pitch at Espanyol after an incident in 2023. When Xavi Hernandez's Barca won the title at the RCDE Stadium, they were chased off the pitch by angry home fans who rushed towards them. "On the pitch, it was clear we could not celebrate there... two years ago (there was trouble)," Flick continued. "It's also about respect for the fans here, so, of course, we celebrated in the dressing room, fantastic, the players could do that, really good. "Tomorrow I will stand a little bit in the background, and I also will enjoy it. When I see the people are happy and smiling, I will enjoy it." Despite his joy at winning the league, Flick also thought about some negative moments during the season, including the shock death of club doctor Carles Minarro in March. "Carles is now here," said Flick, pointing towards the ceiling. "He (would be) very proud about our team, what (we) saw in the last couple of months, so we think about him always. "(We don't) forget him, because he was a great part of our team and will always have a place in our hearts." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

'Unique' Barcelona family key to La Liga title triumph: Hansi Flick

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