Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has responded to the transfer rumours of Brazilian football player Neymar, who moved from Camp Nou to Paris Saint Germain for a record transfer fee £200m 18 months ago.&nbsp;

Neymar has repeatedly been linked with a move back to the La Liga champions but Barca coach said that the team management is very careful when it comes to talking about players from other teams.&nbsp;

While speaking to media, Valverde said that Neymar is a "world-class" player but is unlikely to return from PSG back to Barcelona.&nbsp;

"Neymar is, without doubt, a world-class player. He has played and shown that here before. And now he plays for another team (Paris Saint-Germain). And that's it. That's it," said Valverde.&nbsp;

"Nobody has asked me about it yet and I guarantee you that nobody has called to inform&nbsp;about such speculation," he added.&nbsp;

Valverde also said, "It is normal that throughout the season there is always transfer news, gossip and rumours here and there. But he is a PSG player. We respect him a lot as well as PSG."&nbsp;

The sale of Munir El Haddadi to Sevilla has freed up a spot in Barcelona squad and Luis Suarez now finds himself with no backup, leaving Ernesto Valverde seeking another striker.

"We have an empty space following the exit of Munir (El Haddadi, who joined Sevilla)," said&nbsp;Ernesto Valverde.

"The transfer market is open and we will see if we can bring in a new player in an attacking position," he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as per the media reports, Neymar, who struggled to settle in the French club, has denied the transfer rumours.&nbsp;

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has responded to the transfer rumours of Brazilian football player Neymar, who moved from Camp Nou to Paris Saint Germain for a record transfer fee £200m 18 months ago.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has responded to the transfer rumours of Brazilian football player Neymar, who moved from Camp Nou to Paris Saint Germain for a record transfer fee £200m 18 months ago. Neymar has repeatedly been linked with a move back to the La Liga champions but Barca coach said that the team management is very careful when it comes to talking about players from other teams. While speaking to media, Valverde said that Neymar is a "world-class" player but is unlikely to return from PSG back to Barcelona. "Neymar is, without doubt, a world-class player. He has played and shown that here before. And now he plays for another team (Paris Saint-Germain). And that's it. That's it," said Valverde. "Nobody has asked me about it yet and I guarantee you that nobody has called to inform about such speculation," he added. Valverde also said, "It is normal that throughout the season there is always transfer news, gossip and rumours here and there. But he is a PSG player. We respect him a lot as well as PSG." The sale of Munir El Haddadi to Sevilla has freed up a spot in Barcelona squad and Luis Suarez now finds himself with no backup, leaving Ernesto Valverde seeking another striker. "We have an empty space following the exit of Munir (El Haddadi, who joined Sevilla)," said Ernesto Valverde. "The transfer market is open and we will see if we can bring in a new player in an attacking position," he added. Meanwhile, as per the media reports, Neymar, who struggled to settle in the French club, has denied the transfer rumours.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde responds to Neymar rumours

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Manchester+City">Manchester City</a> coach <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Pep+Guardiola">Pep Guardiola</a> has defended his side's youth development record after academy graduate Brahim Diaz left for Real Madrid, saying he only wants to work with players who are committed to the club.

The 19-year-old Diaz completed a move to the Spanish capital on Monday, following in the footsteps of English winger Jadon Sancho, who left City in 2017 for Borussia Dortmund to make a huge impact in the German Bundesliga.

City failed to keep both players at the Etihad Stadium due to a lack of first-team opportunities but Guardiola said youngsters must be patient if they are to make a breakthrough at any of the Europe's elite clubs.

"They win the opportunity (to play) on the field but you have to take a look at all the big clubs in Europe how many young players are in the first team," Guardiola told a news conference ahead of City's League Cup semi-final first-leg against Burton Albion on Wednesday.

"The young players need time. David Silva, for example, was loaned to others before he became what he is right now, before he came us. Some have patience, some trust what the club want to do, and some don't."

England under-21 playmaker Phil Foden committed his long-term future to City last month, having received a public backing from Guardiola this season.

"Like I said many times, I don't want people that don't want to stay here," the Spanish coach added.

"We did with Brahim everything we have done with Phil (Foden) and with Jadon - important players and we did absolutely everything. The only one who decides to stay is Phil."

Foden is set to feature against Burton with Guardiola having almost his full squad available to cope with the demands of the Premier League and domestic cup competitions this month.

Guardiola said French full back Benjamin Mendy, who is on the sidelines with a knee injury, could return to first-team action in two-to-three weeks.

"He's training alone," Guardiola added. "Two weeks, three weeks maybe (until he returns). Everybody else is fit."

City will return to league action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday as they continue to chase Liverpool, who are four points clear at the top of the table.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has defended his side's youth development record after academy graduate Brahim Diaz left for Real Madrid, saying he only wants to work with players who are committed to the club.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has defended his side's youth development record after academy graduate Brahim Diaz left for Real Madrid, saying he only wants to work with players who are committed to the club. The 19-year-old Diaz completed a move to the Spanish capital on Monday, following in the footsteps of English winger Jadon Sancho, who left City in 2017 for Borussia Dortmund to make a huge impact in the German Bundesliga. City failed to keep both players at the Etihad Stadium due to a lack of first-team opportunities but Guardiola said youngsters must be patient if they are to make a breakthrough at any of the Europe's elite clubs. "They win the opportunity (to play) on the field but you have to take a look at all the big clubs in Europe how many young players are in the first team," Guardiola told a news conference ahead of City's League Cup semi-final first-leg against Burton Albion on Wednesday. "The young players need time. David Silva, for example, was loaned to others before he became what he is right now, before he came us. Some have patience, some trust what the club want to do, and some don't." England under-21 playmaker Phil Foden committed his long-term future to City last month, having received a public backing from Guardiola this season. "Like I said many times, I don't want people that don't want to stay here," the Spanish coach added. "We did with Brahim everything we have done with Phil (Foden) and with Jadon - important players and we did absolutely everything. The only one who decides to stay is Phil." Foden is set to feature against Burton with Guardiola having almost his full squad available to cope with the demands of the Premier League and domestic cup competitions this month. Guardiola said French full back Benjamin Mendy, who is on the sidelines with a knee injury, could return to first-team action in two-to-three weeks. "He's training alone," Guardiola added. "Two weeks, three weeks maybe (until he returns). Everybody else is fit." City will return to league action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday as they continue to chase Liverpool, who are four points clear at the top of the table.

Don't want players who don't want to play for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola defends Brahim Diaz departure

Barcelona signed&nbsp;19-year-old French central defender Jean-Clair Todibo of Toulouse on a free transfer at the end of this season, the La Liga leaders said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Spanish giants said that Todibo will be out of contract with Toulouse at the end of June, which means they will not pay a transfer fee for the player when he moves to the Nou Camp on July 1.

"One of his best qualities is his physical presence and his ability in the air," said a Barcelona statement.

"The young talent comes to FC Barcelona as one of the most promising players in European football in his position."

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👋 The fans welcome Jean-Clair Todibo (<a href="https://twitter.com/jctodibo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jctodibo</a>) 
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Todibo, who broke into Toulouse's first team at the start of this season and has made 10 starts in Ligue 1, will join up with compatriots Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet, also central defenders, as well as forward Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona signed 19-year-old French central defender Jean-Clair Todibo of Toulouse on a free transfer at the end of this season, the La Liga leaders said on Tuesday.

Barcelona signed 19-year-old French central defender Jean-Clair Todibo of Toulouse on a free transfer at the end of this season, the La Liga leaders said on Tuesday. The Spanish giants said that Todibo will be out of contract with Toulouse at the end of June, which means they will not pay a transfer fee for the player when he moves to the Nou Camp on July 1. "One of his best qualities is his physical presence and his ability in the air," said a Barcelona statement. "The young talent comes to FC Barcelona as one of the most promising players in European football in his position." 👋 The fans welcome Jean-Clair Todibo (@jctodibo) 🔵🔴 #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/On9KRP3JnK — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 8, 2019 × Todibo, who broke into Toulouse's first team at the start of this season and has made 10 starts in Ligue 1, will join up with compatriots Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet, also central defenders, as well as forward Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona sign young defender Jean-Clair Todibo for next season

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Real+Madrid">Real Madrid</a> coach <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Santiago+Solari">Santiago Solari</a> has called on his under-performing side to halt their tendency to concede early goals as they look for some relief from their floundering La Liga campaign against Leganes in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Madrid fell behind in Sunday's shock 2-0 home defeat by Real Sociedad with a goal in the third minute, and conceded the opening goal in last week's 2-2 draw at Villarreal with a strike from Santi Cazorla in the fourth minute.

The triple European champions also had a habit of letting in early goals under Solari's predecessor Julen Lopetegui, conceding within the opening 10 minutes of three matches before the Spaniard was sacked at the end of October.

"We have to pay more attention in the opening minutes, it's something we all know we have to improve on," Solari told a news conference ahead of Wednesday's last 16 first-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Leganes are a very solid, competitive team so we'll have to be aware of their speed when they counterattack us, and we'll have to make sure we take our chances in attack."

Madrid last won the Copa del Rey in 2014 but as they are 10 points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and outside of the Champions League places, the competition is looking like being their best shot at salvaging their season with some silverware.

"The Copa del Rey is a fantastic trophy and we'll approach this game with the same excitement as we do every competition. We try and put all our energies into every competition, each one has its own characteristics," added the Argentine coach.

Solari said there was a chance new signing Brahim Diaz could play against Leganes but it would depend upon whether he was registered on time after completing a 15-million-pound ($19.10 million) transfer from Manchester City on Sunday.

Solari was also asked how he felt about injured forward Gareth Bale leaving Sunday's defeat to Sociedad 12 minutes before the end, but he refrained from criticising or defending his player.

"These are things we deal with internally," he said.

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has called on his under-performing side to halt their tendency to concede early goals as they look for some relief from their floundering La Liga campaign against Leganes in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has called on his under-performing side to halt their tendency to concede early goals as they look for some relief from their floundering La Liga campaign against Leganes in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. Madrid fell behind in Sunday's shock 2-0 home defeat by Real Sociedad with a goal in the third minute, and conceded the opening goal in last week's 2-2 draw at Villarreal with a strike from Santi Cazorla in the fourth minute. The triple European champions also had a habit of letting in early goals under Solari's predecessor Julen Lopetegui, conceding within the opening 10 minutes of three matches before the Spaniard was sacked at the end of October. "We have to pay more attention in the opening minutes, it's something we all know we have to improve on," Solari told a news conference ahead of Wednesday's last 16 first-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. "Leganes are a very solid, competitive team so we'll have to be aware of their speed when they counterattack us, and we'll have to make sure we take our chances in attack." Madrid last won the Copa del Rey in 2014 but as they are 10 points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and outside of the Champions League places, the competition is looking like being their best shot at salvaging their season with some silverware. "The Copa del Rey is a fantastic trophy and we'll approach this game with the same excitement as we do every competition. We try and put all our energies into every competition, each one has its own characteristics," added the Argentine coach. Solari said there was a chance new signing Brahim Diaz could play against Leganes but it would depend upon whether he was registered on time after completing a 15-million-pound ($19.10 million) transfer from Manchester City on Sunday. Solari was also asked how he felt about injured forward Gareth Bale leaving Sunday's defeat to Sociedad 12 minutes before the end, but he refrained from criticising or defending his player. "These are things we deal with internally," he said.

Real Madrid must focus more in early stages of games, says Santiago Solari

Real Madrid endured a frustrating start to the new year as they drew 2-2 at struggling Villarreal on Thursday and were left seven points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Midfielder Santi Cazorla gave the home side the lead in the fourth minute of the game, which was rescheduled due to Real's participation in last month's Club World Cup, by bending a wonderful shot into the bottom corner.

But the European champions struck back three minutes later with a headed goal from Karim Benzema after a sweeping attacking move.

Raphael Varane gave the visitors the lead in the 20th with a header from a free kick but it was former Arsenal midfielder Cazorla, who has overcome a terrible run of injuries to resurrect his career in Spain, who had the final say.

The diminutive 34-year-old Spaniard ghosted into the box undetected to nod home at the back post in the 82nd minute and give his side a deserved point in new coach Luis Garcia Plaza's first home game in charge.

Real have not won their opening away game of a new year since 2014, and Cazorla's late strike prevented them from going level on points with Sevilla and kept them in fourth place, seven behind leaders Barcelona after 17 games.

Apart from conceding the early goal, Real produced an impressive display in the first half but lost their grip on the game after Gareth Bale was substituted soon after the interval with a knock.

Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric, who helped set up the equaliser, followed Bale off the pitch midway through the second half and Villarreal, spurred on by their supporters, showed more intensity and wrestled back control of the play.

Cazorla's leveller followed a spell of pressure from the home side but Real could still have snatched a winner when substitute Isco burst into the area but was denied by Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo.

"It could be said the result was fair, we chased the victory and had it in our hands, we wanted to kill the game off and they put us under a lot of pressure as they were at home and they badly needed the points," Real coach Santiago Solari said.

"When Gareth came off we lost a bit of sharpness in attack, we still had the chance to score a couple but we needed to attack with more clarity."

Villarreal, who have reached the last 32 of the Europa League despite a dire domestic season, clawed their way out of the relegation zone to 17th in the standings, level on points with 18th-placed Athletic Bilbao.

"This result will give us strength," said Villarreal coach Garcia, who has taken two points from two games since succeeding the sacked Javi Calleja.

"I imagine that every game from now on will be a battle, a war to survive but hopefully we'll come through it, and this point gives us a big emotional boost."

Real Madrid endured a frustrating start to the new year as they drew 2-2 at struggling Villarreal on Thursday and were left seven points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid endured a frustrating start to the new year as they drew 2-2 at struggling Villarreal on Thursday and were left seven points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona. Midfielder Santi Cazorla gave the home side the lead in the fourth minute of the game, which was rescheduled due to Real's participation in last month's Club World Cup, by bending a wonderful shot into the bottom corner. But the European champions struck back three minutes later with a headed goal from Karim Benzema after a sweeping attacking move. Raphael Varane gave the visitors the lead in the 20th with a header from a free kick but it was former Arsenal midfielder Cazorla, who has overcome a terrible run of injuries to resurrect his career in Spain, who had the final say. The diminutive 34-year-old Spaniard ghosted into the box undetected to nod home at the back post in the 82nd minute and give his side a deserved point in new coach Luis Garcia Plaza's first home game in charge. Real have not won their opening away game of a new year since 2014, and Cazorla's late strike prevented them from going level on points with Sevilla and kept them in fourth place, seven behind leaders Barcelona after 17 games. Apart from conceding the early goal, Real produced an impressive display in the first half but lost their grip on the game after Gareth Bale was substituted soon after the interval with a knock. Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric, who helped set up the equaliser, followed Bale off the pitch midway through the second half and Villarreal, spurred on by their supporters, showed more intensity and wrestled back control of the play. Cazorla's leveller followed a spell of pressure from the home side but Real could still have snatched a winner when substitute Isco burst into the area but was denied by Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo. "It could be said the result was fair, we chased the victory and had it in our hands, we wanted to kill the game off and they put us under a lot of pressure as they were at home and they badly needed the points," Real coach Santiago Solari said. "When Gareth came off we lost a bit of sharpness in attack, we still had the chance to score a couple but we needed to attack with more clarity." Villarreal, who have reached the last 32 of the Europa League despite a dire domestic season, clawed their way out of the relegation zone to 17th in the standings, level on points with 18th-placed Athletic Bilbao. "This result will give us strength," said Villarreal coach Garcia, who has taken two points from two games since succeeding the sacked Javi Calleja. "I imagine that every game from now on will be a battle, a war to survive but hopefully we'll come through it, and this point gives us a big emotional boost."

Real Madrid frustrated by Villarreal as Santi Cazorla strikes twice

Real Madrid lifted the FIFA Club World Cup for a record fourth time on Saturday after thrashing local side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with the help of impressive distance strikes in either half from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente.

Recently crowned Ballon d'Or winner Modric took one touch before thumping the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box to break the deadlock in the 14th minute after Al Ain had missed two early chances to take a shock lead.

Madrid's home-grown midfielder Marcos Llorente doubled the European champions lead on the hour-mark with a superbly struck volley from outside the area.

Real captain Sergio Ramos grabbed his side's third goal with a powerful header from a corner before Al Ain, who shocked South American champions River Plate in the semi-finals, got a late consolation goal through Japanese defender Tsukasa Shiotani.

Madrid substitute Vinicius Jr. burst through in stoppage an fired in a shot which defender Yahia Nader diverted into his own net.

Real have won the last three editions of the tournament, also lifting the trophy in 2014, and moved ahead of Barcelona as the team to have won it the most times.

Real Madrid lifted the FIFA Club World Cup for a record fourth time on Saturday after thrashing local side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with the help of impressive distance strikes in either half from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente.

Real Madrid lifted the FIFA Club World Cup for a record fourth time on Saturday after thrashing local side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with the help of impressive distance strikes in either half from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente. Recently crowned Ballon d'Or winner Modric took one touch before thumping the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box to break the deadlock in the 14th minute after Al Ain had missed two early chances to take a shock lead. Madrid's home-grown midfielder Marcos Llorente doubled the European champions lead on the hour-mark with a superbly struck volley from outside the area. Real captain Sergio Ramos grabbed his side's third goal with a powerful header from a corner before Al Ain, who shocked South American champions River Plate in the semi-finals, got a late consolation goal through Japanese defender Tsukasa Shiotani. Madrid substitute Vinicius Jr. burst through in stoppage an fired in a shot which defender Yahia Nader diverted into his own net. Real have won the last three editions of the tournament, also lifting the trophy in 2014, and moved ahead of Barcelona as the team to have won it the most times.

Real Madrid ease past Al Ain for fourth Club World Cup title

A triple by Barcelona striker Leo Messi helped obliterate Levante 5-0 at Ciutat de Valencia stadium on Sunday, with Luis Suarez helping the Argentine out with great attacking expertise.&nbsp;

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde had to shift his deployment to 3-5-2 after Nelson Semedo sustained a knee injury earlier in the day and had to be scrubbed.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that it was Levante who played a better game and developed some good chances in the first 45 minutes, Barca took advantage of its two goals before to break to head for the locker room sitting pretty at 2-0.

The first tally came in the 35th minute on a strike by Suarez, assisted brilliantly with a cross by Messi, and then the Argentine notched the second one himself just 2 minutes before the break, tapping the ball in between Oier Olazabal's legs.

Levante came out in the second half with great intensity, putting pressure on goalkeeper Ter Stegan but it didn't take Messi long to score his team's third tally - his second of the night - in the 47th minute, with Suarez helping out.

It was Messi again for his third of the night in the 60th minute with Suarez sending over a great crossing shot and then Arturo Vidal adjusting it back to Messi for an easy goal.

The final Barca goal came in the 88th minute, when Pique sank one of his own after Cabaco had been expelled 12 minutes beforehand, leaving Levante a man short.

The win leaves Barca in first place on the La Liga table in the 16th week of the Spanish tourney with 34 points, three ahead of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, while Levante is in seventh with 22 points.

A triple by Barcelona striker Leo Messi helped obliterate Levante 5-0 at Ciutat de Valencia stadium on Sunday, with Luis Suarez helping the Argentine out with great attacking expertise.

A triple by Barcelona striker Leo Messi helped obliterate Levante 5-0 at Ciutat de Valencia stadium on Sunday, with Luis Suarez helping the Argentine out with great attacking expertise. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde had to shift his deployment to 3-5-2 after Nelson Semedo sustained a knee injury earlier in the day and had to be scrubbed. Despite the fact that it was Levante who played a better game and developed some good chances in the first 45 minutes, Barca took advantage of its two goals before to break to head for the locker room sitting pretty at 2-0. The first tally came in the 35th minute on a strike by Suarez, assisted brilliantly with a cross by Messi, and then the Argentine notched the second one himself just 2 minutes before the break, tapping the ball in between Oier Olazabal's legs. Levante came out in the second half with great intensity, putting pressure on goalkeeper Ter Stegan but it didn't take Messi long to score his team's third tally - his second of the night - in the 47th minute, with Suarez helping out. It was Messi again for his third of the night in the 60th minute with Suarez sending over a great crossing shot and then Arturo Vidal adjusting it back to Messi for an easy goal. The final Barca goal came in the 88th minute, when Pique sank one of his own after Cabaco had been expelled 12 minutes beforehand, leaving Levante a man short. The win leaves Barca in first place on the La Liga table in the 16th week of the Spanish tourney with 34 points, three ahead of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, while Levante is in seventh with 22 points.

Lionel Messi strikes hat-trick as Barcelona defeat Levante 5-0

Real Madrid got a 1-0 win over minnows Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, earning a third consecutive La Liga victory and rising to third in the table, but they again failed to sparkle and had to endure booing from their unhappy supporters.

Karim Benzema beat a poorly constructed Rayo offside trap to score the only goal of the game in the 13th minute and Toni Kroos came close to doubling Madrid's advantage later in the first half when he struck a post from outside the box.

The win put Santiago Solari's side up to third place in the standings on 29 points, one clear of fourth-placed Sevilla who host Girona on Sunday and two behind champions and leaders Barcelona, who visit Levante, and Atletico Madrid.

Madrid, who were also booed off on Wednesday after losing 3-0 to CSKA Moscow, their worst-ever home defeat in European competition, continued to suffer defensively at the back.

They leaked plenty of chances to their neighbours, who are fighting relegation and have won only twice all season.

Rayo defender Emiliano Velazquez came close to equalising with a bullet header from a corner shortly after Benzema's goal.

Then, as the visitors laid siege to Madrid's goal in the closing stages, it took an impressive double save from Thibaut Courtois in stoppage time to prevent Rayo from grabbing a point.

Even though the European champions weathered the storm, it did not stop the infamously demanding Santiago Bernabeu crowd from booing their team.

It was a far from ideal send-off in their final league game of 2018 before they fly to Abu Dhabi to defend their Club World Cup title.

Despite the frantic ending and the home fans' angry reaction, Madrid coach Solari said he was happy with his side's performance, adding that the team would travel to Abu Dhabi in good spirits.

"We're feeling very good, we have won nine games out of 11 (since he replaced Julen Lopetegui), we've cut the gap with the teams at the top, we finished first in our Champions League group, we're still in the Copa del Rey and now we're going to a tournament which makes Madrid fans very excited," he said.

The coach dismissed fitness concerns about Benzema and Marco Asensio, who were substituted in the second half, saying he thought both players had only sustained knocks.

Real Madrid got a 1-0 win over minnows Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, earning a third consecutive La Liga victory and rising to third in the table, but they again failed to sparkle and had to endure booing from their unhappy supporters.

Real Madrid got a 1-0 win over minnows Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, earning a third consecutive La Liga victory and rising to third in the table, but they again failed to sparkle and had to endure booing from their unhappy supporters. Karim Benzema beat a poorly constructed Rayo offside trap to score the only goal of the game in the 13th minute and Toni Kroos came close to doubling Madrid's advantage later in the first half when he struck a post from outside the box. The win put Santiago Solari's side up to third place in the standings on 29 points, one clear of fourth-placed Sevilla who host Girona on Sunday and two behind champions and leaders Barcelona, who visit Levante, and Atletico Madrid. Madrid, who were also booed off on Wednesday after losing 3-0 to CSKA Moscow, their worst-ever home defeat in European competition, continued to suffer defensively at the back. They leaked plenty of chances to their neighbours, who are fighting relegation and have won only twice all season. Rayo defender Emiliano Velazquez came close to equalising with a bullet header from a corner shortly after Benzema's goal. Then, as the visitors laid siege to Madrid's goal in the closing stages, it took an impressive double save from Thibaut Courtois in stoppage time to prevent Rayo from grabbing a point. Even though the European champions weathered the storm, it did not stop the infamously demanding Santiago Bernabeu crowd from booing their team. It was a far from ideal send-off in their final league game of 2018 before they fly to Abu Dhabi to defend their Club World Cup title. Despite the frantic ending and the home fans' angry reaction, Madrid coach Solari said he was happy with his side's performance, adding that the team would travel to Abu Dhabi in good spirits. "We're feeling very good, we have won nine games out of 11 (since he replaced Julen Lopetegui), we've cut the gap with the teams at the top, we finished first in our Champions League group, we're still in the Copa del Rey and now we're going to a tournament which makes Madrid fans very excited," he said. The coach dismissed fitness concerns about Benzema and Marco Asensio, who were substituted in the second half, saying he thought both players had only sustained knocks.

Karim Benzema gives Madrid win over Rayo amid more Bernabeu boos

FC Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde said Saturday he was optimistic about the recovery of defender Samuel Umtiti, who has been receiving treatment in Qatar for a left-knee injury.

Barcelona travel to Levante on Sunday and need a win to restore their three-point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga.

Ernesto Valverde's side are on a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions, since they were stunned 4-3 by Real Betis last month.

Valverde rung the changes for their midweek UEFA Champions League draw against Tottenham Hotspur, with Luis Suarez left out and the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba all on the bench.

All six are expected to return to the starting XI this weekend, but Samuel Umtiti's ongoing absence with a knee problem will see Clement Lenglet keep his position in central defence.

During a press conference,&nbsp;Valverde said he would decide on the status of the French center back within two weeks, adding that the Catalans need to wait and monitor Umtiti's progress.

The coach, however, said Barcelona may look to the winter transfer window to find a replacement for the 25-year-old superstar, who has missed most of the season due to the injury.

FC Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde said Saturday he was optimistic about the recovery of defender Samuel Umtiti, who has been receiving treatment in Qatar for a left-knee injury.

FC Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde said Saturday he was optimistic about the recovery of defender Samuel Umtiti, who has been receiving treatment in Qatar for a left-knee injury. Barcelona travel to Levante on Sunday and need a win to restore their three-point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga. Ernesto Valverde's side are on a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions, since they were stunned 4-3 by Real Betis last month. Valverde rung the changes for their midweek UEFA Champions League draw against Tottenham Hotspur, with Luis Suarez left out and the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba all on the bench. All six are expected to return to the starting XI this weekend, but Samuel Umtiti's ongoing absence with a knee problem will see Clement Lenglet keep his position in central defence. During a press conference, Valverde said he would decide on the status of the French center back within two weeks, adding that the Catalans need to wait and monitor Umtiti's progress. The coach, however, said Barcelona may look to the winter transfer window to find a replacement for the 25-year-old superstar, who has missed most of the season due to the injury.

Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde mulls options regarding Umtiti

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari says the fans need to get behind the team after they were whistled off following Wednesday's humiliating 3-0 home defeat by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

Madrid suffered their heaviest ever home European defeat against CSKA and were given short shrift by angry supporters despite having already qualified for the last 16 as Group G winners.

"I heard applause too the other day. Fans express themselves and that is valid and respectable," Solari told a news conference on Friday when asked about the fans' reaction.

"The team always looks for support and we need it. Through the 115 years (the club has existed) we've made it with unity and the fans backing us. We hope that they help us and push us on."

Madrid, who are fourth in La Liga, host second-bottom local rivals Rayo Vallecano on Saturday and can close the gap on leaders Barcelona to two points with a victory.

Solari defended midfielder Isco, who was whistled by Madrid supporters against CSKA.

"Isco is a mature man, a professional who has brought a lot of joy here and we are sure that he will keep bringing that," said Solari, who has not started the playmaker in a single league match since taking over at the end of October.

"Everyone's working as hard as possible to be available for the team, the hardest thing is choosing the starting side, those who sit on the bench, those who don't make it.

"That's the hardest thing because they are all good. It's a tough job. There are no maths that work, someone always has to be left out."

Forward Gareth Bale hurt his ankle against CSKA Moscow although he was not taken off after receiving treatment.

"We will see (about Bale,) it's a question of rest because it's an ankle problem. We will see how he recovers," said Solari.

"We will speak about it with the medics and with him and we will ponder it."

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari says the fans need to get behind the team after they were whistled off following Wednesday's humiliating 3-0 home defeat by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari says the fans need to get behind the team after they were whistled off following Wednesday's humiliating 3-0 home defeat by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League. Madrid suffered their heaviest ever home European defeat against CSKA and were given short shrift by angry supporters despite having already qualified for the last 16 as Group G winners. "I heard applause too the other day. Fans express themselves and that is valid and respectable," Solari told a news conference on Friday when asked about the fans' reaction. "The team always looks for support and we need it. Through the 115 years (the club has existed) we've made it with unity and the fans backing us. We hope that they help us and push us on." Madrid, who are fourth in La Liga, host second-bottom local rivals Rayo Vallecano on Saturday and can close the gap on leaders Barcelona to two points with a victory. Solari defended midfielder Isco, who was whistled by Madrid supporters against CSKA. "Isco is a mature man, a professional who has brought a lot of joy here and we are sure that he will keep bringing that," said Solari, who has not started the playmaker in a single league match since taking over at the end of October. "Everyone's working as hard as possible to be available for the team, the hardest thing is choosing the starting side, those who sit on the bench, those who don't make it. "That's the hardest thing because they are all good. It's a tough job. There are no maths that work, someone always has to be left out." Forward Gareth Bale hurt his ankle against CSKA Moscow although he was not taken off after receiving treatment. "We will see (about Bale,) it's a question of rest because it's an ankle problem. We will see how he recovers," said Solari. "We will speak about it with the medics and with him and we will ponder it."

Santiago Solari says Real Madrid need fan support

La Liga leaders Barcelona visit Levante on Sunday with the cloud of in-form Ousmane Dembele's latest misdemeanour hanging over them.

Dembele, who joined the club in the wake of Neymar's departure to Paris St Germain last summer for €105 million, has had a number of off-field issues since joining Barca and local media reports said he was hit with a large fine for arriving late for training this week.

On the field Dembele has been impressive of late, netting three goals in his last five games including the opener in his side's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.

Coach Ernesto Valverde has refused to be drawn on the matter, however, teammate Carles Alena suggest the Frenchman is ready to change his attitude for the good of his career.

"We have to look after Dembele," he said. "He apologised in front of the whole team and he knows he made a mistake.

"He won't arrive late anymore. He's committed some errors but he knows that and he's going to correct them. We can't kill him for it. The important thing is how much he's giving us on the pitch. And when he improves those small things (off the pitch), he'll give us more.

"It was nice to see the reception he got from the fans when he went off. We appreciate that he got the support he needed from the supporters and we are with him until the end."

Barca are three points ahead of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid and five better off than fourth-placed Real Madrid who host second-bottom Rayo Vallecano still smarting from their heaviest ever European home defeat -- a 3-0 loss to CSKA Moscow.

Coach Santiago Solari believed that result was just a blip in the road. "I think each game is different," he said.

"We played well in the opening half hour but just couldn't get the goal and from there on in we just didn't react well enough. They punished every mistake we made."

It remains to be seen whether forward Gareth Bale, who picked up a knock in the victory after coming on as a halftime substitute, will be fit for the game.

Elsewhere, Atletico visit Valladolid on Saturday, while second-placed Sevilla visit Girona in Sunday's early kickoff.

The weekend's action concludes with a Basque derby on Monday as Eibar host Athletic Bilbao.

La Liga leaders Barcelona visit Levante on Sunday with the cloud of in-form Ousmane Dembele's latest misdemeanour hanging over them. Dembele, who joined the club in the wake of Neymar's departure to Paris St Germain last summer for €105 million, has had a number of off-field issues since joining Barca and local media reports said he was hit with a large fine for arriving late for training this week.

La Liga leaders Barcelona visit Levante on Sunday with the cloud of in-form Ousmane Dembele's latest misdemeanour hanging over them. Dembele, who joined the club in the wake of Neymar's departure to Paris St Germain last summer for €105 million, has had a number of off-field issues since joining Barca and local media reports said he was hit with a large fine for arriving late for training this week. On the field Dembele has been impressive of late, netting three goals in his last five games including the opener in his side's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. Coach Ernesto Valverde has refused to be drawn on the matter, however, teammate Carles Alena suggest the Frenchman is ready to change his attitude for the good of his career. "We have to look after Dembele," he said. "He apologised in front of the whole team and he knows he made a mistake. "He won't arrive late anymore. He's committed some errors but he knows that and he's going to correct them. We can't kill him for it. The important thing is how much he's giving us on the pitch. And when he improves those small things (off the pitch), he'll give us more. "It was nice to see the reception he got from the fans when he went off. We appreciate that he got the support he needed from the supporters and we are with him until the end." Barca are three points ahead of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid and five better off than fourth-placed Real Madrid who host second-bottom Rayo Vallecano still smarting from their heaviest ever European home defeat -- a 3-0 loss to CSKA Moscow. Coach Santiago Solari believed that result was just a blip in the road. "I think each game is different," he said. "We played well in the opening half hour but just couldn't get the goal and from there on in we just didn't react well enough. They punished every mistake we made." It remains to be seen whether forward Gareth Bale, who picked up a knock in the victory after coming on as a halftime substitute, will be fit for the game. Elsewhere, Atletico visit Valladolid on Saturday, while second-placed Sevilla visit Girona in Sunday's early kickoff. The weekend's action concludes with a Basque derby on Monday as Eibar host Athletic Bilbao.

Barca visit Levante with Dembele in spotlight again

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=cristiano+ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has urged long-time rival <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=lionel+messi">Lionel Messi</a> to be more like him and push his limits by challenging himself in another league than Spain.

"I'd like him to come to Italy one day. I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he's happy there then I respect that," Ronaldo told the Italian press on Monday.

The two strikers have been rivals for the past decade winning five Ballon d'Or trophies each before their domination was broken by World Cup runner-up Luka Modric last week.

Asked if he missed the 31-year-old Argentinian, who has spent his entire senior career at Barcelona, Ronaldo replied: "No, maybe it's him who misses me ...

"I've played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he's still in Spain.

"Maybe he needs me more... For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy.

"He's a fantastic player and a good guy, but I don't miss anything here. This is my new life and I'm happy.

"I left my comfort zone and took on this challenge here in Turin, everything has gone well, I've proven I'm still an incredible player," said Ronaldo.

Ronaldo joined Juventus for $114 million&nbsp;last summer as the Turin giants bid to lift the Champions League trophy after two runners-up finish in the past four seasons.

To mark his 150 days in Italy he gave interviews on Monday to three leading sports dailies: La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport.

"I had different options. I won't say which but I had them. Juventus is a solid club. It has a long history," he said of his decision.&nbsp;

"I knew the atmosphere in the stadium. I'd played several times in Italy. I like the city, the people and the club.&nbsp;I knew it could work.

"I couldn't be 100 per cent sure I was joining the best club in the world. After nine years at Real Madrid it was difficult to compare.

"Now I'm 100 per cent sure it was the right option."

'Not an obsession'

Ronaldo has scored 11 goals this season, bringing his career total to 584.

Finishing second in Ballon d'Or voting to Modric, said Ronaldo, just motivates him even more.

"Of course I'm disappointed, but life goes on and I will continue to work hard," said the 33-year-old.&nbsp;

"On the pitch I've done everything to win the Ballon d'Or, numbers do not lie, but I'm no less happy if I do not win, I have wonderful friends and a family, I play in one of the best clubs.&nbsp;

"Congratulations to Modric, who has earned the award, but next year we will meet again and I will do everything to win the prize again.

"Do you think I'm going home and crying?"&nbsp;

Juventus play Young Boys in their final Champions League group game in Switzerland on Wednesday, having already booked their place in the knockout rounds.

And Ronaldo is hoping his experience of winning the trophy five times can serve his new team.

"The Champions League cannot be an obsession, you have to think about it calmly," he warned.

"Yes we all want it but we have to get there step by step.&nbsp;

"Look at the game against Manchester United (2-1 defeat), if it had been a quarter-final we would have gone out. You need a little luck."

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged long-time rival Lionel Messi to be more like him and push his limits by challenging himself in another league than Spain. "I'd like him to come to Italy one day.

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged long-time rival Lionel Messi to be more like him and push his limits by challenging himself in another league than Spain. "I'd like him to come to Italy one day. I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he's happy there then I respect that," Ronaldo told the Italian press on Monday. The two strikers have been rivals for the past decade winning five Ballon d'Or trophies each before their domination was broken by World Cup runner-up Luka Modric last week. Asked if he missed the 31-year-old Argentinian, who has spent his entire senior career at Barcelona, Ronaldo replied: "No, maybe it's him who misses me ... "I've played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he's still in Spain. "Maybe he needs me more... For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy. "He's a fantastic player and a good guy, but I don't miss anything here. This is my new life and I'm happy. "I left my comfort zone and took on this challenge here in Turin, everything has gone well, I've proven I'm still an incredible player," said Ronaldo. Ronaldo joined Juventus for $114 million last summer as the Turin giants bid to lift the Champions League trophy after two runners-up finish in the past four seasons. To mark his 150 days in Italy he gave interviews on Monday to three leading sports dailies: La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport. "I had different options. I won't say which but I had them. Juventus is a solid club. It has a long history," he said of his decision. "I knew the atmosphere in the stadium. I'd played several times in Italy. I like the city, the people and the club. I knew it could work. "I couldn't be 100 per cent sure I was joining the best club in the world. After nine years at Real Madrid it was difficult to compare. "Now I'm 100 per cent sure it was the right option." 'Not an obsession' Ronaldo has scored 11 goals this season, bringing his career total to 584. Finishing second in Ballon d'Or voting to Modric, said Ronaldo, just motivates him even more. "Of course I'm disappointed, but life goes on and I will continue to work hard," said the 33-year-old. "On the pitch I've done everything to win the Ballon d'Or, numbers do not lie, but I'm no less happy if I do not win, I have wonderful friends and a family, I play in one of the best clubs. "Congratulations to Modric, who has earned the award, but next year we will meet again and I will do everything to win the prize again. "Do you think I'm going home and crying?" Juventus play Young Boys in their final Champions League group game in Switzerland on Wednesday, having already booked their place in the knockout rounds. And Ronaldo is hoping his experience of winning the trophy five times can serve his new team. "The Champions League cannot be an obsession, you have to think about it calmly," he warned. "Yes we all want it but we have to get there step by step. "Look at the game against Manchester United (2-1 defeat), if it had been a quarter-final we would have gone out. You need a little luck."

'Try something new, come to Italy,' Cristiano Ronaldo urges Lionel Messi

Villarreal on Monday have sacked coach Javi Calleja with the club just three points above the relegation zone in La Liga, the club said.

A former Villarreal midfielder, Calleja took over as coach in September 2017, leading the Yellow Submarine to a fifth-placed finish and Europa League football last season.

However, this campaign the club has struggled, winning just once in La Liga since September and progress through to the knockout stages in Europe is still in the balance.

"Villarreal has decided to rescind Javi Calleja’s contract as first team coach. The club would like to thank the coach for his work, dedication and professionalism since taking over last season," read a club statement.

His successor has not yet been named, however, the club has suggested one will be appointed "in the coming hours."

Villarreal on Monday have sacked coach Javi Calleja with the club just three points above the relegation zone in La Liga, the club said. A former Villarreal midfielder, Calleja took over as coach in September 2017, leading the Yellow Submarine to a fifth-placed finish and Europa League football last season.

Villarreal on Monday have sacked coach Javi Calleja with the club just three points above the relegation zone in La Liga, the club said. A former Villarreal midfielder, Calleja took over as coach in September 2017, leading the Yellow Submarine to a fifth-placed finish and Europa League football last season. However, this campaign the club has struggled, winning just once in La Liga since September and progress through to the knockout stages in Europe is still in the balance. "Villarreal has decided to rescind Javi Calleja’s contract as first team coach. The club would like to thank the coach for his work, dedication and professionalism since taking over last season," read a club statement. His successor has not yet been named, however, the club has suggested one will be appointed "in the coming hours."

Villarreal sack coach Javi Calleja

Lionel Messi scored two spectacular free kicks as Barcelona thrashed local rivals Espanyol 4-0 in Saturday's Catalan derby to move three points clear at the top of La Liga.

The champions, who started the game level with Sevilla and Atletico Madrid on 28 points, swept to victory in Cornella as Messi put on a sublime show in the week he was ranked the fifth best player in the world at Monday's Ballon d'Or awards.

The Argentine whipped a free kick into the top right corner in the 17th minute before brilliantly setting up Ousmane Dembele to double Barcelona's lead.

Luis Suarez added the third just before halftime with a shot from a tight angle that deflected in off goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

Messi completed the rout with another special free kick in the 65th minute and VAR ruled out a consolation from Oscar Duarte for offside at the other end.

Espanyol's fourth consecutive league defeat left them ninth in the standings, but they didn't stand a chance with Messi in this mood.

"We know what Leo is like, he doesn't need to demonstrate anything to us, we don't agree with the Ballon d'Or rankings," Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic said.

"We had a great game, a derby is always difficult and we deserved the four goals."

Messi tormented Espanyol's defence and created several openings for his teammates, with Suarez hitting the post from one delightful lobbed pass.

Dembele also impressed, starting on the left ahead of Philippe Coutinho as a reward for his recent improvement in form.

Along with Suarez, who caused havoc with his work-rate and grit, the trio were simply too hot for Espanyol to handle.

Lionel Messi scored two spectacular free kicks as Barcelona thrashed local rivals Espanyol 4-0 in Saturday's Catalan derby to move three points clear at the top of La Liga.

Lionel Messi scored two spectacular free kicks as Barcelona thrashed local rivals Espanyol 4-0 in Saturday's Catalan derby to move three points clear at the top of La Liga. The champions, who started the game level with Sevilla and Atletico Madrid on 28 points, swept to victory in Cornella as Messi put on a sublime show in the week he was ranked the fifth best player in the world at Monday's Ballon d'Or awards. The Argentine whipped a free kick into the top right corner in the 17th minute before brilliantly setting up Ousmane Dembele to double Barcelona's lead. Luis Suarez added the third just before halftime with a shot from a tight angle that deflected in off goalkeeper Diego Lopez. Messi completed the rout with another special free kick in the 65th minute and VAR ruled out a consolation from Oscar Duarte for offside at the other end. Espanyol's fourth consecutive league defeat left them ninth in the standings, but they didn't stand a chance with Messi in this mood. "We know what Leo is like, he doesn't need to demonstrate anything to us, we don't agree with the Ballon d'Or rankings," Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic said. "We had a great game, a derby is always difficult and we deserved the four goals." Messi tormented Espanyol's defence and created several openings for his teammates, with Suarez hitting the post from one delightful lobbed pass. Dembele also impressed, starting on the left ahead of Philippe Coutinho as a reward for his recent improvement in form. Along with Suarez, who caused havoc with his work-rate and grit, the trio were simply too hot for Espanyol to handle.

Lionel Messi shines as Barca thrash Espanyol in derby

Real Madrid produced another unconvincing display on Saturday but rode their luck to earn a 2-0 win at home to Valencia which allowed them to climb to fifth in the La Liga standings and soothe their recent troubles.

The European champions, who were humbled 3-0 by tiny Eibar last week, took a fortuitous lead when Valencia midfielder Daniel Wass nodded a Dani Carvajal cross into his own net in the eighth minute after former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista had failed to clear the danger.

The visitors, knocked out of the Champions League in mid-week, let Madrid off the hook on three occasions in the second half when Santi Mina and Paulista failed to hit the target with glorious chances from inside the area.

Valencia's Michy Batshuayi was then denied by his fellow Belgian and former Chelsea teammate Thibaut Courtois in the Real goal and moments later, down the other end, Lucas Vazquez sealed a barely deserved yet vital win in the 83rd minute, completing a quick-fire counterattack spearheaded by the tireless Carvajal.

The win enabled Real to capitalise on Espanyol's 3-0 defeat at Getafe and leapfrog the Catalans into fifth place on 23 points, three behind La Liga leaders Sevilla who visit Alaves on Sunday and two from champions Barcelona, who host Villarreal.

Real's mood after last week's debacle in Eibar had been lifted by a 2-0 win over AS Roma which sealed top spot in their Champions League group.

They were missing Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Marcelo though Spain midfielder Isco returned to the squad after a highly-publicised exclusion against Roma but still did not make the line-up. Homegrown midfielder Marcos Llorente was rewarded for his mature display on Tuesday with another starting berth.

Llorente provided some much-needed balance to the team which has been lacking in the absence of usual anchor Casemiro, and Madrid controlled the first half without giving their fans much to get excited about besides their opening goal.

Valencia came out with renewed energy and spirit in the second half and took the game to Madrid but failed to keep their cool whenever they managed to find an opening.

"We are tired after two very demanding games but we're very happy with the victory," Carvajal told reporters.

"We had a very good first half then Valencia took a step forward in the second half and had a couple of chances but they left space open and we managed to finish them off."

Real Madrid produced another unconvincing display on Saturday but rode their luck to earn a 2-0 win at home to Valencia which allowed them to climb to fifth in the La Liga standings and soothe their recent troubles.

Real Madrid produced another unconvincing display on Saturday but rode their luck to earn a 2-0 win at home to Valencia which allowed them to climb to fifth in the La Liga standings and soothe their recent troubles. The European champions, who were humbled 3-0 by tiny Eibar last week, took a fortuitous lead when Valencia midfielder Daniel Wass nodded a Dani Carvajal cross into his own net in the eighth minute after former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista had failed to clear the danger. The visitors, knocked out of the Champions League in mid-week, let Madrid off the hook on three occasions in the second half when Santi Mina and Paulista failed to hit the target with glorious chances from inside the area. Valencia's Michy Batshuayi was then denied by his fellow Belgian and former Chelsea teammate Thibaut Courtois in the Real goal and moments later, down the other end, Lucas Vazquez sealed a barely deserved yet vital win in the 83rd minute, completing a quick-fire counterattack spearheaded by the tireless Carvajal. The win enabled Real to capitalise on Espanyol's 3-0 defeat at Getafe and leapfrog the Catalans into fifth place on 23 points, three behind La Liga leaders Sevilla who visit Alaves on Sunday and two from champions Barcelona, who host Villarreal. Real's mood after last week's debacle in Eibar had been lifted by a 2-0 win over AS Roma which sealed top spot in their Champions League group. They were missing Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Marcelo though Spain midfielder Isco returned to the squad after a highly-publicised exclusion against Roma but still did not make the line-up. Homegrown midfielder Marcos Llorente was rewarded for his mature display on Tuesday with another starting berth. Llorente provided some much-needed balance to the team which has been lacking in the absence of usual anchor Casemiro, and Madrid controlled the first half without giving their fans much to get excited about besides their opening goal. Valencia came out with renewed energy and spirit in the second half and took the game to Madrid but failed to keep their cool whenever they managed to find an opening. "We are tired after two very demanding games but we're very happy with the victory," Carvajal told reporters. "We had a very good first half then Valencia took a step forward in the second half and had a couple of chances but they left space open and we managed to finish them off."

Real Madrid fumble their way to victory over Valencia

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez will be out of action for two weeks as he undergoes stem cell treatment on his right knee, the Spanish champions said Monday.

The Uruguayan forward had been suffering pain and was not included in Barcelona's squad for the trip to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Suarez joins Sergi Roberto on the sidelines, with the midfielder out for three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Rafinha Alcantara was ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury to his left knee, also sustained in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Brazilian midfielder Arthur was also omitted from the squad with a thigh strain, but Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho return after injury.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez will be out of action for two weeks as he undergoes stem cell treatment on his right knee, the Spanish champions said Monday. The Uruguayan forward had been suffering pain and was not included in Barcelona's squad for the trip to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez will be out of action for two weeks as he undergoes stem cell treatment on his right knee, the Spanish champions said Monday. The Uruguayan forward had been suffering pain and was not included in Barcelona's squad for the trip to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday. Suarez joins Sergi Roberto on the sidelines, with the midfielder out for three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Rafinha Alcantara was ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury to his left knee, also sustained in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano. Brazilian midfielder Arthur was also omitted from the squad with a thigh strain, but Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho return after injury.

Luis Suarez to miss two weeks for knee treatment

Ousmane Dembele's 90th-minute strike rescued Barcelona a point at Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw on Saturday that kept the Catalans top of La Liga.

The French winger came on as a substitute and drove in a low shot that deflected past Jan Oblak.

Atletico striker Diego Costa's 77th-minute header from Antoine Griezmann's corner was the first effort on target in a dour clash and appeared to have sent the Madrid side top of the standings.

But Dembele's late contribution stopped Barcelona from falling to a second consecutive defeat and kept them one point ahead of their opponents at the summit.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde brought Samuel Umtiti back into the side after nearly a two-month injury absence, and started with Dembele on the bench after defending the player on Friday following media reports of unprofessional behaviour.

Atletico set the pace in a miserable first half. Diego Simeone’s side were typically cautious, reluctant to give Barcelona’s top players much space to move into.

Sergio Busquets was booked on his 500th appearance for Barcelona, the seventh player to reach that milestone, while Atletico's Lucas Hernandez also had his name taken for a foul on Lionel Messi.

The Argentine forward curled the free kick over the bar and it was as close as either side came before the break in a half with no shots on target, the first time that has happened in La Liga this season.

Costa went close to breaking the deadlock when he slid in for Griezmann's cross but Barca defender Gerard Pique got a touch to divert the ball out of the striker's path.

Atletico appealed for a penalty after Arturo Vidal headed the ball against his own hand but VAR did not require referee Jesus Gil Manzano to watch a replay of the incident.

Costa broke the deadlock, ending a personal 18-match goal drought in La Liga and scoring against Barca for the first time, and Valverde sent Dembele on to try to rescue a point.

The World Cup winner obliged at the death, taking Messi's pass, cutting inside and firing in a shot that deflected off Oblak past Lucas on the line.

Ousmane Dembele's 90th-minute strike rescued Barcelona a point at Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw on Saturday that kept the Catalans top of La Liga. The French winger came on as a substitute and drove in a low shot that deflected past Jan Oblak.

Ousmane Dembele's 90th-minute strike rescued Barcelona a point at Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw on Saturday that kept the Catalans top of La Liga. The French winger came on as a substitute and drove in a low shot that deflected past Jan Oblak. Atletico striker Diego Costa's 77th-minute header from Antoine Griezmann's corner was the first effort on target in a dour clash and appeared to have sent the Madrid side top of the standings. But Dembele's late contribution stopped Barcelona from falling to a second consecutive defeat and kept them one point ahead of their opponents at the summit. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde brought Samuel Umtiti back into the side after nearly a two-month injury absence, and started with Dembele on the bench after defending the player on Friday following media reports of unprofessional behaviour. Atletico set the pace in a miserable first half. Diego Simeone’s side were typically cautious, reluctant to give Barcelona’s top players much space to move into. Sergio Busquets was booked on his 500th appearance for Barcelona, the seventh player to reach that milestone, while Atletico's Lucas Hernandez also had his name taken for a foul on Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward curled the free kick over the bar and it was as close as either side came before the break in a half with no shots on target, the first time that has happened in La Liga this season. Costa went close to breaking the deadlock when he slid in for Griezmann's cross but Barca defender Gerard Pique got a touch to divert the ball out of the striker's path. Atletico appealed for a penalty after Arturo Vidal headed the ball against his own hand but VAR did not require referee Jesus Gil Manzano to watch a replay of the incident. Costa broke the deadlock, ending a personal 18-match goal drought in La Liga and scoring against Barca for the first time, and Valverde sent Dembele on to try to rescue a point. The World Cup winner obliged at the death, taking Messi's pass, cutting inside and firing in a shot that deflected off Oblak past Lucas on the line.

Dembele salvages Barcelona late draw at Atletico

Rampant Eibar humiliated European champions Real Madrid with an emphatic 3-0 win in La Liga on Saturday thanks to strikes from Gonzalo Escalante, Sergi Enrich and Kike Garcia.

Santiago Solari's first game as permanent coach of Madrid ended in his first defeat, after four consecutive victories during his time as interim manager.

On-loan Barcelona defender Marc Cucurella played a part in each of Eibar's goals as they tore apart Madrid's fragile defence and the Basques would have added to their tally but for some fine saves by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Eibar are now provisionally seventh on 18 points, two behind struggling Real in sixth.

Rampant Eibar humiliated European champions Real Madrid with an emphatic 3-0 win in La Liga on Saturday thanks to strikes from Gonzalo Escalante, Sergi Enrich and Kike Garcia.

Rampant Eibar humiliated European champions Real Madrid with an emphatic 3-0 win in La Liga on Saturday thanks to strikes from Gonzalo Escalante, Sergi Enrich and Kike Garcia. Santiago Solari's first game as permanent coach of Madrid ended in his first defeat, after four consecutive victories during his time as interim manager. On-loan Barcelona defender Marc Cucurella played a part in each of Eibar's goals as they tore apart Madrid's fragile defence and the Basques would have added to their tally but for some fine saves by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Eibar are now provisionally seventh on 18 points, two behind struggling Real in sixth.

Eibar humiliate Santiago Solari's dire Real Madrid

Real Madrid denied on Friday allegations their captain Sergio Ramos breached anti-doping regulations on the night of the 2017 Champions League final.&nbsp;

According to the German magazine, Der Spiegel Ramos failed to declare he had taken dexamethasone ahead of the match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, in which Real beat Juventus 4-1.&nbsp;

In a statement, the European champions said that Ramos "has never breached the anti-doping control regulations" and that UEFA "closed the matter immediately", following the "verification of experts from the World Anti-Doping Agency, AMA, and UEFA itself".

The club continued: "Regarding the rest of the content from the aforementioned publication, the club will not pronounce on evidence that is so insubstantial."

Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The substance can have anti-inflammatory effects and increase concentration.&nbsp;

WADA does not prohibit players from taking dexamethasone before games, as long as it is declared during a doping test. Der Spiegel claims Ramos and the Real Madrid team doctor instead registered betamethasone, another glucocorticoid on WADA´s banned list.

However, the magazine also reports that UEFA were satisfied the mistake was an administrative error and took no disciplinary action.

Real Madrid denied on Friday allegations their captain Sergio Ramos breached anti-doping regulations on the night of the 2017 Champions League final. According to the German magazine, Der Spiegel Ramos failed to declare he had taken dexamethasone ahead of the match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, in which Real beat Juventus 4-1.

Real Madrid denied on Friday allegations their captain Sergio Ramos breached anti-doping regulations on the night of the 2017 Champions League final. According to the German magazine, Der Spiegel Ramos failed to declare he had taken dexamethasone ahead of the match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, in which Real beat Juventus 4-1. In a statement, the European champions said that Ramos "has never breached the anti-doping control regulations" and that UEFA "closed the matter immediately", following the "verification of experts from the World Anti-Doping Agency, AMA, and UEFA itself". The club continued: "Regarding the rest of the content from the aforementioned publication, the club will not pronounce on evidence that is so insubstantial." Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The substance can have anti-inflammatory effects and increase concentration. WADA does not prohibit players from taking dexamethasone before games, as long as it is declared during a doping test. Der Spiegel claims Ramos and the Real Madrid team doctor instead registered betamethasone, another glucocorticoid on WADA´s banned list. However, the magazine also reports that UEFA were satisfied the mistake was an administrative error and took no disciplinary action.

Real Madrid deny Sergio Ramos doping breach allegations

Ernesto Valverde says Barcelona must help struggling forward Ousmane Dembele after media coverage of the French international he described as "cruelty".

The La Liga leaders' coach praised the forward's talent and said reports of his unprofessionalism had been harsh ahead of Saturday's clash with third-placed Atletico Madrid.

"He's another player in the squad and we have to help him so that he's at his best," Valverde told reporters on Friday.

"He's a player who has great innate talent, both technically and physically."

Dembele, who joined Barcelona in August 2017, suffered injury problems in his first year which stopped him settling in the side and this season he has been criticised for his behaviour including turning up late to training and events.

Barca striker Luis Suarez and defender Gerard Pique have told the winger publicly that he must become more dedicated and improve his attitude on and off the pitch.

"I haven't paid attention to (the coverage) but seeing that two questions have been about him (already), maybe there has been some cruelty shown to him," Valverde said.

Dembele was left out of the squad for Barcelona's 4-3 defeat by Real Betis in their last league match, but is hoping to face Atletico Madrid.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone praised Barcelona ahead of the game at the Wanda Metropolitano.

"It has always been hard for us to beat Barcelona, they have always been the best in the world even though they have had some struggles in Europe," Simeone said.

"In Spain their records are tremendous. We will play with energy, enthusiasm and the word 'opportunity' which is always so important in football."

Ernesto Valverde says Barcelona must help struggling forward Ousmane Dembele after media coverage of the French international he described as "cruelty". The La Liga leaders' coach praised the forward's talent and said reports of his unprofessionalism had been harsh ahead of Saturday's clash with third-placed Atletico Madrid.

Ernesto Valverde says Barcelona must help struggling forward Ousmane Dembele after media coverage of the French international he described as "cruelty". The La Liga leaders' coach praised the forward's talent and said reports of his unprofessionalism had been harsh ahead of Saturday's clash with third-placed Atletico Madrid. "He's another player in the squad and we have to help him so that he's at his best," Valverde told reporters on Friday. "He's a player who has great innate talent, both technically and physically." Dembele, who joined Barcelona in August 2017, suffered injury problems in his first year which stopped him settling in the side and this season he has been criticised for his behaviour including turning up late to training and events. Barca striker Luis Suarez and defender Gerard Pique have told the winger publicly that he must become more dedicated and improve his attitude on and off the pitch. "I haven't paid attention to (the coverage) but seeing that two questions have been about him (already), maybe there has been some cruelty shown to him," Valverde said. Dembele was left out of the squad for Barcelona's 4-3 defeat by Real Betis in their last league match, but is hoping to face Atletico Madrid. Atletico coach Diego Simeone praised Barcelona ahead of the game at the Wanda Metropolitano. "It has always been hard for us to beat Barcelona, they have always been the best in the world even though they have had some struggles in Europe," Simeone said. "In Spain their records are tremendous. We will play with energy, enthusiasm and the word 'opportunity' which is always so important in football."

Ernesto Valverde defends Barca's Dembele ahead of Atletico clash

No relief for Spanish giants and the current European Champions&nbsp;Real Madrid as the club's injury crisis deepens.

Real's defender Nacho Fernandez will miss two months and midfielder Casemiro around three weeks, according to reports in Spain.

The club's official statement read, "Following tests carried out on Nacho by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a dislocation of the internal collateral ligament of the right knee. His recovery will continue to be assessed."

Both players were substituted after sustaining problems during Madrid's 4-2 La Liga win at Celta Vigo on Sunday.

&nbsp;

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Nacho medical report.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lx8gljsimW">https://t.co/Lx8gljsimW</a>
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1061945755831844865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The European champions are already missing defenders Marcelo, Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal through injury, as well as striker Mariano Diaz.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Santiago Solari appointment as the permanent coach might bring some relief to the club.

On Monday, Interim&nbsp;Solari took the position after overseeing a startling upturn in the European champions' fortunes since he stepped in to replace Julen Lopetegui.

"Everything is in order. Real Madrid have worked out his contract and there are no problems," the Spanish football federation stated.

Solari has led Real to four wins out of four since being installed on a caretaker basis following Lopetegui's abrupt sacking last month.

No relief for Spanish giants and the current European Champions Real Madrid as the club's injury crisis deepens. Real's defender Nacho Fernandez will miss two months and midfielder Casemiro around three weeks, according to reports in Spain.

No relief for Spanish giants and the current European Champions Real Madrid as the club's injury crisis deepens. Real's defender Nacho Fernandez will miss two months and midfielder Casemiro around three weeks, according to reports in Spain. The club's official statement read, "Following tests carried out on Nacho by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a dislocation of the internal collateral ligament of the right knee. His recovery will continue to be assessed." Both players were substituted after sustaining problems during Madrid's 4-2 La Liga win at Celta Vigo on Sunday. Nacho medical report.#RealMadrid https://t.co/Lx8gljsimW — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 12, 2018 × The European champions are already missing defenders Marcelo, Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal through injury, as well as striker Mariano Diaz. Meanwhile, Santiago Solari appointment as the permanent coach might bring some relief to the club. On Monday, Interim Solari took the position after overseeing a startling upturn in the European champions' fortunes since he stepped in to replace Julen Lopetegui. "Everything is in order. Real Madrid have worked out his contract and there are no problems," the Spanish football federation stated. Solari has led Real to four wins out of four since being installed on a caretaker basis following Lopetegui's abrupt sacking last month.

Nacho and Casemiro blows add to Real Madrid injury woes

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi on Monday received La Liga's top-scorer award, known as the "pichichi," for his 34 goals in the 2017-2018 season, and was also chosen by fans as the most valuable player in the Spanish league. 
 
The Argentine superstar, 31, returned from injury on Sunday during Barcelona's unexpected 4-3 loss to Real Betis, after a right arm fracture had kept him sidelined for three weeks. 
 
"La Liga is more competitive than ever, anyone can beat anyone," Messi said after receiving the MVP award.

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During Sunday's match, he explained "At first I was a bit scared of contact and getting hit by the ball. But after some time I started feeling more and more comfortable. I was looking forward to getting back out on the pitch." 
 
This was Messi's fifth career pichichi, one fewer than Athletic Bilbao's Spanish legend Telmo Zarra. 
 
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was awarded his third consecutive Zamora Trophy for best net minder last season, during which he conceded just 22 goals. 
 
The Miguel Muñoz Trophy for the best coach in La Liga was won by Valencia coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, his second career win.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi on Monday received La Liga's top-scorer award, known as the "pichichi," for his 34 goals in the 2017-2018 season, and was also chosen by fans as the most valuable player in the Spanish league.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi on Monday received La Liga's top-scorer award, known as the "pichichi," for his 34 goals in the 2017-2018 season, and was also chosen by fans as the most valuable player in the Spanish league. The Argentine superstar, 31, returned from injury on Sunday during Barcelona's unexpected 4-3 loss to Real Betis, after a right arm fracture had kept him sidelined for three weeks. "La Liga is more competitive than ever, anyone can beat anyone," Messi said after receiving the MVP award. × During Sunday's match, he explained "At first I was a bit scared of contact and getting hit by the ball. But after some time I started feeling more and more comfortable. I was looking forward to getting back out on the pitch." This was Messi's fifth career pichichi, one fewer than Athletic Bilbao's Spanish legend Telmo Zarra. Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was awarded his third consecutive Zamora Trophy for best net minder last season, during which he conceded just 22 goals. The Miguel Muñoz Trophy for the best coach in La Liga was won by Valencia coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, his second career win.

Lionel Messi receives La Liga top-scorer, MVP awards

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=real+madrid">Real Madrid</a> coach Santiago Solari has challenged Gareth Bale to "eat the stage every time he plays" after he starred in their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/real-end-winless-run-against-plzen-but-doubts-remain-173133">win over Viktoria Plzen</a> on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Madrid travel to Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, looking to continue a revival that has included three wins out of three since Solari took temporary charge.&nbsp;

As the team's form fell away under Julen Lopetegui, so did Bale's, the winger following up a strong start to the season with just one goal in eight games.

An adductor injury contributed to Bale's dry patch but he was excellent against Plzen in the Champions League, scoring one and setting up another for Karim Benzema in the 5-0 victory.

"I like him everywhere," Solari said on Saturday. "What Bale has to do is eat the stage every time he plays, just like he did against Viktoria Plzen."&nbsp;

Solari's time allowed as an interim coach will expire over the international break, meaning this weekend's match against Celta is his final audition for a longer stay in charge.&nbsp;

A fourth consecutive win is likely to earn him the job, at least until the end of the season, particularly given the lack of obvious alternatives available.&nbsp;

Solari played down the game's significance on his future. "Each game is final for many reasons," Solari said. "If you lose points you cannot recover. I just focus on the next game. Longer-term work is outside my role.&nbsp;

"My role is to think about facing the next match with maximum concentration."&nbsp;

One player to have lost out under Solari is goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who had been picked in the Champions League under Lopetegui while Thibaut Courtois played in La Liga. Solari, however, has plumped for Courtois in both competitions so far.

"Keylor is a strong man," Solari said. "He has behaved perfectly. He is a very well-respected player in the dressing room."&nbsp;

Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are all out injured meaning Alvaro Odriozola and Sergio Reguilon are likely to continue against Celta at full-back, with Nacho in central defence.

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has challenged Gareth Bale to "eat the stage every time he plays" after he starred in their win over Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday.

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has challenged Gareth Bale to "eat the stage every time he plays" after he starred in their win over Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday. Madrid travel to Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, looking to continue a revival that has included three wins out of three since Solari took temporary charge. As the team's form fell away under Julen Lopetegui, so did Bale's, the winger following up a strong start to the season with just one goal in eight games. An adductor injury contributed to Bale's dry patch but he was excellent against Plzen in the Champions League, scoring one and setting up another for Karim Benzema in the 5-0 victory. "I like him everywhere," Solari said on Saturday. "What Bale has to do is eat the stage every time he plays, just like he did against Viktoria Plzen." Solari's time allowed as an interim coach will expire over the international break, meaning this weekend's match against Celta is his final audition for a longer stay in charge. A fourth consecutive win is likely to earn him the job, at least until the end of the season, particularly given the lack of obvious alternatives available. Solari played down the game's significance on his future. "Each game is final for many reasons," Solari said. "If you lose points you cannot recover. I just focus on the next game. Longer-term work is outside my role. "My role is to think about facing the next match with maximum concentration." One player to have lost out under Solari is goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who had been picked in the Champions League under Lopetegui while Thibaut Courtois played in La Liga. Solari, however, has plumped for Courtois in both competitions so far. "Keylor is a strong man," Solari said. "He has behaved perfectly. He is a very well-respected player in the dressing room." Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are all out injured meaning Alvaro Odriozola and Sergio Reguilon are likely to continue against Celta at full-back, with Nacho in central defence.

Solari urges Bale to 'eat stage every time' as decision time approaches for Madrid

The Paris Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected the annulment of an investigation into Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, for his alleged blackmailing of fellow France teammate Mathieu Valbuena, the player's legal team told EFE. 
 
Investigators accused the Real Madrid forward and three other people of threatening to release an alleged sexually explicit video of Valbuena and his wife unless the player handed over money.&nbsp; 
 
Benzema's legal team requested the annulment of the investigations because, in their view, it was tainted after an undercover officer allegedly illegally recorded their conversations.&nbsp; 
 
Defense lawyer Sylvain Cormier told EFE he was planning to lodge an appeal at the Supreme Court. 
 
Benzema has not been called up to the France national squad since the scandal broke at the end of 2015.

The Paris Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected the annulment of an investigation into Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, for his alleged blackmailing of fellow France teammate Mathieu Valbuena, the player's legal team told EFE.

The Paris Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected the annulment of an investigation into Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, for his alleged blackmailing of fellow France teammate Mathieu Valbuena, the player's legal team told EFE. Investigators accused the Real Madrid forward and three other people of threatening to release an alleged sexually explicit video of Valbuena and his wife unless the player handed over money. Benzema's legal team requested the annulment of the investigations because, in their view, it was tainted after an undercover officer allegedly illegally recorded their conversations. Defense lawyer Sylvain Cormier told EFE he was planning to lodge an appeal at the Supreme Court. Benzema has not been called up to the France national squad since the scandal broke at the end of 2015.

French court approves investigation of Karim Benzema blackmail case

While La Liga features the brightest stars from the world of football, El Clasico between two club footballing superpowers -- Barcelona and Real Madrid -- has always been reckoned unrivalled rivalry.&nbsp;

For the past 10 years, it has been a personal playground for two larger-than-life global icons -- Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo -- but neither of them will be playing today when Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns at the Nou Camp.

It's a foregone conclusion that Cristiano Ronaldo will never play in the most famous club football fixture in the world after he made the summer move to Italian behemoth Juventus but nobody expected Lionel Messi to miss out.

The Barcelona talisman was forced off the pitch after colliding with Sevilla's Franco Vazquez in the first half of his side's 4-2 last weekend

It's the 272nd edition of Clasico and the first featuring neither Messi nor Ronaldo since December 2007.

Has that taken the sheen off the brand El Clasico? To some extent, yes. But the&nbsp;footballing extravaganza of a colossal proposition&nbsp;has attracted a huge fan following over several decades.

In order to conclude that both Messi and Ronaldo have been the brightest of stars in the galaxy of world-class talent that Spanish football boasts of, we don't have to look beyond the statistics: Messi is the fixture's all-time leading scorer (26 goals) and assister (14), while Ronaldo holds the record for the most consecutive Clasicos with a goal in six games in 2012.

Since Ronaldo's departure, Madrid has missed their talisman and Barcelona know they will miss Messi today. For Madrid, Bale has some record: 200 games, 92 goals, 62 assists. But another statistic concerns: while he has played in 200, he has not played in 103. He began this season with responsibility but Madrid’s form has been teetering.&nbsp;

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Madrid's midfield stars Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have not found their feet; defensively, the team have been dreadful, Sergio Ramos especially; Benzema’s evolution into a No 9 again is not complete, and nor is Bale's evolution into a leader.&nbsp;

The club went five games without scoring. Coach Julen Lopetegui bemoaned misfortune but there was more, and it brought the head coach to the edge of the abyss.

Monday is Lopetegui's 137th day as manager. It may also be his last. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but one day and soon, he will be sacked. The same lack of alternatives and time that helped put him in the job are all that keep him in it.

Lose on Sunday and Madrid would be seven points behind Barcelona; win and they would be only one point off – and favouritism so rarely plays out the way it should.

Defensively vulnerable, Barcelona have not always impressed either and losing Messi is huge. Asked if his absence conditioned the team, the club coach Ernesto Valverde replied: "Not at all ..." and then laughed: "We have to accept it. It doesn't bring me out in a rash to hear the word 'Messidependency'.

Data experts FiveThirtyEight put an estimate of 75m as its global audience in 2015, which would suggest that the latest meeting between these two eternal rivals is no Super Bowl or Champions League final but still a bigger worldwide televisual draw than the Oscars.

With its array of glamorous stars, a bevy of awards to be claimed and social media verdicts awaiting each and every pratfall with bated breath, El Clasico truly is a global phenomenon. And with Gareth Bale, Philippe Coutinho and Sergio Ramos on the pitch the football shouldn't be too bad either.

However, Clasico will sorely miss the two legends.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

While La Liga features the brightest stars from the world of football, El Clasico between two club footballing superpowers -- Barcelona and Real Madrid -- has always been reckoned unrivalled rivalry.

While La Liga features the brightest stars from the world of football, El Clasico between two club footballing superpowers -- Barcelona and Real Madrid -- has always been reckoned unrivalled rivalry. For the past 10 years, it has been a personal playground for two larger-than-life global icons -- Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo -- but neither of them will be playing today when Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns at the Nou Camp. It's a foregone conclusion that Cristiano Ronaldo will never play in the most famous club football fixture in the world after he made the summer move to Italian behemoth Juventus but nobody expected Lionel Messi to miss out. The Barcelona talisman was forced off the pitch after colliding with Sevilla's Franco Vazquez in the first half of his side's 4-2 last weekend It's the 272nd edition of Clasico and the first featuring neither Messi nor Ronaldo since December 2007. Has that taken the sheen off the brand El Clasico? To some extent, yes. But the footballing extravaganza of a colossal proposition has attracted a huge fan following over several decades. In order to conclude that both Messi and Ronaldo have been the brightest of stars in the galaxy of world-class talent that Spanish football boasts of, we don't have to look beyond the statistics: Messi is the fixture's all-time leading scorer (26 goals) and assister (14), while Ronaldo holds the record for the most consecutive Clasicos with a goal in six games in 2012. Since Ronaldo's departure, Madrid has missed their talisman and Barcelona know they will miss Messi today. For Madrid, Bale has some record: 200 games, 92 goals, 62 assists. But another statistic concerns: while he has played in 200, he has not played in 103. He began this season with responsibility but Madrid’s form has been teetering. × Madrid's midfield stars Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have not found their feet; defensively, the team have been dreadful, Sergio Ramos especially; Benzema’s evolution into a No 9 again is not complete, and nor is Bale's evolution into a leader. The club went five games without scoring. Coach Julen Lopetegui bemoaned misfortune but there was more, and it brought the head coach to the edge of the abyss. Monday is Lopetegui's 137th day as manager. It may also be his last. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but one day and soon, he will be sacked. The same lack of alternatives and time that helped put him in the job are all that keep him in it. Lose on Sunday and Madrid would be seven points behind Barcelona; win and they would be only one point off – and favouritism so rarely plays out the way it should. Defensively vulnerable, Barcelona have not always impressed either and losing Messi is huge. Asked if his absence conditioned the team, the club coach Ernesto Valverde replied: "Not at all ..." and then laughed: "We have to accept it. It doesn't bring me out in a rash to hear the word 'Messidependency'. Data experts FiveThirtyEight put an estimate of 75m as its global audience in 2015, which would suggest that the latest meeting between these two eternal rivals is no Super Bowl or Champions League final but still a bigger worldwide televisual draw than the Oscars. With its array of glamorous stars, a bevy of awards to be claimed and social media verdicts awaiting each and every pratfall with bated breath, El Clasico truly is a global phenomenon. And with Gareth Bale, Philippe Coutinho and Sergio Ramos on the pitch the football shouldn't be too bad either. However, Clasico will sorely miss the two legends. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Can El Clasico sans Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo light up Camp Nou?

Pressure has been piled up on Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/suarezs-hat-trick-helps-barcelona-thump-madrid-in-el-clasico-pressure-on-real-coach-174064">1-5 crushing defeat</a> to arch-rivals Barcelona in this season's first El Clasico on Sunday at Camp Nou.

Lopetegui, who was appointed as Madrid's coach after Zinedine Zidane's exit, accepted responsibility for the club's crisis period.

The rumours went viral that Lopetegui will be sacked due to the club's poor performances in the past few weeks.

While the main question arises that who will replace Lopetegui at Real Madrid after his departure, if it happens.

Well, media reports suggest that former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is the favourite to become the new Real Madrid manager.

The media reports mentioned that the Italian is keen to take the job.

The only problem with Conte is that he has a legal dispute to settle with Chelsea.

Barca manager Ernesto Valverde said he preferred not to see any manager sacked, including Lopetegui.&nbsp;

Pressure has been piled up on Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui after 1-5 crushing defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in this season's first El Clasico on Sunday at Camp Nou.

Pressure has been piled up on Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui after 1-5 crushing defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in this season's first El Clasico on Sunday at Camp Nou. Lopetegui, who was appointed as Madrid's coach after Zinedine Zidane's exit, accepted responsibility for the club's crisis period. The rumours went viral that Lopetegui will be sacked due to the club's poor performances in the past few weeks. While the main question arises that who will replace Lopetegui at Real Madrid after his departure, if it happens. Well, media reports suggest that former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is the favourite to become the new Real Madrid manager. The media reports mentioned that the Italian is keen to take the job. The only problem with Conte is that he has a legal dispute to settle with Chelsea. Barca manager Ernesto Valverde said he preferred not to see any manager sacked, including Lopetegui.

Antonio Conte to replace Julen Lopetegui as Real Madrid coach?

Defenders Diego Godin and Filipe Luis scored as Atletico Madrid bounced back from their midweek thrashing by Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad to move top of La Liga on Saturday ahead of the season's first Clasico.

Despite a stuttering start to the campaign, the poor form of both Barcelona and Real Madrid have allowed Diego Simeone's side to drag themselves to the summit after a seven-game unbeaten run in the league.

Wednesday's 4-0 thumping at Signal Iduna Park was the heaviest defeat of Simeone's seven years in charge, but Atletico put in a commanding display at the Wanda Metropolitano.

"I was convinced that they would respond in the best way," Simeone told Movistar. "Today was 90 minutes that showed good togetherness and creates enthusiasm and calmness."

The 2014 Spanish champions lead second-placed Barcelona by one point, with Real four further adrift, with the two giants to face off at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

After a frustrating first 44 minutes which saw Ruben Pardo twice go close for the visitors, Godin struck on the stroke of half-time, latching onto a loose ball to sweep home his first league goal since March 2017.

Atletico dominated after the restart and left-back Luis put the game to bed on the hour mark with a brilliant curling effort after cutting inside onto his less-favoured right foot.

Elsewhere, Valencia were held to their 10th draw of the season and fifth in a row with a goalless stalemate at Athletic Bilbao.

Marcelino's men, who finished fourth last term to qualify for the Champions League, are now just three points above the relegation zone despite having only lost one of their 10 top-flight matches so far.

Spain striker Iago Aspas scored a hat-trick as Celta Vigo thrashed Eibar 4-0 to move into the top half of the table, while Levante clinched a fourth successive league victory by beating Leganes 2-0.

Defenders Diego Godin and Filipe Luis scored as Atletico Madrid bounced back from their midweek thrashing by Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad to move top of La Liga on Saturday ahead of the season's first Clasico.

Defenders Diego Godin and Filipe Luis scored as Atletico Madrid bounced back from their midweek thrashing by Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad to move top of La Liga on Saturday ahead of the season's first Clasico. Despite a stuttering start to the campaign, the poor form of both Barcelona and Real Madrid have allowed Diego Simeone's side to drag themselves to the summit after a seven-game unbeaten run in the league. Wednesday's 4-0 thumping at Signal Iduna Park was the heaviest defeat of Simeone's seven years in charge, but Atletico put in a commanding display at the Wanda Metropolitano. "I was convinced that they would respond in the best way," Simeone told Movistar. "Today was 90 minutes that showed good togetherness and creates enthusiasm and calmness." The 2014 Spanish champions lead second-placed Barcelona by one point, with Real four further adrift, with the two giants to face off at the Camp Nou on Sunday. After a frustrating first 44 minutes which saw Ruben Pardo twice go close for the visitors, Godin struck on the stroke of half-time, latching onto a loose ball to sweep home his first league goal since March 2017. Atletico dominated after the restart and left-back Luis put the game to bed on the hour mark with a brilliant curling effort after cutting inside onto his less-favoured right foot. Elsewhere, Valencia were held to their 10th draw of the season and fifth in a row with a goalless stalemate at Athletic Bilbao. Marcelino's men, who finished fourth last term to qualify for the Champions League, are now just three points above the relegation zone despite having only lost one of their 10 top-flight matches so far. Spain striker Iago Aspas scored a hat-trick as Celta Vigo thrashed Eibar 4-0 to move into the top half of the table, while Levante clinched a fourth successive league victory by beating Leganes 2-0.

Diego Godin, Filipe Luis on target as Atletico win to top La Liga table

Barcelona against Real Madrid is a rivalry that goes back 116 years, to a pitch drenched in horse manure and spectators that cheered players falling over as much as them scoring a goal.&nbsp;

Barca won that first meeting in May 1902, 3-1, but more than a century on the landscape looks rather different.

Two of the world's greatest clubs are engaged in a battle off the pitch just as fierce: the race to €1&nbsp;billion.

This autumn, their presidents, Josep Maria Bartomeu of Barcelona and Florentino Perez of Madrid, each made clear their desperation to cross the line first.&nbsp;

The revenue milestone is not just financial, it is a mark of status, proof of success, another notch in the debate about which club is bigger.&nbsp;

In five years, Madrid's turnover has soared from €521 million&nbsp;to a projected €752 million&nbsp;for the 2018/19 season. Barca pocketed €490 million&nbsp;five years ago. This season they expect to make 960 million. &nbsp;

"Either club could be the first one to do this," Esteve Calzada, Barcelona's marketing director between 2002 and 2007, and now boss of Prime Time Sport group, told AFP this week.

But there is still work to do. "It will take a few more years unless either club sells a player before then for €400 million," said Placido Rodriguez Guerrero, professor at the University of Oviedo and researcher in sports economics.&nbsp;

Success on the pitch counts for a lot. Winning trophies swells the sums made from broadcasting rights and activates pre-agreed bonuses.&nbsp;

Barcelona will receive from their shirt sponsor Rakuten an extra €1.5 million&nbsp;if they win La Liga this season and another €5 million if they triumph in the Champions League.&nbsp;

The clubs can target global stars that boost visibility and merchandise sales, by the sheer weight of their talent and profile.

During the 2000s, it was a policy that made its name in Madrid, as the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo were all signed for hefty fees. In recent years, the club has reined in its spending.

"It can be positive in the short term to have a superstar, they join because of the brand and then help build the brand further," says Michael Goldberg, senior vice president at the global credit rating agency DBRS.&nbsp;

"But we don´t believe having a star enhances credit that much over the long-term. Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Madrid will not do much damage unless it´s the beginning of the end and it becomes a regular pattern."

Instead, the clincher is likely to lie in stadium plans. Barca's Camp Nou and Real's Santiago Bernabeu are set to undergo major overhauls from 2019, with the aim of enhancing commercial advantages.&nbsp;

At a time when clubs like Tottenham in the Premier League are struggling to keep the cost of a new ground below 1 billion pounds, the projects of Barca and Real Madrid appear relatively cheap.&nbsp;

For €400 million, Barcelona will increase the capacity of Camp Nou from 99,000 to 105,000 and install a roof. Madrid will not increase the 81,000 seats in the Santiago Bernabeu but will take out a loan of €525 million to add a roof and a metal envelope around the current structure.&nbsp;

Perez has indicated they expect the updates to bring in more than €150 million of additional revenue per year.

Added to that is the issue of naming rights, which can be a sensitive issue for fans, particularly when stadiums carry a deep sense of history and identity.&nbsp;

Madrid are yet to find a buyer but Barca have said they are "optimistic" they will agree a title-partner by June next year, in an agreement worth €200 million.&nbsp;

"Naming is a crucial issue," says Calzada, who estimates the rights could be worth €15 to €20 million&nbsp;each year.

"But there is an obstacle because we are talking about a redesign of these two stadiums, it is not a new stadium where it is much easier to start again with a new name."

There is also the need to break new ground internationally. Next year, Barcelona will fly to Asia for their summer tour while the club have expressed support for La Liga's highly-controversial plan to stage a fixture against Girona in January in the United States.&nbsp;

"The future for commercial is about tapping into worldwide fanbases," adds Benjamin Dennis, a writer at DBRS. "Fans in Miami will get to see a competitive match and that could be a difference maker if Barca play more games abroad."&nbsp;

In the race for financial superiority, nothing is off-limits.&nbsp;

Barcelona against Real Madrid is a rivalry that goes back 116 years, to a pitch drenched in horse manure and spectators that cheered players falling over as much as them scoring a goal.

Barcelona against Real Madrid is a rivalry that goes back 116 years, to a pitch drenched in horse manure and spectators that cheered players falling over as much as them scoring a goal. Barca won that first meeting in May 1902, 3-1, but more than a century on the landscape looks rather different. Two of the world's greatest clubs are engaged in a battle off the pitch just as fierce: the race to €1 billion. This autumn, their presidents, Josep Maria Bartomeu of Barcelona and Florentino Perez of Madrid, each made clear their desperation to cross the line first. The revenue milestone is not just financial, it is a mark of status, proof of success, another notch in the debate about which club is bigger. In five years, Madrid's turnover has soared from €521 million to a projected €752 million for the 2018/19 season. Barca pocketed €490 million five years ago. This season they expect to make 960 million. "Either club could be the first one to do this," Esteve Calzada, Barcelona's marketing director between 2002 and 2007, and now boss of Prime Time Sport group, told AFP this week. But there is still work to do. "It will take a few more years unless either club sells a player before then for €400 million," said Placido Rodriguez Guerrero, professor at the University of Oviedo and researcher in sports economics. Success on the pitch counts for a lot. Winning trophies swells the sums made from broadcasting rights and activates pre-agreed bonuses. Barcelona will receive from their shirt sponsor Rakuten an extra €1.5 million if they win La Liga this season and another €5 million if they triumph in the Champions League. The clubs can target global stars that boost visibility and merchandise sales, by the sheer weight of their talent and profile. During the 2000s, it was a policy that made its name in Madrid, as the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo were all signed for hefty fees. In recent years, the club has reined in its spending. "It can be positive in the short term to have a superstar, they join because of the brand and then help build the brand further," says Michael Goldberg, senior vice president at the global credit rating agency DBRS. "But we don´t believe having a star enhances credit that much over the long-term. Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Madrid will not do much damage unless it´s the beginning of the end and it becomes a regular pattern." Instead, the clincher is likely to lie in stadium plans. Barca's Camp Nou and Real's Santiago Bernabeu are set to undergo major overhauls from 2019, with the aim of enhancing commercial advantages. At a time when clubs like Tottenham in the Premier League are struggling to keep the cost of a new ground below 1 billion pounds, the projects of Barca and Real Madrid appear relatively cheap. For €400 million, Barcelona will increase the capacity of Camp Nou from 99,000 to 105,000 and install a roof. Madrid will not increase the 81,000 seats in the Santiago Bernabeu but will take out a loan of €525 million to add a roof and a metal envelope around the current structure. Perez has indicated they expect the updates to bring in more than €150 million of additional revenue per year. Added to that is the issue of naming rights, which can be a sensitive issue for fans, particularly when stadiums carry a deep sense of history and identity. Madrid are yet to find a buyer but Barca have said they are "optimistic" they will agree a title-partner by June next year, in an agreement worth €200 million. "Naming is a crucial issue," says Calzada, who estimates the rights could be worth €15 to €20 million each year. "But there is an obstacle because we are talking about a redesign of these two stadiums, it is not a new stadium where it is much easier to start again with a new name." There is also the need to break new ground internationally. Next year, Barcelona will fly to Asia for their summer tour while the club have expressed support for La Liga's highly-controversial plan to stage a fixture against Girona in January in the United States. "The future for commercial is about tapping into worldwide fanbases," adds Benjamin Dennis, a writer at DBRS. "Fans in Miami will get to see a competitive match and that could be a difference maker if Barca play more games abroad." In the race for financial superiority, nothing is off-limits.

The Money Clasico - Real Madrid and Barcelona's race to a billion

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Monday he would fight to turn the team's performance around as pressure mounted on him following a series of poor results that has sent Real down to seventh place in the La Liga table.

Former national coach, Lopetegui has been at the Real helm for nine La Liga games, only four of which ended in victory for the club, and local media have reported rumours about his likely dismissal following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Levante.

A defiant Lopetegui, however, brushed off the reports and said there was still time to reverse the team's fortunes.

"If you're wanting to see a wounded coach, don't look over here," he told a news conference ahead of Real's Champions League tie with Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.

"We're going to fight to turn this situation around. We know it's not the best but we've got time in which we can turn it round and we'll fight, starting with tomorrow's game," said Lopetegui, 52, who caused controversy for accepting the Real job on the eve of the World Cup and was fired by the Spanish FA.

Tension over the team's showing is also mounting on the players, and tempers flared at their Valdebebas training ground as captain Sergio Ramos reacted angrily to being hit on the nose from a ball by youngster Sergio Reguilon during training.

Ramos blasted a ball at the 21-year-old and had to be calmed down by Luka Modric before resuming the session.

Real are without a win in their last five games in all competitions, and their defeat to CSKA Moscow earlier this month means that they sit second in Group G in the Champions League, behind the Russians and level on points with third-placed Roma.

They may get some consolation from the end of a goal drought during Saturday's defeat, having set an unwanted club record of 465 minutes without scoring, something Lopetegui hopes to fix ahead of this weekend's Clasico fixture away to Barcelona.

"There's a direct correlation with goals -- at both ends. It's what decides the games, even if you've been the better side. We need to be more efficient in that sense, but this will come with good play," he said.

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Monday he would fight to turn the team's performance around as pressure mounted on him following a series of poor results that has sent Real down to seventh place in the La Liga table.

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Monday he would fight to turn the team's performance around as pressure mounted on him following a series of poor results that has sent Real down to seventh place in the La Liga table. Former national coach, Lopetegui has been at the Real helm for nine La Liga games, only four of which ended in victory for the club, and local media have reported rumours about his likely dismissal following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Levante. A defiant Lopetegui, however, brushed off the reports and said there was still time to reverse the team's fortunes. "If you're wanting to see a wounded coach, don't look over here," he told a news conference ahead of Real's Champions League tie with Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday. "We're going to fight to turn this situation around. We know it's not the best but we've got time in which we can turn it round and we'll fight, starting with tomorrow's game," said Lopetegui, 52, who caused controversy for accepting the Real job on the eve of the World Cup and was fired by the Spanish FA. Tension over the team's showing is also mounting on the players, and tempers flared at their Valdebebas training ground as captain Sergio Ramos reacted angrily to being hit on the nose from a ball by youngster Sergio Reguilon during training. Ramos blasted a ball at the 21-year-old and had to be calmed down by Luka Modric before resuming the session. Real are without a win in their last five games in all competitions, and their defeat to CSKA Moscow earlier this month means that they sit second in Group G in the Champions League, behind the Russians and level on points with third-placed Roma. They may get some consolation from the end of a goal drought during Saturday's defeat, having set an unwanted club record of 465 minutes without scoring, something Lopetegui hopes to fix ahead of this weekend's Clasico fixture away to Barcelona. "There's a direct correlation with goals -- at both ends. It's what decides the games, even if you've been the better side. We need to be more efficient in that sense, but this will come with good play," he said.

Julen Lopetegui defiant as pressure mounts at Real

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui's woes deepened as the European champions fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Levante on Saturday, setting an unwanted record of 482 minutes without scoring a goal in the process.

Jose Luis Morales put Levante ahead in the seventh minute after a defensive slip from Raphael Varane while Roger Marti doubled the lead in the 13th from the penalty spot after a handball by Varane, with the spot-kick awarded after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).

Real created a number of chances down the other end but hit the woodwork three times and had a strike by Marco Asensio ruled out by VAR for offside and early in the second half they broke an unwanted club record of 464 minutes without scoring.

Marcelo finally snapped their long spell without a goal by smashing into the net midway through the second half, scoring the club's first goal in 482 minutes.

But despite creating a glut of further chances Real slumped to a third straight loss in all competitions to pile the pressure on under-fire Lopetegui.

Real, who were booed by their fans, are fifth in the La Liga standings, three points behind leaders Alaves.

Champions Barcelona play at home to second-placed Sevilla later on Saturday.

Real were in dire need of a win after losing to CSKA Moscow and Alaves in their last two games and they were boosted by the return of influential figures Isco and Marcelo although Gareth Bale could only start on the bench after recovering from injury.

Madrid conceded the first goal for the seventh time in 11 games in all competitions when Varane failed to clear the most routine of through passes and forward Morales stole the loose ball and rounded goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to score.

Levante stunned the home fans into silence when they were awarded a penalty in bizarre circumstances for a handball by the hapless Varane on the line of the penalty area, which was finally given after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR) just as the visitors were about to take a free kick.

Courtois guessed the right way but Marti's penalty was too powerful for him.

VAR was called into action five minutes later to cancel out a goal for Real from Marco Asensio for offside, the first of a flurry of chances for the home side which saw Mariano hit the crossbar and Levante's former Barcelona goalkeeper Oier Olazabal make a string of impressive saves.

Olazabal made another superb save after the interval to thwart substitute Bale while fellow sub Benzema hit the post after Marcelo had reduced the deficit to a single goal.

Mariano thought he had found a leveller late on when he converted from close range but the goal was ruled offside.

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui's woes deepened as the European champions fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Levante on Saturday, setting an unwanted record of 482 minutes without scoring a goal in the process.

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui's woes deepened as the European champions fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Levante on Saturday, setting an unwanted record of 482 minutes without scoring a goal in the process. Jose Luis Morales put Levante ahead in the seventh minute after a defensive slip from Raphael Varane while Roger Marti doubled the lead in the 13th from the penalty spot after a handball by Varane, with the spot-kick awarded after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR). Real created a number of chances down the other end but hit the woodwork three times and had a strike by Marco Asensio ruled out by VAR for offside and early in the second half they broke an unwanted club record of 464 minutes without scoring. Marcelo finally snapped their long spell without a goal by smashing into the net midway through the second half, scoring the club's first goal in 482 minutes. But despite creating a glut of further chances Real slumped to a third straight loss in all competitions to pile the pressure on under-fire Lopetegui. Real, who were booed by their fans, are fifth in the La Liga standings, three points behind leaders Alaves. Champions Barcelona play at home to second-placed Sevilla later on Saturday. Real were in dire need of a win after losing to CSKA Moscow and Alaves in their last two games and they were boosted by the return of influential figures Isco and Marcelo although Gareth Bale could only start on the bench after recovering from injury. Madrid conceded the first goal for the seventh time in 11 games in all competitions when Varane failed to clear the most routine of through passes and forward Morales stole the loose ball and rounded goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to score. Levante stunned the home fans into silence when they were awarded a penalty in bizarre circumstances for a handball by the hapless Varane on the line of the penalty area, which was finally given after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR) just as the visitors were about to take a free kick. Courtois guessed the right way but Marti's penalty was too powerful for him. VAR was called into action five minutes later to cancel out a goal for Real from Marco Asensio for offside, the first of a flurry of chances for the home side which saw Mariano hit the crossbar and Levante's former Barcelona goalkeeper Oier Olazabal make a string of impressive saves. Olazabal made another superb save after the interval to thwart substitute Bale while fellow sub Benzema hit the post after Marcelo had reduced the deficit to a single goal. Mariano thought he had found a leveller late on when he converted from close range but the goal was ruled offside.

Pressure mounts on coach Julen Lopetegui as Real Madrid lose again

More pressure has been mounted on Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui as Madrid lost 1-2 to Levante on Saturday and also hit a new low under the new coach as they set an unwelcome club record of 465 minutes without scoring during their La Liga game.

The defeat means Madrid have now gone five games without a victory as Jose Luis Morales and Roger Marti's penalty put Levante two up, before Marcelo pulled one back in the second half.&nbsp;

Real's last goal in any competition came in a 1-0 win against Espanyol on September 22 and they have failed to score in their following games with Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, CSKA Moscow and Alaves.

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More pressure has been mounted on Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui as Madrid lost 1-2 to Levante on Saturday and also hit a new low under the new coach as they set an unwelcome club record of 465 minutes without scoring during their La Liga game.

More pressure has been mounted on Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui as Madrid lost 1-2 to Levante on Saturday and also hit a new low under the new coach as they set an unwelcome club record of 465 minutes without scoring during their La Liga game. The defeat means Madrid have now gone five games without a victory as Jose Luis Morales and Roger Marti's penalty put Levante two up, before Marcelo pulled one back in the second half. Real's last goal in any competition came in a 1-0 win against Espanyol on September 22 and they have failed to score in their following games with Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, CSKA Moscow and Alaves. PA-TA-TA 📸#RealMadridLevante pic.twitter.com/RHlcxa4aAZ — Levante UD 🐸 (@LevanteUD) October 20, 2018 × The M&M strikeforce are running riot! 🐸 ⚡️ @jose1987morales 💪 @Roger27M #RealMadridLevante pic.twitter.com/HO7UnQMsD1 — LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) October 20, 2018 ×

Real Madrid set unwanted record of 465 minutes without scoring

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