The fallout from Kylian Mbappé's comments about a meme depicting Mao Zedong has extended into football video games in China, while the creator of the original montage has spoken about the reaction. On the pitch, Madrid continued preparing for Sunday's visit to Racing Santander, with Arda Güler and Fede Valverde following individual programs. Carlo Ancelotti also announced his latest Brazil squad, calling up Vinícius Júnior and Endrick but leaving Éder Militão out.
The commercial consequences of Mbappé's remarks now include measures affecting Chinese versions of FC Online and Konami's eFootball-related ******* les. Reports citing announcements on the games' local channels describe the removal of promotional material and restrictions on content featuring the Madrid forward.
FC Online said it had begun removing Mbappé-related content from external channels and would implement further changes through an update. The Chinese versions of the Konami ******* les also announced measures covering promotion of the player and the characters or cards ******* ociated with him. The reported action concerns the Chinese editions, rather than a worldwide removal from the franchises.
The measures follow the termination of Mbappé's partnerships with Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground, alongside China Media Group's suspension of LaLiga broadcasts and other programming involving the player.
Real Madrid's apology has not ended scrutiny of the club's handling of the controversy. Chinese state-linked outlets and official platforms have questioned the timing of its response and called for measures beyond a public statement. Mbappé apologized on October 27, with Madrid issuing its own apology on October 28.

#announced

After five LaLiga matches, Elche are creating more attacking threat than last season, with npxG created at 1.13 per 90 compared with 0.97 across last season's 38 games. At the other end, they are allowing 1.37 npxG per 90, up from 1.34. They are scoring 1.13 goals and conceding 2.45 per 90, compared with 1.21 and 1.41 respectively last season.
2025-26's leading chance creator was Germán Valera with 42 chances created (1.27 per 90), 11 of them big, and 4.60 xA. He leads again in 2026-27, now on 8 chances (1.68 per 90) from 429 minutes.
The 2026-27 most-used starters include five of the 11 players in the 2025-26 selection. Gonzalo Villar, Fer Niño, Buba Sangaré, Federico Redondo, Facundo Buonanotte and Tete Morente are now in that group. The centre-backs are receiving the ball deeper than last season. They are winning 5.6 second **** per game, down from 6.2.
Their main source of passing threat remains the left flank in the final third, which accounts for 33%, up from 26% last season. Passes from the right flank in the final third contribute 27%, up from 21% last season.

#flank

Raphinha has received another major accolade after his outstanding display against Feyenoord earned him a place in UEFA's Team of the Week, adding to his recent recognition in LaLiga.
The Barcelona captain was singled out by UEFA's technical observers following a performance in which he scored twice, with his opening goal particularly catching the eye.
Raphinha used a clever feint to beat two Feyenoord defenders before finishing the move in style.
UEFA's **** sment also highlighted the Brazilian's work away from the ball and his influence in several areas of the pitch.
"Against Feyenoord, the Barcelona captain led the press with impressive intensity and made runs behind the defence to create danger from deep, as well as playing between the lines, capping off his performance with two magnificent goals," the UEFA website explains.

#feyenoord #week #uefa

Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club's official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
Huijsen must emerge as a leader this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

#madrid #season

Barcelona have received the administrative clearance they have been waiting for, with summer signing Jesse Bisiwu now approved to play for the first team in LaLiga.
According to SPORT, the 18-year-old Belgian winger has completed the necessary registration process and can now be selected by Hansi Flick for a competitive fixture.
That means Bisiwu could be included in Barcelona's matchday squad as soon as next weekend if the manager decides the teenager is ready.
"Bisiwu has already received the necessary administrative approval to play in La Liga, so he could very well be included in the game-day roster next weekend if Flick sees fit," reports the aforementioned outlet.
The development removes one of the biggest obstacles that has prevented Bisiwu from making his official Barcelona debut since arriving at the club during the summer.

#bisiwu #flick

In a recent report, journalist Mark Brus mentioned that Manchester City are locked in a three-way battle for Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena. It is believed that the Mancunian giants would have to rival Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the race to land the Spanish wide player.
Baena has made an excellent start to this campaign as he put in a few productive displays for Atletico Madrid in the final third. The 25-year-old has scored three goals and grabbed one ***** ist in three appearances for Diego Simeone's side in the league.
The Spanish talent is currently among the most talented wingers in La Liga. Hence, Man City would do well to lure him to the Etihad Stadium next year.
His current contract at the Madrid club will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for the Mancunian giants to snap him up on the cheap this January or at the end of the campaign.
MADRID, SPAIN – AUGUST 19: Alex Baena of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Malaga CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 19, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

#baena #three #city #mancunian

A summer of all records!
The 2026/27 summer transfer market closed with yet another dizzying financial tally.
€10.79 billion was spent across the football world. That's just crazy!
While the Premier League continues to crush the competition with pharaonic spending, the global ranking also holds several major surprises.
This summer, Serie A climbed onto the podium ahead of the Bundesliga. LaLiga once again finished above Ligue 1.

#ligue #transfer

The transfer window has closed, and Wednesday's front pages sum up everything that happened.
Barça bring the striker saga to an end by signing Gabriel Jesus for three seasons, while on the same day Marc Casadó leaves on loan to Deportivo.
At Atlético, Julián Álvarez turns down ***** nal and stays with the Rojiblancos after training as normal, with a chance of playing on Saturday at San Mamés. The same club also seals the arrival of Jonathan David as backup No. 9.
LaLiga has surpassed €733 million in transfer spending, €25 million more than last season, and Real Madrid have confirmed the €125 million signing of Diomande as the biggest Spanish purchase outside the Premier League. Betis secure Ceballos, available on a free after leaving Madrid, while Giménez and Casadó both join Deportivo on loan.
Outside Spain, Manchester City have matched the British record by paying €125 million for Enzo Fernández, who reunites with Maresca after leaving a Chelsea side that is already close to €500 million in sales.

#million #madrid #outside #signing

Harvey Elliott has left Liverpool on loan for a second successive season after signing for Valencia.
The England Under-21 international, who spent last year at Aston Villa, has joined the LaLiga club.
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, who has joined Spanish side Valencia on a season-long loan deal (PA)
Valencia will not pay a loan fee for Elliott, who was omitted from Liverpool's matchday squad for the first two games of the season as manager Andoni Iraola preferred to pick other players.
Iraola has since added another winger, in the £106m signing of Bradley Barcola, further reducing Elliott's chances of first-team football at the club he supports.

#signing

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both scored twice as Barcelona breezed back to the top of LaLiga with a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Nou Camp.
Winless Rayo gave the hosts a mighty scare when Sergio Camello fired them in front after 12 minutes but Raphinha soon levelled and Yamal put Barca in front with 21 minutes on the clock.
Florian Lejeune's own goal extended the home side's lead early in the second half, and after Camello scored his second, further goals from Raphinha and Yamal preserved their 100% start to the campaign.
Rayo arrived at the Nou Camp without a win in their first two games but they took the game to their illustrious opponents and Camello silenced the home fans when he fired in his early opener after a neat pull-back by Alvaro Garcia.
It was Barcelona's first goal they had conceded this season but they roused themselves immediately.

#yamal

One Liverpool midfielder is set to leave the club permanently in the final 48 hours of the summer transfer window.
Stefan Bajcetic has been linked with a return to LaLiga in recent weeks, with Getafe having reportedly been in talks earlier this month before his former club Celta Vigo pounced to agree personal terms over the past few days.
The 21-year-old hasn't played for the Reds since May 2024 and didn't get on the pitch at all last season, with persistent injury problems having put his career on hold after his hugely promising breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp.
On Sunday evening, Vinny O'Connor reported for Sky Sports that the midfielder is close to leaving Liverpool permanently for Celta Vigo, with the Reds likely to retain a sell-on clause.
Negotiations are 'in the final stages' over a deal for the Spaniard to return to the club where he began his youth career, and the transfer is expected to go through before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday night.

#celta #vigo #reds

The footballing day has produced major headlines in Spain and beyond. Real Madrid are looking to make it three wins out of three in LALIGA, while FC Barcelona are facing the final hours of the transfer window at full speed.
Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid made a statement in Seville, Leo Messi delivered a historic performance in MLS, and the Premier League saw Liverpool held in a thrilling draw.
Real Madrid host Málaga at the Bernabéu aiming to make it nine points from a possible nine at the start of the league campaign. After two convincing victories, Los Blancos want to seal their flawless start to the season in front of their fans before the international fixtures.
FC Barcelona are focusing their efforts on finalising the squad in the closing stages of the transfer window. With Héctor Fort's departure to Real Sociedad already confirmed, the club's sporting department is working against the clock to complete more exits and secure the arrival of a No. 9 to complete Hansi Flick's attack.
Atlético de Madrid put doubts and uncertainty behind them with a significant 3-1 win at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Amid constant rumours surrounding Julián Álvarez's future, Diego Simeone's side beat Sevilla thanks to a brilliant collective display led by Ademola Lookman and Alex Baena.

#league #tico

Bayern Munich's Champions League league phase opponents were revealed in Thursday's draw — and players and fans alike are reacting positively. It is an entertaining slate of games in store, from a chance for payback against **** nal as well as a matchup against last season's darlings from Norway, Bodø/Glimt.
Bayern forward Serge Gnabry broke down the draw and singled out one of the two LaLiga teams in the lineup as one he was personally anticipating.
"We're hoping for another strong league phase in the Champions League. I'm really looking forward to the game in Madrid against Atlético," Gnabry shared in comments captured by iMiaSanMia. "We played **** nal last season, and that will be another very good and interesting match at home for us. Bodø/Glimt were the surprise package of the competition last year. Manchester United are on the rise, so that will be a great matchup in a fantastic stadium.
"Real Betis, Slavia Prague, and Lille are also very good footballing sides who performed well last season. There are some exciting and thrilling games ahead, and we're really looking forward to them."
For now, the Bavarians have a Bundesliga opener to look forward to against VfB Stuttgart.

#last #bayern #glimt #we 're

32 possible opponents, eight matches, four at home and four trips across Europe. The draw takes place from 18:00 CEST this evening, when the Red Bulls will discover who they will face in their eighth Champions League campaign.
The four pots have been confirmed, with RBL in Pot 3, and anticipation is building ahead of another season of big European nights. Here's a quick guide to the clubs we could face and when the games will be played.
Paris Saint-Germain (2025/26 French champions)
FC Bayern (2025/26 German champions) – cannot be drawn against RBL
Real Madrid (second in LaLiga in 2025/26)

#Paris

Barcelona will play their first home LaLiga fixture of the season at the Camp Nou on Thursday, hosting Athletic Club in a midweek encounter.
The hosts arrive in excellent form after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Elche that launched their campaign. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have displayed sharp tactics and a potent attacking threat. They have claimed three wins in their past five league outings, with their forward play clicking — averaging just over two goals per game during that period.
FC Barcelona look set to hand a long-awaited club debut to high-profile summer signing Rodri, who has completed successive training sessions following a minor back operation and is expected to be named among the substitutes.
Flick appears ready to tweak his back line at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé and João Cancelo likely to return to the starting XI after being rested last time out.
The Catalans do, however, face a midfield concern as Gavi is doubtful after suffering a heavy knee contusion against Elche; scans excluded a serious ligament injury, but he missed the squad's final training session.

#flick #training #thursday

Jose Mourinho claims to be a much cooler character as he prepares for his first home game in charge of Real Madrid since 2013 against Real Sociedad on Wednesday night.
But the 63-year-old conceded his relaxed demeanour might not last if his latest group of Galacticos fail to bridge the eight-point gap that saw them finish second in last season's LaLiga behind rivals Barcelona.
Mourinho began his latest spell in charge with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Espanyol at the weekend and believes he has seen enough to keep his notorious temper at bay for the time being.
"For years now I've felt calmer, with more control over my emotions," said Mourinho, whose first spell had its most controversial moment when he poked then-Barcelona coach ****** o Vilanova in the eye after a Spanish Super Cup tie in 2011.
"But we will have to face difficult and frustrating situations that will come, which haven't come yet because we won the first match and I haven't seen anyone slacking off yet.

#first #charge #seen

FC Barcelona are considering abandoning a ceremony that planned to celebrate seven players' involvement in Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup victory as political tensions continue to rise amongst the club's fanbase.
Sunday's trip to Elche, which saw Barcelona claim a convincing victory to kickstart their LaLiga campaign, was marred by an act of violence that saw police officers use disproportionate force to detain a fan – believed to be a minor – who had an Estelada flag draped over his shoulders.
The Estelada is a version of the Catalan senyera flag that features a star and represents the fight for independence from Spain.
FC Barcelona confirmed on Monday that they are awaiting "explanations corresponding to the events and reserves the right to take actions that it considers fit to defend the integrity, the rights, and the freedom of expression of its members and fans."
It appears that one of those actions may involve scrapping plans to showcase the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy at the Spotify Camp Nou ahead of Thursday's LaLiga match against Athletic Club. Seven Barça players were part of Luis de la Fuente's squad that claimed victory over Argentina in North America last month, and the club planned to pay homage to their achievements.

#Barcelona #victory #club #planned

Tension at the Metropolitano after the boos aimed at Julián Álvarez headline a matchday in which FC Barcelona showed overwhelming dominance against Elche, Mourinho stepped in amid the 'Vinicius case', and Ligue 1 witnessed Ferran Torres' instant resurrection in Paris. On top of that, the transfer market is delivering dramatic twists just days before the deadline.
The atmosphere among the Atlético faithful is reaching boiling point. Atlético de Madrid fans showed strong disapproval toward Julián Álvarez after he made clear his intention to leave the club. After the final whistle against Villarreal, boos echoed around the stands, and the forward headed alone to the dressing room by decision of the club hierarchy to avoid further incidents.
The reigning champion kicked off LaLiga by laying down the law with an emphatic 0-5 win. In a brilliant attacking display, Raphinha and Fermín led the team with a brace each, joined by Adeyemi opening his account as a Barça scorer. A standout cameo from debutant Gordon in just 20 minutes put the finishing touch on an imposing start.
José Mourinho has spoken out after the controversial incidents in Cornellá. The Real Madrid coach publicly defended the Brazilian attacker, taking command within the Madrid dressing room and trying to ease the external pressure once again closing in on his biggest star.
He came, he saw, he conquered. Ferran Torres enjoyed a dream start in Ligue 1, rescuing PSG from the brink against Rennes. After trailing 0-2 at half-time, the Spanish forward took control in an extraordinary second half and scored a crucial brace to level the match.

#lvarez

Hansi Flick revealed why he was "concerned" about Barcelona's first-half performance against Elche, as the Blaugrana went on to secure a dominant 0-5 win to kickstart their LaLiga campaign.
Much has been made of Barcelona's lack of an out-and-out striker, but finding the back of the net was not a problem for the clinical visitors on Sunday as they scored with five of their seven shots on target.
Raphinha and Fermín López both bagged braces, while Karim Adeyemi also found his way onto the scoresheet on his competitive debut for the club and Anthony Gordon registered two ***** ists on his first outing in Blaugrana.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Flick praised Raphinha's mindset and flexibility to play in any required position, explaining that "he's the player for me who is a good example for intensity, a good example for improving this and also to start the pressing.
"When he's doing this, the other players are following him and this is great. This, for me, is a captain."

#flick #hansi #elche #sunday

Final session before La Liga opener – FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick's squad work out for the final time ahead of Sunday's game in the league away at Elche.
Hansi Flick: 'We want to start with a win' – FC Barcelona
The Barça boss faces the press ahead of Sunday's La Liga opening fixture against Elche.
An unusual start to La Liga – FC Barcelona
Barça will play their first three league games in the **** e of eight days.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick 'not worried' about Julián Álvarez situation – ESPN
"I know you don't want to hear it, but I don't want to speak about Julián," Flick said ahead of Barça's LaLiga opener against Elche on Sunday.
Barcelona register four new players, no repeat of registration problems – ESPN
Rodri, Gordon and Adeyemi were all inscribed with the Spanish league on Friday, with Cancelo's registration completed on Saturday.

#juli

The transfer market is entering its final days packed with key moves among Europe's biggest clubs. Official unveilings, ultimatums in the boardrooms, and the arrival of goals in LaLiga define a day in which the ambition of the new signings promises to shake up the football landscape.
Real Madrid's new player spoke in an interview with SportyTV. The Ivorian footballer did not hide his desire to succeed under the club's banner, delivering a strong message: "I will give everything on the pitch and God will do the rest". He also described himself as a "soldier of Mourinho" and made it clear that when the Madrid club calls you, there can be no hesitation.
After Atlético de Madrid's definitive "no" to negotiating the transfer of Julián Álvarez, FC Barcelona's sporting management has activated Plan B. Lautaro Martínez has emerged as the top priority to strengthen the Blaugrana attack. In the Barça offices, they see a deal with Inter Milan as feasible for a fee below 100 million euros.
It was a day of debuts in the capital and in Barcelona. Ibrahima Konaté wore the Real Madrid shirt for the first time, expressing his dream of "winning the Champions League." Meanwhile, Barça officially unveiled João Cancelo, who signed his contract until 2029, saying he is ready to compete immediately.
On the pitch, Getafe took a giant step by beating Partizan Belgrade 3-1 in the first leg of the Conference League qualifying round. The Madrid side are now well on course for a place in the final stage of the European tournament after an outstanding performance in front of their fans.

#final

Barcelona have announced the signing of Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City on a four-year contract.
The midfielder, who was named player of the tournament in Spain's World Cup triumph this summer, completed a £65.4-million ($88.5-million) move on Tuesday following a medical with the Catalan giants.
Rodri spent seven seasons with City, helping them win the Premier League on four occasions and scoring the only goal when they edged out Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final.
"Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement for Rodri, who is committing to the Catalan club until June 30, 2030," read a statement from the LaLiga champions on their website.
Barça's statement added Rodri is "considered one of the best players in the world in his position", adding he "stands out for his tactical intelligence, composure on the ball, ability to regain possession and precision in his passing."

#Barcelona #manchester #league #World

Rodri has finalised a four-year contract to join Barcelona from Manchester City, the club have announced.
The midfielder, named player of the tournament during Spain's World Cup triumph this summer, completed a £65.4million transfer on Tuesday after undergoing his medical with the club.
Rodri spent seven seasons at City, helping them win the Premier League **** le on four occasions and scoring the decisive goal as they beat Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final.
"Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement for Rodri, who is committing to the Catalan club until June 30 2030," read a statement from the LaLiga champions on their website.
Barca's statement added Rodri is "considered one of the best players in the world in his position", adding he "stands out for his tactical intelligence, composure on the ball, ability to regain possession and precision in his passing".

#league #statement

The Girona FC has signed Abdul Mumin to strengthen its defensive line for the 2026/27 season. The 28-year-old Ghanaian center-back joins on a free transfer and becomes part of the red-and-white project with a three-season contract, aiming to bring solidity, strength, and experience to the heart of the defense.
Born in Accra on June 6, 1998, Mumin is a 1.88-meter-tall central defender known for his physical ability and strength in duels. An international with Ghana, he trained at the Right to Dream academy before starting his professional career in Europe.
The new Girona player spent much of his European football career at Denmark's FC Nordsjælland and Portugal's Vitoria Guimaraes before arriving in LaLiga in the summer of 2022 to join Rayo Vallecano. In Vallecas, he gained experience at the highest level of Spanish football and played more than 60 official matches with the Madrid-based team.
Mumin has also been a full international with Ghana. He made his debut with the national team in June 2024 and was part of Ghana's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
With this signing, Girona strengthens a position that has undergone several changes this summer and adds a player with LaLiga experience, physical ability, and the potential to establish himself as an important part of the red-and-white defense.

#girona #laliga

The full agreement between Barcelona and Manchester City for Rodri Hernández is shaking up the summer transfer market, while Real Madrid wrap up their preseason with a big win and LaLiga gets its first season underway.
The Madrid-based press is focusing on the positive feelings around Real Madrid in the final stretch of their preparations. Marca leads its front page with the headline "A top-level Madrid" after their emphatic 0-3 win over Schalke 04, highlighting that Kylian Mbappé needed only six minutes to find the net.
For its part, AS leads with "Mbappé shines with Mourinho", underlining the French star's leadership and the strong defensive and goalscoring displays from players such as Huijsen and Espí. At the top, both papers agree in highlighting the imminent agreement between Barça and Manchester City for Rodri.
In the Catalan press, the real bombshell of the summer is stealing all the attention. Sport declares on its front page with a resounding "Signed!" to announce the full agreement for Rodri for a fee close to 60 million fixed plus add-ons.
Along very similar lines, Mundo Deportivo headlines "Rodri YES" and adds that João Cancelo will also arrive on a free transfer after ending his ties with Al Hilal. Both outlets round out their front pages with Barça's 2-5 win in Basel, featuring a brace from Bisiwu and major contributions from the youngsters.

#madrid #real #summer

Manchester City have accepted a bid of £65.4m from Barcelona for Rodri.
Spain's World Cup-winning captain is set to leave the Etihad Stadium to join the LaLiga champions and leave City with the question of how to replace him.
Barcelona had two previous offers for Rodri refused with City deeming the first, of just £38.4m, not serious but their third bid matched City's valuation.
Rodri, who had been reluctant to sign a new deal, has entered the last year of his contract and City risked losing him on a free transfer if he was not sold this summer.
Now they will have two weeks to find a replacement. They are interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Lille manager Davide Ancelotti saying there have been talks about the Moroccan midfielder, and Enzo Fernandez.

#rodri #laliga

Manchester City have accepted a bid of £65.4m from Barcelona for Rodri.
Spain's World Cup-winning captain is set to leave the Etihad Stadium to join the LaLiga champions and leave City with the question of how to replace him.
Barcelona had two previous offers for Rodri refused with City deeming the first, of just £38.4m, not serious but their third bid matched City's valuation.
Rodri, who had been reluctant to sign a new deal, has entered the last year of his contract and City risked losing him on a free transfer if he was not sold this summer. Now they will have two weeks to find a replacement.
They are interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Lille manager Davide Ancelotti saying there have been talks about the Moroccan midfielder, and Enzo Fernandez.

#World

As expected, former Juventus and Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic is travelling to Istanbul to sign for Besiktas as a free agent, reuniting with coach Vincenzo Italiano.
The centre-forward was out of contract since his agreement with Juve was allowed to expire on June 30.
He had been hoping for another Serie A switch to Napoli or Milan, with an eye on potential Premier League interest from ******* nal and Chelsea, plus Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in LaLiga.
However, none of them were willing to meet his wage demands, so he relented and accepted the offer from Besiktas.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

#vlahovic #serie #vincenzo

The 2026/27 LALIGA season promises to be one of the most electrifying in recent memory. With multimillion-euro projects, marquee signings, and the return of historic clubs, the battle for the ****** le and survival will deliver high drama every matchday.
The Real Madrid dugout once again has the Portuguese coach as its leading figure. After strengthening with top-level names such as Cucurella and Diomande, Los Blancos are aiming to ****** the crown from FC Barcelona. However, in the Catalan capital there is no fear: the newly crowned champions boast a golden backbone made up of young world champions such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and Cubarsí. The battle at the top is expected to be fierce.
Atlético de Madrid do not want to be mere spectators in this clash of giants. Diego Pablo Simeone takes on the challenge with high-profile arrivals such as Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand and Kang-in Lee. The big question surrounding the Colchoneros lies in their consistency; they will have to show whether this new project has the substance needed to challenge the two superpowers of Spanish football for the ****** le on equal terms.
Behind the favorites, the race for European spots will be fierce. Sides such as Villarreal, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, Celta de Vigo and Getafe have geared up to deliver a fascinating campaign. Meanwhile, Athletic Club begin with the moral obligation to win back their place in continental competition, which will raise the bar in the upper-middle tier.
The other side of the coin features illustrious clubs hit by hardship. Historic sides such as Valencia CF and Sevilla FC are forced to deal with difficult transfer windows and marked institutional instability. For their fans, the immediate objective is survival: grow stronger through adversity, avoid trouble in the standings, and try to restore former glories through total commitment.

#historic #sides #battle #survival

In a recent post on X, journalist Paul O'Keefe claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have identified Villarreal forward Georges Mikautadze as a target for this summer transfer window. It is believed that Spurs are hoping to improve their attack by recruiting the Georgian striker this off-season.
Mikautadze enjoyed a good run of form at the Spanish club recently as he put in a run of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 25-year-old banged in 13 goals and grabbed six **** ists in 32 appearances for the Yellow Submarine last season in the league.
The Georgia international is currently one of the most talented forwards in La Liga. Hence, it is no surprise that Spurs are eyeing a move to bring him to England in this transfer period.
His current deal at Villarreal will run out in the summer of 2031, which could make it tough for Tottenham to land him on a cut-price deal this off-season.
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN – MARCH 13: Georges Mikautadze of Villarreal is challenged by Nahuel Tenaglia of Alaves during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and Villarreal CF at Estadio de Mendizorroza on March 13, 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

#villarreal #georges #march