Hard truths.
With the match level at 0-0, the Real Madrid CF forward opted not to take the crucial penalty, a decision that has sparked intense debate after Guimarães failed to convert.
Desire Doue led PSG’s 3-2 comeback at Monaco, while Vinicius Junior’s goal and alleged racist abuse marked Real Madrid’s 1-0 win at Benfica in a dramatic Champions League play-off night.
Real Madrid’s 1-0 win at Benfica was halted after Vinicius Jr alleged racist abuse by Gianluca Prestianni, triggering FIFA’s protocol and renewed criticism of football’s response.
José Mourinho says Benfica will face a “wounded and dangerous” Real Madrid in their Champions League play‑off, after January’s dramatic 4–2 Lisbon defeat left the 15‑time winners chasing revenge.
Missing the spark of suspended forward Vinícius Júnior and the midfield dynamism of injured Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos were short on dazzle but heavy on determination.
With one Champions League group match left, Arsenal and Bayern are through but most clubs still fight for last-16 spots and play-offs. Here’s how the final matchday shapes the knockout map.
The 15‑time European champions produced a ruthless display that will lift spirits in the Spanish capital and sharpen their bid to reach the last 16.
Key January transfer moves and advanced talks across Europe, from Marc Guéhi’s switch to Manchester City to Juventus’ bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nottingham Forest’s push for Lorenzo Lucca.
Raphinha’s brace gave Barcelona a 3-2 Supercopa win over Real Madrid in Jeddah, securing Hansi Flick’s first trophy of the season and exposing defensive issues for both Clásico rivals.
When Real needed a moment of brilliance, Kylian Mbappé obliged. In the 24th minute, Jude Bellingham slid a perfectly weighted pass into the France captain’s path, and Mbappé did the rest;
Alonso still believes he can find solutions, and some within the club admire his modernising impulse.
According to reports, Al-Hilal are primed to table a formal bid for the 33-year-old Egyptian winger, a move that would send seismic ripples through Merseyside.