After logging just 13 minutes across three Bundesliga matches for RB Leipzig in the first half of the 2025-26 season, Werner sought a move away from Germany during the winter transfer window. On January 29th, he was officially announced as the newest member of the SJ Earthquakes, taking one of the club’s Designated Player spots.

While his league debut started slowly, tallying 200 minutes in his first four appearances and missing three others, April proved to be his breakthrough. With a league-high seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) in April, Werner was voted the MLS Player of the Month.

The Earthquakes enjoyed a formidable run in April, pulling off five consecutive wins while outscoring opponents 16-5. The German star returned from injury against Los Angeles FC with a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win, continued his streak against Austin FC, and finally netted a brace with an assist to spark a 3-2 comeback road victory over St. Louis City.

Just three months since his January arrival, Werner has already etched his name into the MLS history books. By winning the Player of the Month award for April, he became only the second German player to earn the honor, joining Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar, who has won the award twice.

How long did it take Messi to win his first MLS POTM?

Lionel Messi currently sits tied for 5th all-time with five MLS Player of the Month awards, level with Luciano Acosta and trailing only legend Chris Wondolowski, who holds the record with seven. However, in terms of immediate impact from his debut, Werner has actually outpaced the Inter Miami ace.

Following the expiration of his PSG contract, Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, with more than half of the season already completed. The Argentine made his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls on August 26, but he was limited to just five more appearances that campaign due to recurring injuries.

After regaining full fitness and settling in with Inter Miami, Messi’s first MLS Player of the Month award arrived in April 2024. During that month, he recorded a staggering six goals and four assists in just four matches. While Messi claimed his first award in his fifth month of active league competition (accounting for the unified Feb/March window), Werner secured his in just his second.

The club rewarded his improvement with a huge salary boost in a new contract. Mainoo extended his deal for five more years, increasing his salary from 25,000 pounds per week (34,000 dollars) to 120,000 pounds (170,000 dollars), according to The Guardian.

Mainoo was nearing the end of his contract, which had a June 2027 expiration date. Manchester United extended that to 2031 to make sure the midfielder remains with the club. This was expected given the importance he has to the team when he’s on the field.

Mainoo’s words after the news

The first few words from the talented player were to tell the fans how excited he is about staying in Manchester for years to come. Mainoo said: “Manchester United has always been my home – this special club means everything to my family.”

This wasn’t the only thought from a player who had an impressive turnaround, going from being left out by Amorim, who wanted him to leave on loan to get minutes, to becoming a fan favorite coming through the club’s youth system.

Mainoo said: “I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six. We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies.”

Mainoo’s area to improve

His role has changed completely since Amorim’s firing. Mainoo has become a very important piece of the midfield at just 21 years old with the quality he shows. One area where he must improve may be scoring more often, as he has yet to score this season in 26 matches.

Reports have surfaced revealing a meeting between Barcelona representatives and Spanish Federation physiotherapists to establish a proper recovery plan for Yamal. However, the aspirations of the national team and the health of the youngster must not be at odds, at least from Barcelona’s perspective.

According to Diario Sport, FC Barcelona see as a good solution for Lamine Yamal to miss both the first and the second games of the World Cup against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. This alternative is seen in order for the winger to be completely recovered from his hamstring injury and avoid any setback.

As reported by the Spanish outlet, the plan suggested by Barcelona staff is for Yamal to be 100% ready for the third and final group stage game against Uruguay. That match, which is expected to decide who wins the group, is scheduled for June 27th, a date that aligns with his six-to-seven-week recovery timeline.

Currently ranked 2nd in the FIFA Rankings, Spain enters the 2026 World Cup as a top candidate. However, Yamal’s fitness has become a growing concern for La Roja, with coach Luis de la Fuente commenting on the situation and expressing hope that Yamal will be fit to lead the push into the knockout stage.

Barcelona to address Yamal’s fitness during World Cup

Yamal’s hamstring injury has effectively ended his season with FC Barcelona, meaning he will miss El Clasico and the remainder of the La Liga campaign, where the Blaugrana are expected to lift the trophy with an 11-point lead over Real Madrid. Still, the club is determined to prevent the injury from having long-term consequences and will closely monitor his condition during the World Cup.

As reported by Diario AS, Fernando Galan, an external physiotherapist working for Barcelona, will be in charge of supervising Lamine Yamal for both club and with Spain national team. His role will gain more relevance during the World Cup, as he has been assigned to send daily reports to club authorities regarding Yamal’s progress.

Galan will be responsible for Yamal’s health and ensuring he returns to the pitch in the best possible condition. Given the nature of a hamstring injury and Yamal’s playing style, which relies on explosiveness and constant changes of direction, a setback is a major fear. Using Raphinha’s recent history as a precedent, a personalized program will be implemented as soon as he is recovered.

Set to host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, the USMNT had the advantage of skipping the World Cup qualifiers. However, having their spot already secured seemed to be an issue for Pochettino in terms of demanding more from his players.

Speaking on The Overlap YouTube channel, Pochettino was asked by Roy Keane if he had concerns over the lack of jeopardy since the team had already qualified: “When we (Pochettino & staff) accept the challenge to go to America, we knew that it was going to be a problem how to approach the games. Because we were already qualified.“

The coach then explained a shift made during his time with the USMNT regarding the approach toward friendly games. “I avoid to say to the players, and to my staff, and the media in America to say friendly game. I say not official game. A friendly game is when you play with your friends. Non-official game is still not official, but it’s competitive. And sometimes they make that mistake: ‘This is a friendly game. I don’t need to take a risk.’ You need to create that habit,” he added.

Apart from the CONCACAF Nations League and the Gold Cup, Pochettino’s tenure has featured more friendly games (14) than official ones (10) over his 24 games in charge. That number is set to grow in the friendlies prior to the World Cup, with one against Senegal (May 31st) and another yet to be confirmed.

This change in terminology during the last international window was intended to change his players’ perception. “You don’t compete for a year and a half, and then you go to the World Cup to compete. It’s not like this, and we are fighting to change that mindset,” Pochettino added.

Pochettino still convinced of USMNT World Cup chances

Pochettino surprised fans when addressing the USMNT as potential World Cup winners in 2026. During the draw gala, he admitted to U.S. President Donald Trump that he sees the team winning the tournament, and he is far from taking that back.

When asked by Gary Neville if the goal is to reach the quarterfinals, he doubled down on winning the competition: “Why not? Why not? It’s all about to believe. Look at Morocco in Qatar, no one believed and they arrived to the semifinals. Or South Korea in Japan/Korea 2002, another semifinal. I think there’s plenty of examples. If you put a limit and the message is to arrive to quarterfinals… You don’t go through the group stage.“

Beyond citing World Cup history, he addressed Tottenham’s heroics in reaching the Champions League final against Ajax. “Everything is possible in football, and because I really believe it… Look what happened in 2019 in Amsterdam. It’s because the standard, the habit, and the mentality was to believe until the end. We believed and we got the result in the end,” he added.

Tebas said: “We are going to continue trying. Many other sports came to Spain; we want to do something similar to them. FIFA is establishing a rulebook to play one match from each league abroad. It would be very good for the brand.”

These comments came during a public event organized by the Universidad de Navarra. In his speech, he also mentioned the United States, Saudi Arabia and Casablanca as potential locations La Liga could choose for this.

Tebas remarks on Spanish clubs

Logically, the La Liga president gets very enthusiastic when describing the competition he leads. Even if the titles are mostly dominated by two clubs, with Atletico Madrid occasionally challenging, he spoke highly about the continental matches.

For Tebas, what puts Spanish clubs ahead of most is their participation against teams from other countries in continental competitions. In this regard, he highlighted the teams that are representing the league, each being in a semifinal.

Tebas said: “We had very bad luck with the teams that were eliminated in the quarterfinals, but those who are still alive (Atletico Madrid in the Champions League against Arsenal and Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League against Strasbourg) have good possibilities. In 10 years, La Liga has won many titles.”

A failed attempt

The main precedent for this idea came last year. Barcelona was scheduled to play against Villarreal in Miami in December. However, the backlash from players and fans was so significant that they had to reverse the decision.

This decision was mainly driven by Real Madrid, who complained to FIFA that it could affect the fairness of La Liga by giving up a home match to a rival in the title race. In October, the match was canceled, which shows that Tebas may not easily succeed in making teams travel outside of Spain.

Endrick said: “Bellingham was important to me. He made me feel welcome. I didn’t speak English very well, but he spoke to me, tried to speak a bit of Spanish, was by my side and gave me advice. His friendship was important to me at the beginning of my time at Real Madrid. That really had an impact on me. I had a certain impression of him, but he was completely different.”

Bellingham has been a huge player for Real Madrid since he was signed at 19 years old. His experience as the focus of attention, like it was at Borussia Dortmund, was a factor in giving him the calmness necessary to adapt to such a gigantic club. This duo couldn’t be a factor as a tandem, but it could be decisive in the near future.

Luka Modric surprised Endrick the most

The stint at Real Madrid was very short. Endrick was signed from Palmeiras before moving to Spain in 2024 when he was 18. He has totaled just 40 matches with that jersey, but it was enough to get to know his teammates.

There was one player who caught Endrick’s attention for many reasons: Luka Modric. Even if the Croatian was in his final season with the club, as he was not very young, his talent made an impression on him.

Endrick said: “Modric was the player who most impressed me at Real Madrid. He’s a guy who taught me a lot in my first year. Not just in training, but also in matches. It was a football masterclass. He was 40 years old and very strong. He trained every day. When he wasn’t playing, he’d go to the club and train, doing his own extra training.”

Endrick on his injury

The forward wasn’t very important at Real Madrid not because of his ability. It was a hamstring injury that made him miss too many matches, participating in just three in the first six months of the season before his loan to Lyon. This was very detrimental to his confidence.

Endrick said: “I was afraid. I cried several times. That’s something you do in private. I didn’t know how to deal with my injury, what to expect. You don’t know if you’ll have a relapse, if you’ll keep your strength, if you’ll come back weaker. That affects you a lot. You get scared of the future. But I knew I had to keep going.”

During a recent interview on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, Pochettino reflected on the current state of Tottenham Hotspur—a club he managed from 2014 to 2019—and admitted his desire to return. “One day, yes, because I really like England,” he said.

“I think my profile – my human profile and my coaching profile – match very well with the Premier League,” added the 54-year-old Argentine, who has spent more than half of his managerial career in England.

At Tottenham, Pochettino enjoyed his most successful spell, leading the team to a runner-up finish in the EFL Cup in 2015 and, most notably, to the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool. During those five and a half years, he also helped elevate players such as Harry Kane, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Christian Eriksen, and Son Heung-min to stardom.

Before that, Poch managed Southampton, where results were less consistent but his style of play helped propel him into the European elite. His most recent Premier League experience came with Chelsea, whom he led during the 2023-24 season, posting a 50.98% win rate.

Pochettino laments Tottenham’s current struggles

After spending more than five years at Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino has a strong connection with the club. With Spurs now going through a difficult period and facing a serious risk of relegation to the Championship, the coach shared his thoughts.

“It’s really sad because I know how the people are suffering there, inside the club and also the fans. It’s difficult to accept,” he explained. “I really love Tottenham. It’s going to be a part of my life, an important part of my life as a coach, my personal life too.”

The challenge ahead for Pochettino

Beyond his future ambitions of returning to the Premier League, Mauricio Pochettino faces what may be the biggest challenge of his career. This summer, he will manage at a World Cup for the first time, and he will do so as head coach of the tournament’s main host nation.

The USMNT’s goal this year is to improve on previous World Cup performances. After reaching the quarterfinals in South Korea–Japan 2002, they have not advanced beyond the Round of 16, and have also endured setbacks such as a group-stage exit in Brazil 2014 and failure to qualify for Russia 2018.

The USMNT will open their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay in Matchday 1 of Group D at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. One week later, they will face Australia in Seattle before returning to California on June 25 to take on Turkey.

With the recent news of his involvement in the smaller club, his first message to the team did not take too long to come. The manager gathered the players in a room to play the video sent by Messi to support them.

Messi said: “I just want to introduce myself and salute you. We are here to grow, to help you with whatever you need. We are very excited about this new project. I’m following and supporting you every weekend.”

Details about UE Cornellà

The bond between Messi and Barcelona can’t be denied. This was just another step in his contribution to the city in which he spent most of his years. UE Cornellà are a semi-professional club from Catalonia that is now trying to take a leap.

This club is not near the sphere that most people are used to in Spain, but it has a long tradition of being a formative place for local talents. There are some really meaningful examples like Jordi Alba, David Raya, Gerard Martín or Keita Baldé.

UE Cornellà confirmed the purchase earlier this month, while Fabrizio Romano reported that Messi made the move for the entirety of the fifth-division club. With this investment, the lower Spanish league should have a motivation when they see this club.

Another purchase was rumored

There were some rumors in Spain around Messi’s potential purchase of another club before he chose UE Cornellà. This was also a small club called Terrassa FC, which denied the information.

The statement said: “We categorically deny the truthfulness of its content. We have never been in contact with Messi, nor with any intermediary claiming to act on his behalf. We love this club and would never allow our pride to prevent its growth under new ownership.”

De La Fuente spoke during a medical symposium at the CEMTRO clinic in Madrid this week. “Will Lamine be there?” was one of the questions posed to the coach regarding the availability of the Barcelona winger for Spain’s World Cup squad.

“In a call-up, we consider every scenario—whether you’re winning, losing, or if the opponent goes down to 10 men,” De La Fuente said, according to Marca. “There are players who can give you 20 minutes, and that has enormous value. Some players may not be able to give you 50 or 60 minutes, but they can deliver 20 very good ones—and that can make the difference.”

In that sense, the coach avoided addressing Yamal’s specific case but made it clear that his presence could still be crucial even if he is not at full fitness at the start of the World Cup. “Our priority is to arrive at the decisive stage with the best possible team,” he explained.

De La Fuente has experience managing these situations

In nearly four years as Spain coach, Luis De La Fuente has faced situations that forced him to make difficult decisions, and that experience is now shaping his approach ahead of North America 2026.

To explain his thinking regarding players who may not be at 100 percent for the World Cup, the coach cited an example from Euro 2024, where Spain were crowned champions. “Olmo arrived injured—we were close to leaving him out—but he went on to be decisive at the Euro. There are players who can come in less than fully fit and still make a difference in the knockout stages. Olmo was decisive from the quarterfinals onward,” De La Fuente said, referring to Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo.

Based on those comments, it can be inferred that Lamine Yamal’s place at the World Cup could be secure even if he does not fully recover before the tournament begins. Spain’s group-stage path includes matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, but the coach’s priority appears to be the knockout rounds that follow.

De La Fuente points to the schedule

In the same conversation, Luis De La Fuente shared his views on the growing number of injuries among elite players. “The pace is so intense, with matches every three or four days, that injuries are inevitable,” said the Spain coach. “It’s one thing to recover, and another to return to peak performance. The biggest risk when a player comes back is suffering another injury.”

After a disappointing previous season, the Al Nassr board moved decisively in the summer, bringing in head coach Jorge Jesus and several high-profile additions to overhaul the squad. Coman was among the most significant of those signings, arriving from Bayern Munich for a fee of €30 million after spending his entire career in Europe. Even while playing a supporting role alongside Ronaldo in the attack, he has consistently delivered in crucial moments, particularly in front of goal.

His goal against Al Ahli on Wednesday, which sealed a 2-0 victory, brought Coman’s tally to 15 goals across all competitions this season for Al Nassr in 37 appearances. What makes that figure all the more remarkable is that it represents the most goals the French winger has ever scored in a single season at any club in his career.

His previous personal best had come in the 2018-19 season with Bayern Munich, where he managed 10 goals and seven assists in 30 games. That campaign was also affected by a syndesmosis ligament tear that sidelined him for 19 matches, limiting what might have otherwise been an even more productive year.

Since arriving in Riyadh, however, Coman has wasted no time in establishing himself as a key figure. With 15 goals and 11 assists across 37 appearances, totaling 26 direct goal contributions, he sits as the third-highest scorer and creator in the squad, reflecting a role that extends well beyond that of a pure wide attacker.

Al Nassr and a more democratic goalscoring record

Throughout the 2025-26 campaign, Al Nassr have asserted themselves as one of the most dominant sides not only in Saudi Arabia but across the Asian continent, sitting atop the Saudi Pro League and reaching the AFC Champions League Two final. Their goalscoring, however, tells a story of collective effort rather than individual dominance.

Across the SPL and the AFC Champions League Two, Jorge Jesus’ side have found the net 124 times. Cristiano Ronaldo accounts for 26 of those, representing 21 percent of the total. The remainder has been spread across a potent attacking unit, with Joao Felix contributing 20 goals, Coman 15 and Sadio Mane 12, meaning that just four players are responsible for 59 percent of all goals scored across both competitions.

By comparison, in the 2024-25 season, Al Nassr scored 106 goals between the SPL and the AFC Champions League Elite, with Ronaldo alone responsible for 33 of them, close to a third of the entire total. The shift in numbers this season reflects a team that is not only less reliant on their Portuguese superstar but also more prolific overall.

“Without doubt he’s England‘s greatest No. 9. And I’m including Shearer and Rooney in that. I think he’s gone above them in that. You see the goals he’s scored, it’s ridiculous. If he wins a Ballon d’Or, then he’s in the conversation. If he wins the World Cup, he’s even more in the conversation. But it’s just great that he’s one of ours. He’s been the quietly unassuming hero that’s just crept along. And now all of a sudden we realise how good he is,” Joe Cole said, via GOAL.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Kane has emerged as Bayern Munich’s most important player, scoring 54 goals and providing 7 assists in 46 matches. If he maintains this level, he could win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, ending the 25-year drought since the last winner, Michael Owen. With this, the Englishman would leave a legacy surpassing that of Rooney and Shearer, having made a historic impact on every team he has played for.

Harry Kane has surpassed Wayne Rooney in terms of Premier League goals, scoring 213 in 316 matches. While he did not overtake Alan Shearer, who remains the all-time leader with 260 goals in 441 games, the 32-year-old striker has already overcome both at international level. After scoring 78 goals, he ranks as England’s all-time top scorer, overtaking Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton. Moreover, he ranks as the greatest player in Tottenham Hotspur’s history.

Harry Kane eyes legacy-defining run at 2026 World Cup with England

After delivering the best statistical season of his career, Harry Kane has firmly emerged as a Ballon d’Or contender due to his all-around impact. Alongside this, the Englishman has the perfect opportunity to cement his legacy as a historic figure, leaving no doubt. As the national team’s leader at the 2026 World Cup, he could deliver a dominant performance—potentially leading his country to the title and/or finishing as the tournament’s top scorer.

Harry Kane needs just two goals to surpass Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer in the tournament, meaning he could overtake him in this edition. If he wins the Golden Boot, he would become the only English player to claim the award twice, having previously done so in 2018. Moreover, he could make history by leading his country to the title, something they have not achieved in 60 years.

In case he achieves this, Harry Kane would establish unequivocally as the greatest player in England’s history, surpassing Wayne Rooney, Bobby Charlton, Alan Shearer, among others. Alongside this, he would significantly boost his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, marking a historic milestone in both his career and his country’s history.

The latest chapter came during Al-Nassr’s vital victory over Al-Ahli, where Felix once again supplied the decisive moment for Ronaldo. Their growing partnership has become one of the most productive combinations in the league and a major reason why the club sits in such a commanding position.

Al-Nassr secured a tense 2-0 win over Al-Ahli, extending their outstanding winning streak and tightening their grip on the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock with a trademark header after rising highest to meet an inswinging corner from Felix.

The finish was Ronaldo at his clinical best, but the build-up once again showcased Felix’s creativity. The Portuguese playmaker has repeatedly found ways to unlock packed defences, and his delivery on this occasion proved priceless.

Ronaldo’s goal was his 25th league goal of the campaign and the latest sign that age has done little to slow his impact. Yet the night also belonged to the man who created it.

The record Felix has broken

With that assist, Joao Felix reached 12 assists in the Saudi Pro League this season, becoming the first Al-Nassr player ever to hit that mark in a single campaign, according to Sofascore‘s data. In doing so, he moved beyond the previous club best of 11 assists, a number previously achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023-24 and also matched in earlier years by Nordin Amrabat.

That means Felix has now officially surpassed Ronaldo’s all-time Al-Nassr single-season assist record in league play. It is a major achievement given Ronaldo’s enormous attacking influence since arriving in Saudi Arabia. For a player once criticized for inconsistency in Europe, the statistic signals a career revival at exactly the right time.

Career reborn in Riyadh thanks to Jorge Jesus

The 26-year-old forward joined Al-Nassr in July 2025 and quickly adapted to life in Saudi Arabia. Instead of being used as a drifting forward, he has thrived in a freer attacking midfield role where his passing range and movement can shape matches. In fact, he has delivered 39 goal contributions this season: 22 goals and 18 assists in 42 matches across all competitions.

That makes the ongoing campaign the most productive club season of his career. His previous best came during the 2018-19 season at Benfica, when he first emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young talents with 20 goals and 11 assists. Now, years later, he appears to have rediscovered that same spark.

Much of Felix’s resurgence has been credited to manager Jorge Jesus, who repositioned him centrally and handed him greater responsibility in possession. The tactical adjustment has transformed both the player and Al-Nassr’s attack.

All three figures are chasing the same rare milestone, with the possibility of reaching six World Cup appearances, something no player has achieved before. Now, a new decision from the Mexican veteran has added fresh intrigue to that race.

The latest development comes after uncertainty around Mexico’s goalkeeper depth chart heading into the tournament. Injuries and shifting form among younger options reopened the discussion over whether Ochoa could still have a role for the national team despite approaching the final stage of his career.

The 40-year-old remains active at Limassol in Cyprus and has repeatedly made it clear that he still believes he can contribute. His vast experience, leadership, and proven World Cup pedigree have made him impossible to ignore.

Mexico’s coaching staff had been considering several names for the goalkeeper unit, including Raul Rangel and Carlos Acevedo. However, Ochoa’s experience on the biggest stage gives him an edge that statistics alone cannot fully measure.

Ochoa’s reported decision revealed

In the middle of the growing speculation, clarity has emerged around Ochoa’s future. Reports confirm that he is set to be included in El Tri’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, putting him in line for a historic appearance.

According to Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter), Guillermo Ochoa is set to be included in Mexico’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he would make his sixth World Cup appearance before retiring from professional football immediately after the tournament.

That would place him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who are also expected to feature for Portugal and Argentina, respectively. If all three appear, they would stand together in one of soccer’s most exclusive groups.

For Ochoa, the tournament would also serve as a farewell to both club and international action. After more than two decades at the professional level, the 2026 World Cup would become the final chapter of an extraordinary career.

Career built on World Cup moments

If everything unfolds as expected, the implications are enormous. Ochoa would join Ronaldo and Messi in becoming the first players ever to appear in six different World Cups, a milestone that has remained out of reach throughout the sport’s history.

All three share a similar timeline. Their journeys began in Germany in 2006, continuing through South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022, creating a rare alignment across different eras of the game.

For Ochoa, the path has been unique. He started as a backup, grew into a leader, and eventually became one of the most recognizable goalkeepers on the global stage. His performances, particularly in tournaments like 2014, turned him into a symbol of resilience for the national team.

Match Overview

After recovering from an early setback, RB Bragantino arrive with momentum following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Blooming, a response to their narrow 1-0 defeat against Carabobo. Meanwhile, River Plate have quietly put together a solid start, grinding out a 1-0 win over Carabobo after settling for a 1-1 draw in their opener against Blooming.

With first place in the group potentially on the line, both sides enter this matchup knowing a statement result could shift the balance of power, setting the stage for a fast-paced, high-stakes contest you won’t want to miss.

“Soccer is the most important sport,” said Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., vice president of the International Olympic Committee, this week at La Liga headquarters in Madrid, according to Diario AS. “We want the senior men’s competition to more closely resemble the World Cup.”

In many disciplines such as basketball, volleyball, handball, and field hockey, the Olympics represent the most important international tournament, even above each sport’s respective world championships. That is not the case with soccer, and the IOC’s goal is to make the competition more appealing.

At present, the key difference between Olympic soccer and the World Cup is the availability of top players. FIFA reserves the presence of the sport’s biggest stars for its own tournament, while the Olympics imposes an under-23 age limit, with only three overage players allowed per squad.

By removing that age limit, the Olympics could significantly raise the level of competition by featuring each country’s top players. However, such a move would require an agreement between the IOC and FIFA. “Both organizations have their own objectives, but I believe we will make meaningful progress toward achieving them,” Samaranch said.

Club release obligations, another obstacle for the Olympics

Beyond the age restriction, Olympic soccer faces another major challenge in becoming more competitive: clubs are not required to release players. In official FIFA competitions, clubs must allow players to join their respective national teams. These are the so-called international breaks, during which World Cups, qualifiers, friendlies, and continental tournaments such as the UEFA Euro, Copa America, and Concacaf Gold Cup are played.

Outside of those FIFA windows, clubs are not obligated to release players for international duty. That is the case with the Olympics, where participation often depends on the player’s insistence and the club’s approval.

IOC proposal faces resistance

Initial reactions from figures within FIFA’s hierarchy have not been favorable toward the idea of removing the age restriction in Olympic soccer. “It would further overload the calendar, reduce club revenues, and affect players’ rest,” said Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, according to Diario AS, regarding the possibility of elevating the Olympics. “It is fine as it is—it should not be like a World Cup.”

This stat was compiled by the CIES Football Observatory, which analyzed the distances covered by players across 46 major competitions around the world. The study can be summed up simply as ranking the shortest distances covered without the ball by each player relative to the average of their teammates.

In short, it could be described as the players who run the least when they do not have the ball compared to their teammates. Messi leads the list with a mark of x.070 at Inter Miami, with Ronaldo right behind him at x0.74 with Al-Nassr. While this has nothing to do with the impact these players have on their teams, it is certainly an interesting stat.

Mbappé rounds out the top five

Age can be the defining factor in why the two best players of the last decade run much less than their teammates, even if they were never asked to do that job. What is interesting is that Mbappé also appears high in the ranking.

The podium is completed by a 37-year-old striker who had some important moments in his career, Artem Dzyuba, as the Russian is tied with Ronaldo for his stint with Akron Togliatti in his country.

Mbappé was ranked fifth, tied with Rubin Kazan’s Mirlind Daku and FK Krasnodar’s Jhon Córdoba, while Independiente Rivadavia’s Sebastián Villa was fourth with x0.76. Real Madrid did not have a very good season, even with many goals from the French star, who had a coefficient of x0.77.

Victor Osimhen in the top 10

The list includes three more well-known names in the top 10 of this unusual system. Al-Ettifaq FC’s Moussa Dembélé was eighth with x0.78, and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen was ninth, tied with Fiorentina’s Moise Kean at x0.79.

Match Overview

Corinthians enter this matchup in complete control of Group E, having opened their Copa Libertadores campaign with back-to-back wins that put them firmly on track for the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Peñarol find themselves in an early hole, managing just a single point from their first two games and already feeling the urgency to turn things around.

With one side aiming to tighten its grip on qualification and the other desperate to stay alive in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups, this showdown carries significant weight—don’t miss what could be a defining moment in the race to advance.

Nearly a year ago, Fernandes came close to leaving the Red Devils after receiving a significant offer from Saudi Arabian football, with then-head coach Ruben Amorim playing a pivotal role in convincing him to stay. That decision has proven beneficial for both parties, with United now in the running for Champions League qualification and Fernandes recently equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of six Player of the Month awards.

However, his contract situation could become a complicated issue heading into the summer window. As reported by The Telegraph, Fernandes holds a €65 million release clause in his deal, approximately $76 million, which is active through the first half of July, making him a realistic target, not necessarily for European clubs given his age, but certainly for the Saudi Arabian market.

While Fernandes has been open about his desire to win the Premier League and the Champions League, sources close to the player, as cited by The Telegraph, indicate he wants concrete reassurances about United‘s ambitions going forward. Those assurances are expected to hinge largely on the moves the club’s board makes in the upcoming transfer window and whether they demonstrate a genuine commitment to competing at the highest level in Europe.

United set for a midfield revamp

After a productive summer window that strengthened the attacking line with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, United have had to contend with a lack of depth in midfield for much of the season. Despite Casemiro‘s individual contributions, the Brazilian veteran is expected to leave the club, and Fabrizio Romano has already reported that Manuel Ugarte is also set to depart Old Trafford.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson remain two of the club’s primary midfield targets, as they were during the January window, while Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni has recently emerged as another option under consideration.

Fernandes closing in on all-time Premier League single-season assist record

With his 32nd birthday approaching in September and his current deal at United running through June 2027, Fernandes’ contract will be a prominent topic of discussion in the months ahead. In the meantime, the midfielder has done nothing to diminish his value, and is now on the cusp of rewriting Premier League history.

His assist in the recent 2-1 win over Brentford moved his tally for the 2025-26 Premier League season to 19, leaving him just one short of the all-time single-season record of 20, shared by Thierry Henry from 2002-03 and Kevin De Bruyne from 2019-20. With four games remaining against Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton, Fernandes has every opportunity not only to match the record but to claim it outright.

“People close to Santi are fearing a catastrophe for the Milan striker,” journalist Carlos Ponce de Leon of Mexican outlet Diario Record said this week. “They fear he could miss out on a second consecutive World Cup.”

This report has surfaced this week for a specific reason. On Tuesday, Javier Aguirre confirmed a preliminary list of 12 Liga MX players who will begin training next week with a view toward the World Cup. While the list is not binding—and therefore does not guarantee a spot on the final roster—it offers a clear indication of the coach’s plans.

Among those 12 players are two center forwards. One is Armando Gonzalez of Chivas, who was expected to be included, as reports suggest he is competing for a spot with Inter Miami’s German Berterame. The surprise, however, was the inclusion of another player with a similar profile: Guillermo Martinez.

The 30-year-old forward has impressed recently with Pumas UNAM, where he has recorded five goals in 15 matches in the Liga MX Clausura tournament. Martinez has already been called up by Javier Aguirre twice this year: he played 24 minutes against Iceland in February and was an unused substitute during the March FIFA international window against Portugal and Belgium.

Santiago Gimenez needs to regain full fitness

Under normal circumstances, Santiago Gimenez’s place at the World Cup would not be threatened by Guillermo Martinez’s performances at Pumas. However, the recent track record of the AC Milan striker is far from encouraging.

Gimenez has scored just one goal in the 2025-26 season and has made only 14 appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia. An ankle injury suffered in November required surgery and kept him sidelined for nearly five months, until his return in mid-March.

Since then, the Mexican striker has logged just 67 minutes across three Serie A matches with AC Milan—against Torino, Napoli, and Hellas Verona— all coming off the bench, while also remaining an unused substitute on three other occasions.

Gimenez has yet to debut at the World Cup

Despite being one of Mexico’s most promising players in recent years, Santiago Gimenez has yet to appear at a World Cup. He was left out of the squad for Qatar 2022 by then-head coach Gerardo Martino, who opted for other forwards such as Raul Jimenez, Henry Martin, and Rogelio Funes Mori.

In the years following that tournament, Gimenez established himself as a regular call-up under successive managers, including Diego Cocca, Jaime Lozano, and Javier Aguirre. However, his recent injury issues have once again pushed him out of contention, with his last appearance for Mexico coming in October 2025 against Ecuador.

Michael Carrick has managed to impress with his impact at Manchester United, as he has elevated the performances of several players, achieving nine wins and two draws and putting the team in contention for UEFA Champions League qualification spots; however, the club’s front office is reportedly seeking a manager with proven elite-level experience—something the Englishman does not yet offer, having only previously managed Middlesbrough.

According to Jason Burt via The Telegraph, Manchester United have identified Andoni Iraola as the leading candidate to take charge of the team. After his strong impact at AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish coach is highly regarded by the club’s front office due to his attacking style of play and ability to develop young talent. Additionally, he could arrive as a free agent, making him a high-impact option due to his wide experience.

While Andoni Iraola has solid experience in the Premier League, he has not managed teams competing to win the league or consistently challenge in the UEFA Champions League. As a result, the Spaniard could face, for the first time, the intense pressure that comes with managing a club like Manchester United, and with just one title to his name—the Cypriot Super Cup with AEK Larnaca—his potential arrival raises more doubts than certainties among the Red Devils.

Manchester United may regret passing on Michael Carrick

Despite not having extensive managerial experience, Michael Carrick has already shown he is capable of transforming the reality of Manchester United. In the middle of a sporting crisis, he has given the team a clear style of play—something they lacked under Rúben Amorim or Erik ten Hag—while also elevating Benjamin Šeško and Kobbie Mainoo into the team’s standout performers when they previously seemed on the fringes.

As a Red Devils’ legend, Carrick commands strong backing in the dressing room—an advantage that candidates like Andoni Iraola or Oliver Glasner would not immediately enjoy. Although recent bets on inexperienced managers have not been successful, Michael has already demonstrated signs of being a long-term difference-maker, reportedly attracting interest from several Premier League clubs willing to trust his profile to lead their sporting projects.

In the event that he secures a spot in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League, Manchester United fans could pressure the front office to back the continuity of Michael Carrick. Not only have the supporters shown their backing, but players such as Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo have also voiced their support, which could prove decisive in the final decision.

The club secured a crucial 2-0 victory, but the aftermath shifted attention away from the result itself. Accusations, heated exchanges, and symbolic gestures turned the night into a flashpoint, raising questions about the integrity of the competition and the emotions surrounding its final stretch.

The match itself followed a familiar script, with tension building before Ronaldo delivered the breakthrough. His goal, the 970th of his career, pushed the club closer to the title and strengthened their grip at the top of the table.

Yet, the narrative quickly changed after the final whistle. Demiral, visibly frustrated, directed his anger toward the officiating and the broader direction of the title race, igniting a debate that spread rapidly.

“Are the decisions always in favor of Al-Nassr?” he asked, a statement that immediately fueled controversy. The implication was clear, and it added weight to similar complaints that had surfaced earlier in the season.

Explosive post-match reactions and gesture that sparked outrage

Demiral did not stop at one remark. His frustration deepened as he pointed to a specific incident during the match, highlighting a challenge he believed warranted harsher punishment.

“Check my foot, he almost broke it. It’s a shame,” the Al-Ahli defender said, showing visible signs of the physical battle. Moments later, he escalated his claims even further, stating, “It looks clear referees help Al-Nassr; they want them to win.” These words carried significant weight, especially given his history alongside Ronaldo during their time at Juventus.

The controversy intensified with Demiral’s actions after the match. Walking toward the home supporters, he held up his AFC Champions League medal, a gesture widely interpreted as a provocation aimed at the opposition.

He later reinforced the message on social media, writing: “For the first time, there is a Champions League medal in their stadium.” The statement quickly went viral, amplifying tensions between the two sides. The reaction from the club and its players was immediate. Confrontations followed on the pitch, with emotions spilling over in scenes that reflected the high stakes of the moment.

The complaint and possible consequences

As the situation escalated, Al-Nassr has reportedly moved to take formal action, preparing an official complaint to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). According to reports from Arriyadiyah, the club will submit video evidence of Demiral’s comments and behavior as part of their case.

The source indicates that the complaint focuses on statements made in the mixed zone and gestures directed at supporters, both of which could fall under disciplinary review. This has opened the door to potential sanctions that may shape the closing weeks of the season.

Demiral could face disciplinary measures ranging from fines to possible suspension, depending on how the governing body interprets his actions. The decision now rests with the league’s disciplinary committee, which is expected to review the case in detail.

Al-Nassr delivered one of its most important results of the season with a 2-0 victory over Al-Ahli, a match that stretched its winning streak to 20 consecutive games across all competitions. For long spells, the game was tight and tense, with both sides struggling to break through.

The breakthrough eventually arrived through Ronaldo, who once again delivered when it mattered most. In the 75th minute, he rose to meet a Joao Felix corner and guided a header into the top corner, leaving Edouard Mendy with no chance. The strike sparked celebrations across Al Awwal Park, with teammates rushing to the corner flag as belief in the title grew stronger with each passing minute.

That victory pushed the Knight of Najd further ahead at the top of the table, strengthening a position built on consistency and momentum. The club has now established a clear lead over Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, with only a small number of matches left to play.

This run has been built on both attacking efficiency and defensive control. Al-Nassr’s ability to win tight matches has turned them into the clear favorites at the decisive stage of the season. However, the title is still not mathematically secure, meaning every remaining fixture carries weight.

Breaking down what Al-Nassr needs to win the title

The key question now is how many wins are required to officially secure the championship. With Al-Nassr leading the standings, the simplest scenario is straightforward: two victories in the remaining four fixtures will be enough to confirm the title, depending on other results.

A decisive clash against Al-Hilal still hangs over the run-in, one that could either confirm dominance or briefly reopen the race. Yet the margin built through consistency has given the club breathing room that once seemed unlikely. Thus, if Al-Nassr maintains its current form, it could potentially clinch the league on May 7, against Al-Shabab, one game before actually facing Al-Hilal.

However, the exact timing depends on whether Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli drop points in their remaining games. In practical terms, the title is now in Al-Nassr’s hands. One or two more slip-ups from rivals would significantly accelerate the celebrations.

What comes next for Al-Nassr

The remaining fixtures will define the season. Each match now carries the weight of a potential title-clinching moment, with the squad aware that consistency is the final hurdle. Al-Nassr must avoid any slip-ups as the pressure increases.

Rival results will also play a role, but the club’s advantage means control is largely in their own hands. The final stretch will test focus, discipline, and endurance more than anything else.

“I think the mistake is when a coach doesn’t want you and you still go to that team. You’re not part of his group or the players he trusts, so he’s not going to play you because you’re not his choice. That’s the mistake… He’s at a club where the coach doesn’t want him, didn’t bring him in, so he doesn’t play—just a few minutes. It’s not serious, disrespecting a player of his caliber,” Willington Ortiz said in an exclusive interview with Bolavip US.

After confirming his arrival in February 2026 to Minnesota United, James Rodríguez has only managed to play six matches for the MLS side, remaining without any offensive contributions. Despite his undeniable talent, head coach Cameron Knowles has kept him as a regular substitute, even after he impressed in his first MLS start against Los Angeles FC. As a result, the 34-year-old midfielder is at risk of arriving at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without competitive rhythm for Colombia.

Willington Ortiz’s criticism is not directly aimed at James but rather at his questionable career decisions. At his last six clubs, he has not been a direct request from his coaches, which has led to his relegation to secondary roles. Since he is neither a box-to-box midfielder nor a pace-driven winger, his profile is more difficult to fit into many tactical systems, making it harder for him to secure a consistent role if the manager does not consider him essential.

James Rodríguez no longer Colombia’s cornerstone for 2026 World Cup

Over the past 12 years, James Rodríguez has been the cornerstone of Colombia, emerging as a standout player at the 2014 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. However, he is no longer in his prime, and is no longer the undisputed star of his team. Given his continued and solid performances, head coach Nestor Lorenzo plans to keep him in the starting lineup for the 2026 edition, though he will no longer be the team’s central figure.

Luis Díaz has established as one of the best players in the world. Shining with Bayern Munich, he is set to be the central figure for Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With this structure, James would shift into a role focused on enhancing the 29-year-old star’s performance, aiming to elevate his output both in goalscoring and creativity. In light of this, the 34-year-old is expected to take on more of a leadership role, while still competing for a place in the starting lineup.

The competition carries extra meaning because of what happened in the previous edition, when Al-Nassr came close but fell short in dramatic fashion. For Ronaldo and the club, the next Super Cup offers a chance to rewrite that story.

The Saudi Super Cup has become one of the most visible domestic competitions in the region, combining prestige with immediate stakes. Since its expansion in 2022, the event has featured the league champions and runners-up alongside the King’s Cup finalists, creating a stronger and more competitive field.

That format means clubs often arrive in strong shape, with little room for error in knockout matches. Every game carries final-level pressure, which explains why the tournament has become such a valued prize.

Which clubs will play, and why the tournament matters even more this time

A full roster of participating teams for the Saudi Super Cup has been released on the tournament’s official account. That announcement confirmed the full lineup for the 2026-27 edition, with Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Kholood all securing their places. The four-club format has added greater intensity to the tournament in recent years, turning what was once a single final into a compact knockout event.

The sense of anticipation is already growing because each participant enters with different motivations. Some will seek to defend status, while others will see the tournament as a chance to make an early statement before the new season fully begins.

For Al-Nassr, the upcoming edition is about more than lifting silverware. It is about restoring momentum after previous disappointment and proving the club can prevail in decisive moments.

The heartbreak Ronaldo wants to erase

The previous Saudi Super Cup ended painfully for Al-Nassr. Al-Ahli defeated Al-Nassr 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final, denying Ronaldo and his teammates what looked like a realistic path to his first major trophy in the Middle East.

That defeat still resonates because the Knight of Najd had come within reach of the title before losing in the shootout. For a club built to compete at the highest level, such setbacks often become motivation rather than scars.

Ronaldo, who has built much of his career on turning frustration into fuel, now returns to the same competition with another chance. The emotional edge surrounding the tournament is therefore impossible to ignore.

After the final whistle, as he prepared to give an on-field interview to Thmanyah Sports, Ronaldo was mocked by an opposing supporter, who brought up Al Ahli’s back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles—the most recent coming last Saturday after a win over Machida Zelvia of Japan in the final.

“Five Champions I have. I have five. Five,” Cristiano responded to the fan, smiling and holding up five fingers on his right hand, all in front of TV cameras that captured the exchange from start to finish.

The Portuguese forward was, of course, referring to the success he achieved throughout his career, particularly during his years in Europe. He first won the UEFA Champions League in 2008 with Manchester United, followed by an impressive run with Real Madrid, where he lifted the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

How has Ronaldo fared at continental level with Al Nassr?

After those glory years in Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo embarked on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia in January 2023. Since joining Al Nassr, however, he has yet to win an official title, a drought that could end this season in the Saudi Pro League.

Over the past three and a half years, CR7 has also competed at the continental level, where success has so far eluded him. His first appearance came in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League Elite, where Al Nassr were eliminated in the quarterfinals. A year later, they were knocked out in the semifinals by Kawasaki Frontale of Japan.

Cristiano Ronaldo looks to extend his dominance to Asia

This season, Al Nassr did not even qualify for the top continental competition and instead had to settle for the AFC Champions League Two, the equivalent of the UEFA Europa League. There, they have advanced steadily to the final, where they will face Gamba Osaka on May 17. That could mark Ronaldo’s first continental title since 2018.

According to Andrea Ramazzotti via La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri are open to negotiating Leão’s departure starting at $59 million. With a contract running until 2028 and a net salary of €5.5 million, they could view his exit as a strong opportunity to reinforce their attack. While they have not traditionally been open to accepting players as part of deals, Manchester United’s approach may have shifted that stance.

Amid a generational rebuild at the Red Devils, Rafael Leão emerges as an ideal solution for the left wing, as Matheus Cunha is more convincing in a central attacking or striker role. In an effort to reduce the overall cost of the deal, the English side is open to including Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, or Manuel Ugarte as part of the operation, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. Additionally, they would have no issue matching or even exceeding his €5.5 million net salary.

Unlike the Rossoneri, Manchester United can offer Leão an ideal scenario to shine at his best. With a clear tactical emphasis on wingers, the Portuguese could rediscover his top form through his pace, dribbling, and change of rhythm, making him a key difference-maker for the team. Additionally, the Red Devils could also offer him UEFA Champions League competition, as they are close to securing qualification, making the move even more attractive.

Joshua Zirkzee emerges as top Leao replacement for AC Milan

After failing to deliver offensively, the Rossoneri are reportedly planning a major overhaul in attack. Not only could Rafael Leão leave, but also Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Giménez, and Niclas Füllkrug. For this reason, the potential arrival of Joshua Zirkzee would be an ideal complement to Massimiliano Allegri’s frontline, as it would not block the signing of another striker, but rather strengthen the attack in a balanced way.

Joshua Zirkzee is not going through his best moment at Manchester United, often featuring as a substitute without making a major impact. Despite this, the Dutchman showed his best version in Serie A, where he impressed with Bologna. As a mobile forward, he tends to perform better as a second striker, playing off a more fixed No. 9—something that fits well with Massimiliano Allegri’s system.

With Zirkzee in attack, AC Milan would gain significant scoring potential along with strong offensive quality, allowing him to combine effectively with Adrien Rabiot and a potential new signing up front. Additionally, at just 24 years old, he represents a reliable long-term option for Allegri. However, the Rossoneri may first need to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, which remains a challenging objective.

With only four league matches left for Al-Nassr, the race for top scorer has become one of the most compelling storylines of the season. Ronaldo’s latest goal moved him closer, but there is still work to do before he can overtake both rivals and finish on top. Al-Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Toney’s Al-Ahli, extending its remarkable winning streak and tightening its grip on first place.

For much of the evening, the contest looked set to finish goalless, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Then Ronaldo stepped up in trademark fashion. In the 76th minute, he rose highest to meet a corner from Joao Felix and guided a header into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with no chance.

The strike was another reminder of the 41-year-old veteran’s enduring quality in decisive moments. Kingsley Coman later added a second goal in stoppage time, sealing a win that could prove crucial in the title run-in.

Huge milestone for Ronaldo

The goal against Al-Ahli was Ronaldo’s 25th league goal of the season and his 970th career goal for club and country. It also marked the third straight campaign in which he has scored at least 25 league goals, underlining his consistency deep into his career.

Even at this stage, Ronaldo continues to lead from the front. He has now scored nine goals in his last nine matches, hitting top form at exactly the right time for Al-Nassr. His impact has gone beyond statistics, and every late-season goal has helped push his side toward a long-awaited domestic crown.

What Ronaldo needs to beat Toney and Quinones

While Ronaldo’s latest finish was significant, he still trails the current leaders in the scoring race. Julian Quinones leads with 28 goals, while Ivan Toney sits second on 27, leaving Ronaldo third on 25.

That means Ronaldo is within touching distance, but there is an added complication. Both Quinones and Toney have five matches remaining, while Al-Nassr has only four left to play. This gives Ronaldo less room for error and means the race is no longer entirely in his control.

To pass Ivan Toney (27)

• Ronaldo must score at least 3 more goals if Toney does not score again (finishing on 28).
• If Toney scores once more, Ronaldo would likely need 4+ goals.

To pass Julian Quinones (28)

• Ronaldo must score at least 4 more goals if Quinones does not add to his tally (finishing on 29).
• If Quinones scores again, Ronaldo would need 5+ goals.

Realistic path to the Golden Boot

Because both rivals have an extra fixture, Ronaldo probably needs:

• A strong finish of four to six goals in his last four matches
• Plus, at least one of Toney or Quinones cooling off significantly

Why it is still possible

Few players are better equipped for a late scoring surge than Ronaldo. He remains Al-Nassr’s focal point in attack, takes penalties, and is receiving regular service from creators such as Joao Felix and Coman.

His recent form also suggests momentum is with him. A player scoring at nearly one goal per game is always dangerous, especially when confidence is high. Ronaldo has built his career on thriving under pressure, and this final stretch presents another chance to prove it.

“The end of my career is getting closer. let’s enjoy every game. I keep playing not only for this generation, but also for the previous one and the one coming next. I enjoy it day by day, game by game, year by year, even as I get closer to the end of my career. That’s a fact… My career has been brilliant and I want to keep it that way. I still enjoy it, I keep scoring goals… but above all, it’s about winning. And we really want to win the league,” Ronaldo said, via Canal GOATBR.

Despite the warning about his professional retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr until 2027, so we could still have him for some more time shining in the Saudi Pro League. In addition, the Portuguese has just reached 970 goals, remaining only 30 away from the long-awaited 1,000-goal mark, which could cement him as a historic milestone and keep him highly motivated.

Jorge Jesus has been a transformative figure for Cristiano and Al Nassr. Following his arrival, the team has developed an attacking identity, thriving with a high press. Not only do they remain leaders of the Saudi Pro League, but they will also play in the AFC Champions League 2 final. Because of this, the Portuguese veteran could be set for his best year since joining the club, potentially winning two titles to silence critics who labeled his spell at the club a “failure.”

Cristiano Ronaldo faces his final major challenge: 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo’s emergence has powerfully transformed the history of the Portugal national team. With his arrival, they have managed to win their first three major titles: the 2016 UEFA Euro and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League, establishing themselves as one of the strongest teams in the world. At 41 years old, the striker is preparing for his final opportunity: Winning the World Cup and making history with his national team.

Throughout his career, Cristiano has not particularly excelled in this tournament. After playing 22 matches, he has only managed to score eight goals, not ranking among the top scorers. Heading into what is likely his final World Cup appearance, the Portuguese could look to impose his scoring rhythm and lead his national team to the title. With this, he would crown his professional career at the highest level—something Lionel Messi already achieved with Argentina.

In the event of winning the 2026 World Cup, the Saudi Pro League, and the AFC Champions League 2, Cristiano Ronaldo could be tempted into professional retirement. After achieving everything with his national team and Al Nassr, he could step away with a trophy-filled résumé and in one of the best seasons of his career. However, this could prevent him from reaching the 1,000-goal mark.

Al-Hilal are not making things easy for Barcelona. According to reports from the Saudi edition of 365Scores, the club is not willing to loan Cancelo again because his contract only has one year left. That would mean he could leave for free after another loan spell, which they want to avoid after the investment they made in him.

The Saudi club would only consider letting him return to Barcelona through a permanent transfer, or they could even decide to keep him. The reported price for that deal is around 15 million euros, which could become a key factor in negotiations between the clubs.

Inzaghi adds another obstacle

Letting an experienced player like Cancelo go was a difficult decision to understand for a league that should attract as many top players as possible. This would be a major boost for Barcelona, as they could get a very valuable player at a relatively low price.

A short contract length left is not the only obstacle Barcelona may have to deal with in their attempt to bring the player back. There could also be a change of intention from the club, which may want to keep him instead.

This part is connected to Simone Inzaghi. According to Sport, the Al-Hilal manager wants Cancelo to stay at the club, which could make it even harder for Barcelona to bring him back. That means negotiations won’t be easy to complete.

Cancelo’s desire to play for Benfica

A less likely destination for Cancelo could be Benfica. His desire to return there has been the main reason behind choosing Barcelona over other interested teams like Inter, who made better offers. The Portuguese defender spoke about that feeling toward the club a few weeks ago.

Cancelo said in an interview with Canal 11: “I have earned more than I expected in my career, but playing for Benfica is like playing basketball. I would do it for love. I would reduce my salary.”

The controversy had begun in early April when several Al Ahli figures, including head coach Matthias Jaissle, Brazilian winger Galeno and Ivan Toney, publicly vented their frustration over the refereeing decisions in a 1-1 draw against Al Fayha. The result had dealt a significant blow to their title hopes, with the club making pointed claims about unawarded penalties and what they perceived as a bias toward Al Nassr.

Wednesday night brought the two sides face to face for the first time since the fallout. Ronaldo opened the scoring and Kingsley Coman sealed the 2-0 win, taking Al Nassr a major stride closer to the SPL title, and the Portuguese captain wasted no time in addressing the recent off-field noise.

Speaking to Vini Pereira on Canal GOAT, Ronaldo weighed in on the social media posts that had dominated the headlines in recent weeks. “I think this is not good for the league. Everyone is complaining. Everyone is doing more than they should be doing. This is football, it’s not a war. We know everyone has to fight and wants to win, but everything is not allowed,” he said.

Ronaldo then made a pointed promise to speak more publicly on the matter when the time is right. “I am going to speak out at the end of the season because I see several bad things. Many players make posts on Instagram and Facebook complaining about the referees, the league, the project. I think that is not good, and it is not the goal of the league,” he added.

The Portuguese legend closed with a broader appeal to professionalism, framing it as a matter of the league’s long-term credibility on the global stage. “We should set an example, not only here but also for Europe, if we want to compete with them and be one of the best leagues in the world. I think we should stop this, analyze it, and talk with the Saudi League because, for me, this is no longer football,” he concluded.

Al Nassr vs. Al Ahli: The feud continues in the aftermath

The match was already dripping with tension before a ball had been kicked. Al Ahli arrived as reigning AFC Champions League Elite winners, and defender Mehdi Demiral had stoked the fire by posting a pointed message on social media: “You were right. We focus on AFC.” The remark was a direct reference to the earlier claims by Al Ahli players that a referee had allegedly told them to “focus on the AFC,” and it did little to cool the temperature before kickoff.

In the 98th minute, Demiral found himself on the receiving end of a forceful challenge from Coman, who was booked with a yellow card. The decision only deepened the defender’s anger. “They are helping Al Nassr so that they can win the league. This is a disgrace. Look at my legs. What happened is a disgrace. Al Ahli doesn’t need help to achieve anything. Thank God I’m with Al Ahli,” he said in the mixed zone.

The 2-0 victory at Al Awwal Park has brought Al Nassr to the brink of the SPL title, with the club now sitting first on 79 points from 30 games, eight clear of Al Hilal. With five games remaining, the defeat has all but ended Al Ahli’s title aspirations, leaving them third with 66 points from 29 games and 13 points adrift of the leaders.

Arteta said: “Yesterday there were two handballs (for the match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain). In the Premier League that is not a penalty. For UEFA it is, but you accept it because there is a criteria. I don’t understand the other one. It’s a clear penalty. There’s contact. It’s unacceptable at this level to show the replay 13 times to take the penalty back.”

In the first half there was a play in which the ball touched Ben White’s hand after it bounced off him first. Makkelie did not call anything, but he was sent to the VAR monitor to review it and changed his decision.

Arsenal’s manager complained heavily about the play that was the potential winning goal. With little time left in the match, Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko. The referee initially called it a penalty on the field before VAR asked him to review it, and he overturned his decision.

Arteta’s view of the match

Unlike the match played a day earlier, this one was expected to be slower. However, the intensity was there, with both teams looking to close down space for their opponents. That led to changes in who was controlling the game.

The manager admitted his team did not play a complete match, as they were pinned back by Atletico Madrid at different points. But in his view, the key moments were even in what was a difficult match for them.

Arteta said: “It was a big privilege playing here. Great energy, great environment. We created chances, but we were not good in the first part of the second half. We allowed them chances. We knew we had to get through that. Disappointed with the penalty.”

The rematch

One disadvantage for these teams is that they have less rest than the other semifinalists. The rematch is set for next Tuesday in England. Arsenal will not be able to rotate players next Saturday against Fulham because they are in a Premier League title race with Manchester City, while Atletico Madrid can do that in their match in Valencia.

According to Tuttosport, Alisson Becker has reached a personal agreement with Juventus to become their marquee signing. After being offered a three-year contract worth €4.5 million per season, the Brazilian is reportedly pushing to leave Liverpool at the end of the campaign. However, they are not willing to let him go on a free transfer, asking for a fee between €15–20M. In light of this, Virgil van Dijk has already warned that it would be a painful loss in every sense.

“There is always going to be a day where you – including myself – will go…We have been through everything together, positive things and some negative things unfortunately as well, so it would definitely be a big blow and a miss… He’s very important for me as one of the leaders in the team and I think he is very important on the pitch because I think he is one of the best – in my opinion the best – goalkeeper in the world,” van Dijk said, via ESPN.

Even though he is already 33 years old, Alisson has remained the undisputed starter for head coach Arne Slot. Not only is he crucial with his impressive saves, but his excellent distribution is key to the offense. Despite his significant impact on the team, the Reds do not seem open to offering him a contract extension beyond 2027, given that he is a veteran. As a result, the Brazilian star is looking to secure a long-term contract by leaving the team.

Liverpool bet on Giorgi Mamardashvili as replacement for Alisson

Anticipating Alisson’s potential departure, Liverpool decided to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili in 2024, when he was shining at Valencia CF, paying €30 million. However, he only joined the squad in the 2025–26 season, serving as the Brazilian’s backup. Following several injuries to the 33-year-old goalkeeper, the Georgian has gained valuable minutes, making 18 appearances and showing solid quality to potentially take over as the starter under Arne Slot.

Giorgi Mamardashvili would become the Reds’ starting goalkeeper if the Brazilian completes a move to Juventus. As his backup, head coach Arne Slot already has Freddie Woodman, who has also proven to be a fairly reliable option. However, neither has established as a true difference-maker—something Alisson Becker has consistently shown, including leading performances in the UEFA Champions League.

Alisson’s departure could create a leadership problem at Liverpool

Arne Slot might be gearing up for another tense season at Liverpool, with Alisson’s potential departure adding to the exits of Salah and Robertson. With this, they would lose three influential leaders who not only serve as captains but also play vital roles on the field. Consequently, the Reds will experience a significant leadership shift in the locker room, potentially causing some upheaval and placing increased pressure on Dominik Szoboszlai to assume a more prominent role.

If Florentino Pérez wants to hire Mourinho to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, he would have to pay the release clause. According to Fabrizio Romano, May is the last month in which the Portuguese manager can trigger that option for 3-4 million euros.

That date would come after the season ends. The Athletic says it is 10 days after Benfica’s final match, which would make May 27 the final chance to activate the clause. What would have to happen first is for Real Madrid to decide who they want.

Mourinho isn’t thinking about Real Madrid

There is nothing confirmed about Real Madrid yet. In a season without trophies, their slim chance of winning one is in La Liga, but they are 11 points behind Barcelona with just five matches remaining.

Talk around Mourinho as a preferred option for club president Pérez has fueled rumors about a return to the club where he managed before. It is not something the manager appears to be thinking about.

Mourinho was asked about the possibility of managing Real Madrid this year in an interview with Mediaset Italia, and he gave a clear answer focused on the present: “My next goal is taking Benfica to the Champions League.”

Benfica’s season under Mourinho

Benfica have not had the season expected after Mourinho’s arrival. Even if they have not lost in the Primeira Liga, they are seven points behind Porto with three matches remaining. In the Taça de Portugal they were eliminated by Porto in the quarterfinals. Their Champions League run ended against Real Madrid in the playoff.

“The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suarez for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 72nd minute of Miami’s match against the New England Revolution on April 25,” MLS said in a statement published on its official website.

The incident took place during Inter Miami’s most recent match, a 1-1 draw against the Revs at Nu Stadium on Matchday 10 of the MLS season. Suarez was in the starting lineup and played the full 90 minutes.

In the second half, with the score at 1-0 in favor of the visitors, the forward attempted to deceive referee Rubiel Vazquez in hopes of earning a penalty to level the match, but was unsuccessful. However, minutes later, German Berterame scored to secure a point for Inter Miami at home.

Suarez was not the only player penalized. “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined D.C. United midfielder Matti Peltola for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 30th minute of D.C.’s match against Orlando City on April 25,” the statement added.

Suarez has played a limited role this season

The sanction issued to Luis Suarez is purely financial, meaning he remains eligible for Saturday’s match against Orlando City. It will be up to head coach Guillermo Hoyos to decide whether to keep the Uruguayan forward in the starting lineup or return him to the bench.

So far in the 2026 season, Suarez has made seven appearances for Inter Miami. One came in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC, while the other six were in MLS, where he has scored two goals.

However, the 39-year-old striker has played a secondary role for most of the year. He has started just two of those seven matches—a 0-0 draw against Charlotte FC when Javier Mascherano was still the coach, and last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against New England Revolution. He has also remained on the bench without featuring in four matches.

Other Inter Miami players sanctioned

Luis Suarez joins a list of Inter Miami players who have been sanctioned by MLS in recent weeks. Facundo Mura was also fined for simulation during the Herons’ win over Real Salt Lake in a similar incident, while Yannick Bright received an additional one-match suspension following his red card against Colorado Rapids for racist remarks.

With Atletico Madrid searching for an equalizer in the second half, Marcos Llorente won a penalty after the ball struck Ben White’s hand in the box, and Alvarez stepped up to convert in the 56th minute. The mood quickly shifted in the 74th minute, however, when Eberechi Eze landed heavily on Alvarez’s knee and ankle after a challenge, sending the Argentine to the ground in obvious discomfort. He was replaced by Alex Baena in the 78th minute.

Despite visibly showing concern on the substitutes’ bench, Argentine journalist and insider Gaston Edul has confirmed that Alvarez’s situation is “nothing to worry about.” The striker came off due to a momentary twist and will undergo further testing, but the early indications point to a minor issue rather than anything more significant.

Head coach Diego Simeone also addressed Alvarez’s condition in his post-match comments on Movistar+. “They will perform a test on Thursday to see what the issue is. We hope it’s as minor as possible,” he said, before adding in the press conference that he expects the Argentine to be available for the second leg.

Simeone also shed light on the broader injury situation within the squad following the first leg. “Giuliano had a collision with Piero Hincapie at the start, a blow to the waist that was bothering him a lot. Let’s hope that is also minor. Alexander Sorloth said his leg was bothering him during the warmup, and we protected him so as not to force anything,” the coach said.

Alvarez surpasses Messi’s record in the Champions League

With 10 goals and four assists in 14 games, Alvarez is in the midst of his finest personal run in the Champions League, and his fitness for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday will be crucial for Atletico’s hopes of reaching the final. In the process, he has also left a significant mark in the record books.

His goal against Arsenal made Julian Alvarez the fastest Argentine player to reach 25 Champions League goals, achieving the milestone in 41 games. Lionel Messi had previously held that mark, having taken 42 matches to reach the same tally during his time at Barcelona.

Messi remains far ahead at the summit of the all-time Champions League scoring chart for Argentine players, with an extraordinary 129 goals in 163 appearances. Di Stefano sits second with 49 and Sergio Agüero third with 41, but Alvarez has now climbed into a share of fourth place with 25 goals, level with Hernan Crespo, who needed 65 games, and Lautaro Martinez, who took 66 appearances to reach the same mark, a testament not only to Alvarez’s elite form but to his growing legacy in Argentine soccer history.

The clash against Al-Ahli unfolded with tension and patience, as both sides struggled to create clear chances early on. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute, when Ronaldo rose to head home from a Joao Felix delivery, sending the stadium into celebration.

That goal shifted the balance entirely, and Kingsley Coman added a second late on to seal a 2-0 victory. The result pushed Al-Nassr further ahead at the top of the table, strengthening its grip on the Saudi Pro League title race.

With the win, Jorge Jesus and his players moved eight points clear of second place, creating a gap that now feels decisive with only four matches remaining. The victory also extended the club’s remarkable run, as Jorge Jesus’s side reached 20 consecutive wins across all competitions.

Defensively, the performance stood out as much as the attacking moments. Al-Nassr registered another clean sheet, bringing its total to 17 in the league, underlining the balance that has defined their campaign.

The record revealed

Beyond the result, a personal milestone added extra weight to the night. According to Transfermarkt‘s data, Ronaldo’s involvement in the victory meant he matched the longest winning streak of his club career, a record that dates back to his time at Real Madrid.

The number itself tells the story: 12 consecutive league wins in matches he has played, now replicated years later in a different league and at a very different stage of his career. It is a reminder that consistency has remained one of his defining traits.

The goal against Al-Ahli carried additional significance, as it marked Ronaldo’s 25th league goal of the season. He continues to chase the Saudi Golden Boot, sitting third just behind Julian Quinones (28 goals) and Ivan Toney, who has scored 27 goals this season.

At 41, he also reached another milestone, scoring the 970th goal of his professional career. Each contribution adds another layer to a legacy that continues to evolve even in the later stages of his journey.

The road to a first major title

The bigger picture is now impossible to ignore. Al-Nassr stands on the verge of securing its first league title in years, and for Ronaldo, it would represent his first major domestic trophy with the club.

His previous success in the region came in the Arab Club Champions Cup. Regardless of the accomplishment, neither FIFA nor the AFC recognizes the trophy as an official award. Thus, this campaign carries far greater significance.

That message came after another defining night in Riyadh, where Al-Nassr strengthened its grip on the top of the table and extended a remarkable run of form. Al-Nassr defeated Al-Ahli 2-0 in a match that had far more weight than the scoreline alone suggests. The club moved eight points clear of Al-Hilal and 13 ahead of Al-Ahli, creating a gap that now places it firmly in control of the title race.

The breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo rose highest to meet a Joao Felix corner and directed a powerful header into the net. The finish broke a tight contest and shifted the momentum entirely in favor of the home side.

Al-Ahli had earlier threatened through Merih Demiral and Riyad Mahrez, but neither opportunity changed the rhythm of the match. Once Ronaldo struck, the game tilted decisively toward Al-Nassr’s control.

Kingsley Coman added the second goal in the 90th minute after a sharp attacking sequence that exposed Al-Ahli on the break. The finish confirmed a result built on patience rather than sustained attacking pressure. This result also extended the Knight of Najd’s winning run to 20 consecutive matches in all competitions, a streak that has become central to its title push.

The message that summed up the moment

After the final whistle, the tone of confidence became even clearer. Ronaldo took to social media with a short but powerful statement: “YALLA [Let’s go in Arabic]!! WE ARE AL NASSR!!” The six-word message carried more than celebration. It felt like a signal to both Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal that the title race is slipping away, and that Al-Nassr believes the job is nearly complete.

Historic milestone for Ronaldo

The goal itself added another layer to Ronaldo’s legacy. It marked the 970th goal of his professional career, a number that continues to underline his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He also reached 25 league goals for the season, maintaining his push for another Golden Boot.

With nine goals in his last nine matches, his form has arrived at exactly the right moment for Al-Nassr’s title charge. What’s more, Al-Nassr’s victory created a clearer separation at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. With only a handful of matches remaining, the club now controls its own destiny in the race for the championship.

Al-Hilal remains mathematically in contention, but the gap places significant pressure on any remaining fixtures. Al-Ahli, despite a strong form earlier in the season, now sit further back and face an increasingly difficult path.

Match overview

Everything points to a must-watch semifinal as Toluca and Los Angeles FC collide with a place in the final hanging in the balance. Toluca enter in ruthless form after dismantling LA Galaxy by a 7-2 aggregate scoreline, winning both legs with authority.

On the other hand, LAFC punched their ticket by taking down Cruz Azul 4-1 over two games. With both teams firing on all cylinders, this matchup shapes up as a high-tempo, attack-minded battle packed with intensity—make sure you don’t miss a minute of the action.

After being substituted in the 59th minute of last Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, Salah sparked concern, with fears even emerging that his season with the Reds—and therefore his tenure at the club—could be over.

“Liverpool FC can confirm Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season,” the English side said on Wednesday in a statement published on their official social media accounts. The news was well received by fans, who quickly flooded the post with likes and comments.

This will allow the Egyptian winger to properly bring his time with the Reds to a close. His departure at the end of the 2025–26 campaign has already been confirmed, making each remaining match all the more significant.

When will Salah return?

While Liverpool did not provide a specific recovery timeline, the expectation that he will return before the end of the season is telling. There is only one month left in the English campaign, during which the Reds will play four Premier League matches.

The next one comes this Sunday against Manchester United, in a crucial clash in the race to qualify for the next UEFA Champions League. After that, Liverpool will face Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford. The final match is scheduled for May 24, meaning Salah’s return is expected before that date.

Egypt set to have Salah fully fit

Liverpool are not the only ones with reason to be encouraged by the positive medical update. Salah’s expected return before the end of the club season means he should arrive at the World Cup in peak condition and with match fitness.

After club competitions wrap up in the final days of May, head coach Hossam Hassan will have to finalize the 26-man squad by June 1. From there, the national team will travel to North America for final preparations ahead of the tournament.

On June 6, Egypt are scheduled to play a friendly against Brazil in Cleveland, which will serve as their final major test before the start of the World Cup. Their opening match is set for June 15 against Belgium in Group G, followed by games against New Zealand and Iran.

According to Ferran Correas via Diario Sport, Lionel Messi recommended the signing of Cristian Romero in 2021 as a reliable reinforcement for the defensive line. However, Barcelona opted to sign Eric García instead on a free transfer. Following that, the Argentine defender joined Tottenham Hotspur for €54 million. While the Blaugrana missed the chance to sign him back then, they have now reportedly added him to their list of targets for the summer of 2026.

Alessandro Bastoni remains the top priority to strengthen the defense. However, Inter Milan are not willing to let him leave for less than €70 million, complicating any potential move. As a result, Barcelona have decided to add Cristian Romero to their shortlist, especially with Tottenham Hotspur close to relegation, reveals Diario Sport. However, the Blaugranas may seek a transfer move around €50-60M or even less if they are relegated.

While Romero is not a left-footed defender like Bastoni, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco highly value his profile. At 28 years old, the Argentine brings leadership, quality on the ball, and a strong mentality in big matches, having been closely monitored throughout the season. For this reason, they see him as a player with a profile similar to Iñigo Martínez, capable of organizing the defensive line with his experience and decisiveness.

Cristian Romero was key in Lionel Messi’s Argentina World Cup team

Argentina managed to surprise everyone with their dominant performances at the 2022 World Cup, shining offensively through Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María. However, head coach Lionel Scaloni made a bold call-in defense by placing his trust in Cristian Romero, who went to became one of the standout players of the tournament, delivering consistently strong and decisive performances coupled with Nicolas Otamendi.

With his competitive spirit, physicality, and excellent vision, Cristian Romero became an undisputed starter, playing a key role in winning the trophy. Upon arriving in the Premier League, the Argentine established as one of the most well-rounded defenders, holding his own against players like Virgil van Dijk and being considered one of the best in the league. For this reason, his potential move to Barcelona would be a huge boost to the team’s balance.

In the event that Tottenham Hotspur are relegated to the EFL Championship, the Blaugrana would be in pole position to secure his signing, offering him a guaranteed starting role and a highly competitive project. However, they would still have to compete with clubs such as Atlético Madrid and others from the Premier League, who have pursued his signing in recent seasons. With this in mind, he is expected to be at the center of a major transfer move.

Mourinho said: “Who’s going to win? I say Portugal, which has the potential to do it. Carletto is Carletto, even if people think Brazil can’t do it. But for me Brazil are one thing with Carletto and another thing without Carletto. I think they can do it.”

In his response, he also named three other potential winners, none of them Spain.: “Argentina are the world champions. They look like a real team: united, compact and happy to play for the national team. France with the talent they have they could make three competitive teams. Someday the day should come for England too.”

Mourinho names managers to improve Italy

A manager as experienced as Mourinho may eventually want to step away from the pressure of club football. Still, he is not ready to leave the day-to-day sensations of the profession yet.

Italy was the main topic of the conversation when he was asked about the international level. While he said he is not ready for that change in his career, he named a few managers the country could rely on amid its current crisis.

Mourinho said: “I disagree with having to hire a foreign manager. Italy has people with charisma, quality and experience. You can’t have Carletto, but you can have Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, and there are more.”

Mourinho on Christian Chivu

The Portuguese coach has managed many clubs throughout his career. However, he is still best remembered for his time in Italy, where he won the treble with Inter. The club now looks ready to win Serie A with a former player of his, Christian Chivu, in charge.

Mourinho said: “Chivu was very smart. He didn’t go from the field to the bench in one week like other players did before. He worked in youth divisions, did courses. He had experience in a place like Parma, where there is less pressure. He went to Inter in an unstable situation and did a great job in his first year.”

Match Overview

Group A’s top spot is on the line as Flamengo put their perfect record to the test against Estudiantes de La Plata in a pivotal Matchday 3 clash; the Brazilian powerhouse has opened with two straight wins for six points.

Facing the group leaders will be Estudiantes, who sit just behind in second with four, making this early showdown a critical swing game in the race for control, especially given both clubs’ strong Copa Libertadores pedigree—don’t miss this marquee matchup.

For 76 minutes, the match had been tight and difficult for both sides. Each team’s defensive structure neutralized the attacking talent on the field, and clear scoring chances were few and far between.

Ronaldo had a golden opportunity in the first half, when a through ball put him one-on-one with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. However, as he tried to get past the opponent, the forward lost his angle and ended up delivering an off-target cross.

In the second half, CR7 got his chance and made it count, scoring the opener with a well-placed header following a corner kick taken by Joao Felix. The goal gave Al Nassr the composure to control the tempo in the closing stages, with the pressure now shifting onto the visitors.

With that scenario unfolding, Jorge Jesus’ side showed their quality and sealed the result in the final stretch of the match. Following a corner kick, Kingsley Coman collected the ball inside the box and scored the second goal with a powerful right-footed strike.

Al Nassr are closing in on the title

With Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Al Ahli, Al Nassr took a major step in their pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title. They now sit top of the standings with 79 points, eight ahead of Al Hilal, who have a game in hand.

That means that, even in the worst-case scenario, the gap between the two sides would be five points. With only four matches remaining in the season, Al Nassr’s chances of securing the title are extremely high. Still, they cannot afford to relax, as one of those final four fixtures will be against Al Hilal, where that advantage will be directly on the line.

Ronaldo closes in on 1,000 goals

The goal against Al Ahli brought Cristiano Ronaldo even closer to the 1,000-goal milestone in his professional career. He now has 970, leaving him just 30 goals short of a mark no other player has ever reached in the history of soccer.

Additionally, in the Saudi Pro League scoring chart, the Portuguese forward remains firmly in the race despite having missed a month of action due to a muscle injury. With 25 goals, Ronaldo currently sits third, two behind Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and three behind the leader, Al Qadsiah’s Julian Quinones.

The Portuguese forward entered the night carrying enormous expectations, knowing that every match now adds to the story of a remarkable career. While Portugal looks ahead to the World Cup, Ronaldo’s immediate focus remained fixed on helping his club seize a long-awaited prize.

Al-Nassr faced Al-Ahli in what had been billed as one of the most important fixtures of the Saudi Pro League campaign. The club arrived in outstanding form, bringing a 19-match winning streak across all competitions into the contest, while the visitor entered with confidence after recent continental success.

By the final whistle, Al-Nassr had secured a crucial 2-0 victory, with CR7 and Kingsley Coman once again proving decisive. The result strengthened the club’s grip on first place, extending its lead to an eight-point advantage over Al-Hilal, who still have a game in hand.

It was a win that could prove pivotal in the title race, keeping Al-Nassr firmly in control of its own destiny and moving Ronaldo ever closer to what would be his first major league title since his move to the Middle East in January 2023.

Why this win means so much

For many players, one more league medal would be another line on the résumé. For Ronaldo, it carries a deeper meaning because this is the trophy that has remained just out of reach since his move to Saudi Arabia.

He has already conquered England, Spain, and Italy during his club career. Winning the Saudi Pro League would add another chapter to a journey built on adapting, competing, and succeeding in different soccer cultures.

It would also validate the decision that changed the direction of the league. When Ronaldo arrived, he brought worldwide attention, increased visibility, and fresh ambition to the competition.

The World Cup countdown adds emotion

The timing of this title push gives the story extra weight. With only weeks remaining before the World Cup, every successful performance feels tied to a larger legacy conversation.

Ronaldo has won nearly everything available in soccer, yet the World Cup with Portugal remains the ultimate prize still capable of redefining history. Entering that tournament as a newly crowned league champion would provide both confidence and symbolism. It would show that even late in his career, he can still lead teams to silverware under pressure.

Match Overview

Pressure is building in Group D of the Copa Libertadores as Barcelona SC and Universidad Catolica collide in a matchup that could heavily impact the race for a Round of 16 spot. Catolica enter with three points and fresh momentum after a statement win over Cruzeiro, aiming to stack results and climb the standings.

Barcelona SC, meanwhile, find themselves in a must-win situation after dropping their first two matches, leaving no margin for error if it hopes to stay in contention. With both sides chasing survival and points at a premium, expect a high-intensity battle where urgency and execution will define the outcome.

Fenerbahce now faces important decisions after a dramatic derby defeat that raised fresh questions about discipline, squad planning, and whether the club will continue with the former Manchester City star. With the transfer window approaching, interest from abroad has naturally begun to build.

The turning point came during the club’s heated clash with Galatasaray, a match that carried major title implications. With the side trailing, tensions escalated when the Brazilian received a second yellow card and was sent off after dissent and delaying a penalty kick.

What followed only intensified the drama. The goalkeeper confronted the referee physically and later struck the VAR monitor on his way off the pitch, leaving officials and spectators stunned. Those scenes overshadowed the soccer and deepened concern inside the club. Fenerbahce eventually lost 3-0, a result that badly damaged its championship hopes.

Difficult period for the Brazilian amid transfer tensions

The derby incident came shortly after another disappointing moment in league play. Ederson had also been criticized following a costly late mistake in a 2-2 draw against Rizespor, which increased frustration among supporters.

For a player who arrived with a strong reputation and years of elite-level experience, the sudden downturn has been striking. Instead of being seen as a solution, he is now being discussed as a possible departure. This season, however, his overall numbers still show value. He has made 34 appearances, kept 13 clean sheets, and conceded 33 goals.

Beyond the result, the internal reaction has been significant. Turkish daily Sabah suggests that club officials are now considering Ederson’s future, with disciplinary concerns playing a major role in those discussions.

Al-Nassr’s interest emerges

As uncertainty grows, Al-Nassr has been linked with the goalkeeper. As per NOWTVTurkiye’s journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the Saudi club is keeping tabs on Ederson’s situation, potentially viewing him as an opportunity should he become available.

That possibility is understandable. Al-Nassr continues to build a squad capable of competing domestically and continentally, and adding a goalkeeper with Premier League and international pedigree would fit that ambition.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence also gives the club a strong appeal for experienced stars considering their next move. Saudi soccer has increasingly become a destination for established names seeking a new challenge.

Ederson’s release clause revealed

The financial side of any move may prove decisive. According to A Spor journalist, Erdem Akbas, Ederson’s contract includes a $28 million release clause. That figure provides clarity for interested clubs and creates a clear benchmark if negotiations accelerate.

For a goalkeeper with top-level experience, the amount may be viewed as manageable by wealthier sides. At the same time, clubs would also need to consider wages and the player’s personal priorities.

Another key issue is compensation. The report adds that the Brazilian veteran currently earns around $12.3 million net per year, while some interested teams have been willing to offer closer to $3.4 million annually. That difference could become one of the biggest obstacles in any deal.

Even if clubs admire his quality, matching his present salary may be difficult outside a handful of markets. This is one reason Saudi teams are frequently mentioned. Clubs in the region often have the financial flexibility to structure competitive offers for major players.

The winger has endured an unfamiliar dry spell, but his broader influence remains valued inside the squad. Rather than treating the situation as a crisis, the club seems focused on how to restore his sharpness and maximize his qualities next season.

Pulisic has now gone 16 consecutive club matches without scoring, matching the longest goalless run of his professional club career. His latest blank came in a 0-0 draw against Juventus, where he was substituted after an hour and showed visible frustration. The last time he experienced a similar streak came during the 2022-23 season at Chelsea.

For a player known for decisive moments and direct attacking play, the run has naturally attracted attention. Yet the full picture is more balanced than the headline suggests. Before the drought began, the American star had already scored 10 goals in the first half of the season, helping the Rossoneri remain competitive near the top of Serie A.

Milan still sees value beyond goals

Even during the difficult spell, Pulisic’s overall numbers remain respectable. Across 31 matches, he has recorded a 7.04 rating, alongside 10 goals and 3 assists in all competitions. His underlying metrics suggest continued involvement rather than decline.

Sofascore cites 10 big chances created, 1.39 key passes per game, and an expected assists total of 4.06, indicating that teammates have also missed opportunities created by him. That matters when evaluating form. A player can be scoreless yet still productive, and Milan appears to recognize that distinction.

The real reason he is likely to stay

The mystery surrounding Pulisic’s future becomes clearer when examining Milan’s plans for next season. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club is preparing a wider reshaping of its attack, with several forwards facing uncertain futures. However, Pulisic is considered one of the few players the club is determined to keep.

That confidence reportedly comes from both management and coach Massimiliano Allegri, who still sees the American as an important tactical piece. Rather than selling him after a difficult stretch, Milan intends to rebuild around a structure that better suits his strengths.

The plan to reignite his form

That leads directly to the strategy emerging behind the scenes. Milan reportedly wants to pair Pulisic with the right No. 9 striker, allowing him to operate in spaces where he can arrive late, combine quickly, and attack goal-facing situations.

Allegri is also said to view him as a capable second striker, especially when partnered with a center forward who occupies defenders. This would reduce the physical battles that have troubled him in certain matches. In simple terms, the Serie A giant believes the answer is tactical adjustment rather than transfer action.

“Ney, are you thinking about the World Cup?” a reporter asked the forward during the post-match press conference following Santos’ 1-1 draw against San Lorenzo in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. “Of course. Every Brazilian player thinks about that. I hope I can be there,” Neymar replied.

Moments later, another journalist asked whether a potential reunion with Lionel Messi was also part of his plans. “Yes, of course,” Ney answered, going a step further by linking that possibility to a potential meeting at the World Cup: “Also, a final between Brazil and Argentina would be spectacular.”

For now, the Santos forward knows that to achieve his goal of returning to the Brazil national team, he must first deliver convincing performances at club level to catch coach Carlo Ancelotti’s attention.

In that regard, the past few weeks have been positive. Neymar played the full 90 minutes against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana and has now done so in five consecutive matches across all competitions. He only missed last Saturday’s clash against Bahia in the Brazilian Serie A, but that was not due to physical issues—it was a decision by coach Cuca to prioritize this week’s match in Buenos Aires.

An Argentina-Brazil World Cup final would be unprecedented

Despite being two of the strongest national teams in the world, with eight titles between them, Argentina and Brazil have never met in a World Cup final. In fact, they have not faced each other at any stage of the tournament in 36 years.

The last time the two South American giants met at a World Cup was in the Round of 16 at Italy 1990, when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Claudio Caniggia. That result helped them advance all the way to the final, where they lost 1-0 to West Germany.

Overall, Argentina and Brazil have faced each other four times in the FIFA tournament. Two of those matches were Brazilian victories (2-1 in 1974 and 3-1 in 1982), along with a 0-0 draw in 1978 and Argentina’s win in 1990.

Messi vs Neymar at international level

The friendship between Lionel Messi and Neymar, forged during their years together at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has not prevented them from facing off multiple times at international level. Messi holds the edge, with three wins and two losses.

The most significant meeting between the two came in the 2021 Copa America final, when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 thanks to a goal from Angel Di Maria, ending a 28-year trophy drought. Messi also recorded wins in 2010 and 2012, while Neymar came out on top in a 2014 friendly and a 2016 World Cup qualifier.

According to Fabrice Hawkins via RMC Sport, Achraf Hakimi has been diagnosed with a hamstring tear, ruling him out of the second leg of the Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich. Despite this setback, he could return in time if the French side qualifies for the final. With that in mind, the Moroccan is also not expected to risk his participation in the 2026 World Cup, which comes as a major relief for his national team.

In his place, head coach Luis Enrique is expected to rely on Warren Zaïre-Emery, as Fabián Ruiz has returned and will start in midfield again, according to Fabrice Hawkins. Without the Moroccan, PSG lose one of their most structural players, given his importance both defensively and in building attacking plays. However, the presence of the young French midfielder could prove key in ball progression, strengthening the midfield and allowing João Neves more freedom.

Alongside the Moroccan’s absence, Paris Saint-Germain will also be without Lucas Chevalier after he picked up an injury in the latest training session, reveals Fabrice Hawkins. As the backup goalkeeper, his absence does not pose a major issue for head coach Luis Enrique, who is expected to trust on Renato Marin as backup in his place while calling up a youth player to fill the third spot.

Hakimi’s absence could prove beneficial for Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz

Achraf Hakimi has established as one of PSG’s best players. Although the Moroccan didn’t contribute much offensively, he did become a key player in containing Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz by constantly pressuring him and matching his explosive speed. Without him in the second leg, the German side may have far more opportunities to mount a comeback, as the Colombian have shines with his dribbling skills and speed.

Unlike the Moroccan, Warren Zaïre-Emery does not stand out as strongly on the defensive end, nor does he possess the same pace. As a result, Luis Díaz could have more opportunities to shine, as he already did in the first leg. To compensate defensively, João Neves may play a key role by supporting the French midfielder, creating a 2v1 dynamic to limit dangerous situations.

Coach Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka will travel with the squad, though he didn’t include the English winger in the starting lineup against Atletico. Saka made his return from an Achilles injury last Sunday against Newcastle United, playing the final 10 minutes, being far from reaching top fitness against the Spanish side.

Beyond Saka, Arteta was also asked at Tuesday’s press conference about Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze, both of whom were forced off during the Newcastle match. “Kai is out and Ebs is ready to go,” Arteta said, before elaborating on the German’s situation. “He had a little niggle. I don’t know how serious it is. It didn’t look too big. The action, the way he describes it, is not too sharp. But we have to wait and see.”

Alongside Havertz, Jurrien Timber remains another significant absentee for the Gunners, still not fully fit following his most recent groin injury. Saka, however, did participate in training at London Colney, and will be eager to make an impact after missing the entire quarterfinal series against Sporting CP.

Arsenal face a formidable challenge in Spain

Having reached the Champions League semifinal in back-to-back seasons, Arsenal now arrive in Spain at a moment when their form has dipped, and they face an Atletico Madrid side fresh off eliminating FC Barcelona, one of the competition’s most fancied contenders. While the two clubs met in the league phase earlier this season with Arsenal running out 4-0 winners, both teams have evolved considerably since that meeting.

Asked what he expects from the game, Arteta was generous in his praise of Diego Simeone’s legacy. “They are very strong at both ends, otherwise they would not be here. The energy they create in the stadium, how they believe in it. We have prepared the game to win it. I think a lot of the work he’s carried out, he has transformed the club in 15 years. The way he has done it, I have always had admiration for these kind of people. He is very connected to the club. He is an absolute role model,” the Arsenal coach said.

Confirmed lineups for Atletico Madrid and Arsenal

Atletico Madrid’s confirmed lineups (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Johnny Cardoso, Ademola Lookman; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Head coach: Diego Simeone.

Arsenal’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba, Piero Hincapie; Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi; Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli.
Head coach: Mikel Arteta.

This key clash arrives at a crucial stage of the season, with Al-Nassr sitting top of the table and pushing toward a decisive step in the title race. The club has built its campaign on consistency and dominance, while Al-Ahli remains firmly in the top three and determined to disrupt that momentum.

Al-Nassr holds a commanding position with 76 points, while Al-Ahli has gathered 66 points with a game in hand, making this encounter a potential turning point. The added edge comes from the Royals’ 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture, a result still remembered as a warning that the league leaders are not untouchable.

However, Ronaldo and his teammates arrive on an extraordinary 19-match winning streak across all competitions, a run that has defined their season. At home, the club has been even stronger, winning 13 of 14 league matches, turning Al Awwal Park into a near-impenetrable fortress.

On the other hand, Al-Ahli travels to Riyadh in a confident mood, sitting third in the standings and coming off strong recent form. The club has won four of its last five matches, while also carrying momentum from its continental success. With names like Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney, the club blends experience and firepower in a way that can punish any lapse in concentration.

Will Ronaldo play?

As the buildup intensifies, attention inevitably turns back to Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, Ronaldo will start and lead the line alongside Joao Felix, forming one of the most dangerous attacking pairings in the league.

Mane and Coman will likely provide width, while the Portuguese duo operates centrally, aiming to break down a disciplined opponent.

Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli: Confirmed lineups

Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-4-2): Bento; Boushal, Simakan, Al-Amri, Martinez; Coman, Al-Khaibari, Brozovic, Mane; Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al-Ahli confirmed XI (4-3-3): Mendy; Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Hawsawi; Edoa, Aljohani, Kessie; Galeno, Toney, Mahrez.

After being named in the starting lineup and playing 84 minutes before being replaced by Lucas Hernandez, Mendes became the youngest Portuguese player to reach 50 Champions League appearances.

The Portuguese left-back hit that mark at 23 years and 313 days, comfortably surpassing Ronaldo. The forward had reached that total during the 2008-09 season, when he was still playing for Manchester United, at 24 years and 83 days, and held the record for more than 17 years.

Mendes’ numbers come exclusively from his time with Paris Saint-Germain. Before joining the French side, he spent three seasons with Sporting CP, where he did not make a Champions League appearance. Since 2021, however, the defender has become a key player for PSG, something reflected in his seven goals and four assists in 50 matches in European competition.

Portuguese players with the most Champions League appearances

What makes Nuno Mendes’ achievement even more impressive is how it compares to other Portuguese stars from recent decades. At under 24, the PSG left-back is already approaching numbers that other icons took years to build.

At the moment, Mendes is just 14 matches away from breaking into the top 10 Portuguese players with the most appearances in Champions League history. That spot is currently held by Jose Bosingwa, who made 64 appearances with Boavista, Porto and Chelsea, as well as Vitor Baia, who played for Porto and Barcelona.

Top 10 Portuguese players by Champions League appearances:

1- Cristiano Ronaldo (183)

2- Pepe (120)

3- Luis Figo (103)

4- Bernardo Silva (101)

5- Ricardo Carvalho (86)

6- Deco (75)

7- Joao Moutinho (66)

8- Ruben Dias (65)

9- Vitor Baia (64)

10- Jose Bosingwa (64)

It is worth noting that this ranking only includes players who have featured in the competition since it adopted the UEFA Champions League format in the 1991-92 season. Before that, during its time as the European Cup, other Portuguese players also made their mark. The most notable case is Eusebio, who recorded 59 goals in 78 matches and won the title with Benfica in 1962.

“Kvaratskhelia is the best player in the world and he’s only going to get better. I don’t know if he will stay on the left side because he just knows what to do in every situation. He carries the team in certain moments so I like his intelligence. He’s the extra man in midfield and also goes to make a difference up front. He’s unbelievable,” Seedorf said, via Amazon Prime.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique has clearly elevated Kvaratskhelia’s level. Throughout the current season, he has scored 18 goals and provided 9 assists in 43 matches, marking his best campaign statistically. However, the Georgian’s impact goes far beyond the numbers, as he acts as the orchestrator of the attack, rotating positions with Dembélé and Désiré Doué while bringing out the best in his teammates.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has put in an impressive performance in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, emerging as a strong contender for the tournament’s best player. He has recorded 15 goal contributions in the 14 games he has played, matching Harry Kane’s tally and surpassing Ousmane Dembélé. Recognizing his importance, head coach Luis Enrique considers him irreplaceable on the team, as he is a well-rounded player capable of breaking down any defense.

Kvaratskhelia may not have an easy path for the 2026 Ballon d’Or

After his outstanding performances with Paris Saint-Germain, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could easily emerge as one of the leading candidates to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. However, the Georgian may not have an easy path to the award, as his national team will not be at the World Cup, potentially allowing players like Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and even Luis Díaz to move ahead of him.

Even if Kvaratskhelia leads PSG to a second consecutive UEFA Champions League title, he could lose significant ground in the Ballon d’Or race due to his absence from the World Cup. In that context, players like Dembélé or Doué could strengthen their cases if they shine with France. Likewise, the MVP or top scorer of the tournament could become a decisive factor in determining the winner, putting the Georgian at a disadvantage.

hether he wins the 2026 Ballon d’Or or not, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has already earned his place among the best players in the world, being recognized by several players and coaches. Not only does his goalscoring impact stand out, but his presence also elevates those around him, making him a unique difference-maker for PSG and for Luis Enrique, who has established him as a cornerstone of the club’s sporting project.

Match Overview

Atletico Madrid enters this Champions League semifinal with a singular, high-stakes mission. After a painful Copa del Rey final loss and a faltering domestic campaign, European glory is the only prize left for Diego Simeone’s squad. Fueled by a surprisingly potent attack that has already set a club record for goals in the competition, Atleti is playing with a sense of finality, aiming to secure a decisive first-leg advantage at their formidable home ground.

For Arsenal, the pressure is reaching a fever pitch as they chase a historic Premier League and Champions League double. The Gunners arrive in Madrid as the only unbeaten team left in the tournament, but the physical and mental toll of a grueling domestic title race looms large. This clash is more than just a semifinal; it’s a critical test of Mikel Arteta’s side’s resilience and their ability to manage a high-stakes battle on two fronts.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This season has presented a tale of two trajectories. Atletico Madrid has struggled for consistency in La Liga but has transformed into an offensive powerhouse in Europe, knocking out giants like Barcelona on their way to the semis. In contrast, Arsenal has maintained near-flawless form in the Champions League while navigating a razor-thin title race in England, a demanding schedule that could prove to be their biggest vulnerability.

The tactical battle promises a fascinating clash of styles. Simeone has shifted his team toward a more aggressive, high-pressing system, which, while effective in attack, often leaves their defense exposed. Arsenal, known for their defensive solidity under Arteta in tough away fixtures, faces a choice: stick to their cautious approach or look to exploit the spaces Atleti will inevitably leave open. This game will likely be decided by which manager can best impose their will.

The motivations for both clubs are crystal clear. For Atletico, this competition is everything. Rested and with their focus entirely on this tie, they will harness the energy of their home crowd to build a lead to take to London. Arsenal, meanwhile, is burdened by the demands of their domestic campaign. Chasing a historic double requires immense squad depth and mental fortitude, and this trip to Madrid will be a defining moment in their ambitious season.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, there is almost nothing to separate these two clubs, who have only met three times. The record is perfectly split, with one win for Atletico Madrid, one win for Arsenal, and one draw. This limited history adds an extra layer of unpredictability to this crucial Champions League semifinal showdown.

Their most recent encounter was earlier this season in the Champions League group stage, where Arsenal secured a dominant 4-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. Before that, the teams clashed in the 2017/18 Europa League semifinals. In that tie, Atletico Madrid advanced 2-1 on aggregate after securing a tense 1-0 win at home following a 1-1 draw in London.

A powerful trend has emerged from their few meetings: the home team has never lost. This statistic heavily favors Atletico Madrid in this first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano. With an average of 2.3 goals per match across their three encounters and only one clean sheet for each side, the data suggests that home-field advantage could be the decisive factor.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are contending with significant injury concerns that could impact their strategic approach for this pivotal first leg.

Atletico Madrid will be without key midfielder Pablo Barrios for the remainder of the season, while the availability of Ademola Lookman and David Hancko remains in doubt. These absences could force Simeone to adjust his midfield dynamics and rely heavily on his veteran core to control the tempo of the game.

Arsenal faces its own set of challenges, with Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz emerging as major doubts after picking up injuries in their last Premier League match. With Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori also likely unavailable, Arteta’s squad depth will be tested. However, the return to full fitness of captain Martin Ødegaard provides a massive boost to their midfield control and creativity.

Atletico Madrid Projected XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Pubill, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, González; Griezmann, Álvarez.
Simeone is expected to deploy his classic 4-4-2 formation, designed for defensive resilience and sharp counter-attacks. The experience of Antoine Griezmann and Koke will be vital in managing the game, while Julián Álvarez will lead the line, looking to exploit any gaps in the Arsenal defense.

Arsenal Projected XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Trossard, Gyökeres.
Arteta will likely counter with a 4-3-3 focused on controlling possession through the midfield trio of Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Martín Zubimendi. The attacking threat will come from the dynamic front three, though Bukayo Saka‘s limited fitness means he may start on the bench, putting pressure on Viktor Gyökeres and Leandro Trossard to deliver.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal live stream on Fubo. The service is accessible on a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs such as Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

In addition to the Champions League, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions. You can watch other European leagues, including Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers, as well as domestic cups and international fixtures.

A subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99 per month, providing an affordable way to watch the biggest games from around the world. The platform often runs promotional offers, so be sure to check for any available discounts.

SEE MORE: For a complete rundown of all of the Champions League games, check out our Champions League schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

Match Overview

The title race in the Saudi Pro League is heating up, and Al Nassr enter their next test with little margin for error. Sitting atop the table with 76 points—five clear of Al Hilal—Cristiano Ronaldo and company remain in control but know any slip could reopen the door.

The pressure ramps up against a dangerous Al Ahli side currently third on 66 points with a game in hand, a scenario that keeps their own championship hopes alive. With momentum on the line for both clubs, Al Nassr will need to maintain their winning form against a motivated contender ready to make a late push for the crown.

Ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress, the FIFA Council convened for its 36th general meeting in Vancouver, Canada, where several significant decisions were made, including the introduction of red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontations. The financial distribution announcement stood out as one of the most consequential items on the agenda.

FIFA released a statement detailing the increase. “Given the commercial success of FIFA’s flagship men’s tournament, the FIFA Council agreed to increase the resources to be distributed to all 48 participating teams by a further 15%, totaling USD 871 million,” the governing body confirmed.

The total pot is divided into three distinct components. The first is Preparation Money, an advance payment designed to help national teams cover the costs of training camps, friendly matches, travel to the host nations of the United States, Canada and Mexico, and the general logistics involved in preparing for the tournament, with the amount rising from $1.5 million to $2.5 million per team.

The second component is Qualification Money, which increases from $9 million to $10 million per team. This represents the guaranteed minimum prize money earned by every nation that qualifies for the final tournament, typically distributed after the competition concludes or paid in scheduled installments.

The third element consists of additional team contributions, which now total over $16 million per side. These are ongoing subsidies provided to cover daily expenses for official team delegations during the tournament, including accommodation and local transportation costs.

Infantino on FIFA’s announcements

With a record revenue of $7.6 billion reported back in 2023 and an even more ambitious budget of $14 billion projected for the 2027-2030 cycle, Infantino has set his sights on continued financial records for FIFA, driven in large part by the commercial momentum surrounding the 2026 World Cup.

In an Instagram post addressing Tuesday’s decisions, Infantino spoke directly to the significance of the increased distribution. “FIFA is proud to be in its most solid financial position ever, enabling us to help all FIFA Member Associations in an unprecedented way. Evidenced by the increase in financial contributions to the FIFA World Cup 2026 participating teams, this is one more example of how FIFA’s resources are reinvested back into the game,” he wrote.

Rummenigge served as Bayern‘s CEO from 2002 to 2021 and remains a key figure within the club’s structure under the leadership now overseen by Oliver Kahn. Under the current project with Vincent Kompany as head coach, Olise has emerged as an indispensable piece, currently standing as the most valuable player in the entire Bundesliga with a market value of €140 million according to Transfermarkt.

In a conversation with the portal t-online, Rummenigge was asked directly whether a €200 million offer would be enough to pry Olise away from Munich, and his answer left no room for ambiguity. “For a player like Olise, there is no price tag that would make us flinch,” he said.

To illustrate the principle at stake, Rummenigge reached back to one of Bayern’s most famous moments of resolve in the transfer market, drawing a parallel with another French winger. “In 2009, we had an incredible offer from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry. At the time, that would have been a new world transfer record. I went to our CFO at the time, Karl Hopfner, and Uli Hoeneß. We discussed what to do with this offer for two hours,” he recalled.

From that deliberation, Rummenigge said, came a guiding principle that has shaped the club’s transfer policy ever since. “On that day, we decided something fundamental: that in the future, we would no longer sell any player whose sporting presence we would miss. And this unwritten law still applies today,” he added.

According to Sport Bild, Olise has been linked with Real Madrid and Liverpool, the latter potentially looking for a successor to Mohamed Salah following his departure at the end of the 2025-26 season. With 20 goals and 29 assists across 47 appearances for Bayern, persuading either the club or the player to part ways would be an extraordinarily difficult task.

Bayern’s major business with Olise

It was Bayern Munich who ultimately won the race for Olise’s signature in the summer of 2024, fending off interest from clubs including Manchester United to bring the winger to Germany. The Bavarian side paid Crystal Palace €53 million for a player contracted through June 2029, and in less than two years, that investment has ballooned in value.

According to Transfermarkt, Olise’s current market value stands at €140 million, nearly three times the €55 million fee at which he departed Palace. Furthermore, should any club meet the €200 million threshold Rummenigge dismissed, Olise would become the second most expensive transfer in soccer history, overtaking Kylian Mbappe at €180 million and Ousmane Dembele at €148 million, with only Neymar’s record fee of €222 million remaining beyond reach.

Match Overview

Group C delivers a high-stakes games as two of its top contenders square off with early control of the standings on the line. Sao Paulo have surged out of the gate with back-to-back wins, positioning themselves as the team to beat and chasing a third straight result to tighten their grip on the group.

On the other side, Millonarios enter with urgency after an up-and-down start—falling to O’Higgins before rebounding against Boston River—and understands that another stumble could seriously damage their chances, making this clash a pivotal moment in the race to advance.

Match Overview

After navigating pressure-packed paths to get here, Nashville SC and Tigres UANL collide in what shapes up as a tightly contested showdown. Nashville’s route tested their composure, squeezing past Inter Miami on away goals before locking down a narrow 1-0 aggregate win over Club America.

Tigres, on the other hand, showed their grit by overturning a daunting 3-0 first-leg hole against FC Cincinnati and then advancing past Seattle Sounders, also on away goals. With both teams proving they can survive—and thrive—in razor-thin margins, expect a tense, high-stakes battle you won’t want to miss.

Match Overview

With the group stage tightening in the Copa Libertadores, Junior find themselves in a must-deliver situation after managing just one point from its first two matches, leaving little margin for error if it hopes to remain in the hunt for a knockout berth.

On the other side, Sporting Cristal have shown flashes of promise with a win and a loss so far, putting them in a position where another positive result could significantly boost their chances of advancing. With both teams carrying urgency, expect a tense and competitive battle that could reshape the standings.

Match Overview

One of the marquee showdowns in Group D is here, with control of the standings hanging in the balance as Boca Juniors meet Cruzeiro in a clash between two projected contenders. Boca enter in strong form after opening the campaign with back-to-back wins, steadily positioning themselves for a spot in the knockout stage.

Cruzeiro, meanwhile, arrive with questions surrounding their current level, looking far from the side that impressed a year ago and coming off a setback against Universidad Catolica. With momentum on one side and urgency on the other, this matchup could play a pivotal role in shaping the group’s race for qualification.

According to Cadena Cope, Gonzalez sustained a muscle injury during Atletico’s training session on Tuesday, the day before the first leg against Arsenal. While the club has yet to release an official statement, the Argentine forward is expected to miss between three and four weeks, with his return projected for late May.

The injury also has contractual implications. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid will not be triggering their obligation to buy clause for González, as he will fall short of the minimum number of appearances required to activate it. However, a permanent move to the Spanish capital has not been ruled out, with the Colchoneros still in talks with Juventus over a reduced fee for an eventual full transfer.

The timing is particularly difficult given that his only realistic chance of returning to action before the summer would be in a potential Champions League final, scheduled for May 31. With his absence confirmed, Gonzalez joins Pablo Barrios and Jose Maria Gimenez on the injured list, with Ademola Lookman’s availability also uncertain due to a separate complaint.

Gonzalez and the shadow of 2022

The injury arrives at a painful moment for Gonzalez, who had been heading into the Arsenal tie in strong form after scoring two outstanding goals in the win over Elche, bringing his tally to five goals in 39 appearances for Atletico. It also draws an uncomfortable parallel to an episode that is still fresh in the memory of the Argentine

Just days before Argentina’s opening game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Gonzalez suffered a muscle tear during the team’s first training session in Doha, ruling him out of the tournament that ended with Argentina lifting the trophy. While the 2026 edition is still more than six weeks away and he is expected to recover in time, the memory of what happened almost four years ago will hang over his recovery process.

How would Argentina be affected?

Argentina still have much of the core that won the World Cup in Qatar, but nearly four years have passed, and time has begun to take its toll on some key figures. Captain Lionel Messi remains the centerpiece of everything the team does, but with the forward set to turn 39 during the tournament, the physical burden of covering ground when Argentina are out of possession must be carried by others, and that is precisely where Gonzalez’s value becomes critical.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has settled the team in order for Messi to make the least amount of physical effort while the team is defending by bringing a mix of talented and physically gifted players. Nicolas Gonzalez is the type of player to be assigned with that task, covering the wing, either as a midfielder or as a full back, when the team is defending, and give support to the attack.

Giuliano Simeone fills a broadly similar role, a player whose inclusion in the squad is driven more by his exceptional physical attributes than his technical ceiling. While Gonzalez also provides cover at left back, having players of his profile available will be essential for Argentina to manage the physical demands of a grueling World Cup schedule, making a full recovery before the tournament begins all the more important.

The fixture arrives at a critical moment in the season, with Al-Nassr sitting top of the Saudi Pro League and pushing toward a long-awaited title push. Al-Ahli, meanwhile, remains firmly in the top three and is determined to disrupt that momentum. The encounter is widely viewed as a potential turning point in the championship race, especially with both sides separated by a tight margin in form and belief.

There is also a psychological edge at play, as Al-Ahli defeated Al-Nassr 3-2 earlier in the campaign. That result still lingers in the background, adding extra intensity to a rivalry that has become increasingly competitive over recent seasons.

Jorge Jesus and his players enter the match on a remarkable run of 19 consecutive wins across all competitions, showcasing a level of consistency that has defined their season. At home, the team has been particularly dominant, collecting 13 wins from 14 league matches while maintaining one of the strongest attacking records in the league.

With 79 goals scored and just 21 conceded, Al-Nassr’s balance between attack and defence has been a key factor in their title push. Ronaldo continues to lead the attacking line alongside Joao Felix, forming one of the most productive forward partnerships in the competition.

Martinez’s situation takes a sudden turn

Amid the anticipation, attention has turned to the defensive setup. The defender was initially included in discussions for the matchday squad, but his involvement is now in serious doubt.

According to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus is expected to make a final decision after a medical evaluation, with Angelo Gabriel emerging as a possible replacement in the foreign player quota. Martinez has been dealing with minor muscle discomfort, limiting his participation in training and forcing the coaching staff to reconsider their options.

Arriyadiyah has added that it’s likely that the Spaniard won’t play against Al-Ahli. Though the choice has not yet been made, Jorge Jesus is leaning toward choosing Brazilian Angelo over the veteran. The report also indicated that the Portuguese manager wants full flexibility in his foreign player selection, leading to further uncertainty over Martinez’s availability.

Tactical impact on Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr

The potential absence of Martinez forces Al-Nassr to rethink its defensive structure against a strong Al-Ahli attack. With Ronaldo expected to lead the line, the team’s balance between attacking intensity and defensive stability becomes even more important.

Without the 34-year-old, Al-Nassr may rely more heavily on its midfield protection and full-back discipline to contain Al-Ahli’s quick transitions. The change could subtly shift the team’s shape, especially in a match where small margins are expected to decide the outcome.

This clash was already being framed as a defining moment in the season, but by full-time, it had become something far bigger. Hidden beneath the nine-goal spectacle was a historic achievement that places Kane alongside Ronaldo in elite company.

The match itself proved to be breathtaking from start to finish, with PSG securing a 5-4 victory over Bayern in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal. The two sides delivered one of the most explosive matches in Champions League history, with nine goals shared across a frantic 90 minutes at the Parc des Princes.

Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute, while Bayern briefly looked in control before the game flipped completely. PSG responded through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Joao Neves, and Ousmane Dembele, racing into a commanding lead before the Germans attempted a late comeback. By the final whistle, the scoreboard reflected a historic result, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Munich.

The record that links Kane and Ronaldo

The spotlight quickly turned to Harry Kane, whose performance added another layer to his growing European reputation. According to Prime Video Sport, Kane has now recorded 12+ direct goal contributions in three consecutive Champions League seasons (2023-24 to 2025-26) with Bayern Munich.

The same report highlighted the only player to match that level of consistency: “Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other player to achieve this, doing so for seven consecutive seasons from 2011/12 through 2017/18 at Real Madrid.” This comparison underlined how rare Kane’s current run truly is, even when measured against the most dominant Champions League scorer in history.

Kane’s influence was not limited to scoring. He also provided a key assist and extended his Champions League goal tally to 13 this season, reinforcing his status as one of Europe’s most decisive players.

Kane, Ronaldo, and the measure of greatness

Harry Kane’s numbers this season have pushed him into elite historical company, with 54 goals in all competitions and a Champions League output that rivals the best ever seen. His consistency has placed him in conversations that were once reserved almost exclusively for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Yet Ronaldo’s record remains the benchmark for Champions League longevity, with seven straight seasons of 12+ goal contributions, a level of sustained dominance that still stands unmatched. The Englishman’s current run brings him closer to that conversation than most modern forwards have managed.

“Julian has taken a very important step: he has told Atletico that he wants to leave for Barcelona,” reporter Jose Alvarez said Monday on El Chiringuito de Jugones, one of Spain’s most prominent sports TV shows.

That decision from the 26-year-old has reportedly triggered a series of talks between the parties aimed at completing a move this summer. “There have already been contacts through intermediaries to discuss figures and contract terms,” the reporter added, referring to the usual negotiations over salary and personal conditions.

However, Alvarez’s desire alone will not be enough. He remains under contract with Atletico Madrid through June 30, 2030, with a release clause of €500 million (approximately $585 million). Barcelona are highly unlikely to meet that figure, meaning negotiations between the clubs will be required to reach a reasonable transfer fee.

Simeone addresses Julian Alvarez rumors

As Barcelona’s interest grows, other clubs are also reportedly monitoring Alvarez. Arsenal are said to be interested in pursuing him this summer and bringing him back to the Premier League after his successful spell with Manchester City between 2022 and 2024.

Diego Simeone was asked about the speculation during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash with Arsenal. “I’m not in his head. It’s normal that a player like Julian is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona,” the Argentine coach said. “It’s normal. He’s very good.”

Barcelona have a Plan B for Alvarez

While Alvarez appears to be Barcelona’s top target—and he himself seems open to the move—the deal could still collapse if no agreement is reached with Atletico Madrid. With that in mind, the Blaugrana are reportedly evaluating alternative options.

According to Cadena SER, Barcelona view Joao Pedro as an attractive option if Alvarez cannot be signed. The forward has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, recording 19 goals and nine assists across all competitions, while also appearing on track to be included in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad with Brazil for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There is no doubt Álvarez would be a strong addition for Barcelona, with a style of play that fits what Hansi Flick wants. But his price may be too high for the club, forcing them to have other strikers ready, including the 24-year-old Brazilian.

That is where Pedro emerges as a possible alternative. According to Cadena SER, the Chelsea forward is the player they may try to sign. The issue there could also be the price, as the English club paid 60 million pounds to Wolverhampton in July 2025.

Bojan Krkic describes Pedro

Any of the players Barcelona are linked with would cost a lot. Even if that makes things harder for a club that is not very strong financially, the position requires a major investment.

One player who was also a striker at Barcelona was Bojan Krkic, who did not fully live up to the high expectations suggested by his talent as a young player from La Masia. His opinion about a possible move was positive.

Krkic said on the TV show El Bar: “I really like him. He is a complete forward that Carlo Ancelotti likes very much. He can play as a striker or behind him. He is very creative. He is very good in tight spaces, which fits what Barcelona want.”

Pedro’s season with Chelsea

Even though his team has not had a great season, which has included the firings of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, his performances have been solid. Pedro has 32 matches and 14 goals in the Premier League, 3 matches and 2 goals in the FA Cup, 3 matches without scoring in the Carabao Cup, and 8 matches with 3 goals in the Champions League.

The forward played just 34 minutes last weekend in the Gunners’ win over Newcastle United in the Premier League before an injury forced him to be substituted for Viktor Gyokeres.

While Mikel Arteta initially said “it didn’t look too big,” it became clear in the following days that the issue would prevent Havertz from featuring in the crucial match in Madrid. “Kai is out,” the Arsenal manager confirmed during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.

The good news for Arsenal is that another key attacking player—who also picked up a knock and was forced off early against Newcastle—has recovered. “Ebs is ready to go,” Arteta said about Eberechi Eze.

Havertz seeking full fitness

While Havertz’s latest issue is not considered serious beyond missing the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, it highlights a broader concern ahead of the World Cup: his struggles to maintain physical consistency.

This season, the German forward has spent more time sidelined than fully fit. A knee injury in August 2025 kept him out for 26 matches across all competitions. Upon returning in January, he alternated between matchday squads and appearances off the bench.

Those issues were compounded by a muscle injury in February that ruled him out for four more matches. The latest setback adds to that list and helps explain why Havertz has managed just 20 appearances for Arsenal this season, recording five goals and four assists.

Germany need Havertz

Arsenal’s concerns over Havertz are also shared by Germany. They have already suffered a major attacking blow with Serge Gnabry ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, while Jamal Musiala is still working his way back to full form after a lengthy absence.

In that context, a fully fit Havertz could be a key solution for head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who has had limited access to the forward between 2025 and 2026. Havertz featured only twice during that span, both coming during the March international break in friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana.

The incident dates back to February, when Vinicius accused Benfica’s Prestianni of racial abuse. Because the young forward had covered his mouth during the exchange, UEFA was unable to gather sufficient evidence to substantiate the Brazilian’s claim. Prestianni was nonetheless sanctioned for “discriminatory conduct,” receiving a suspension that could extend to a maximum of six matches in the event of any further offense during his probation period.

On Tuesday, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the laws of the game, convened a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada to consider several proposed rule changes, including one designed to prevent a repeat of the kind of incident seen in this season’s Champions League.

In a statement released following the meeting, FIFA outlined the new measure. “At the discretion of the competition organizer, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card,” the governing body confirmed.

As clarified in the statement, the rule will not apply in every situation where a player covers their mouth on the pitch, such as when speaking with a teammate or even an opponent in a non-confrontational context. The red card sanction will be reserved specifically for confrontational situations, though the precise role VAR will play in adjudicating these moments remains to be seen.

FIFA and IFAB stated that the measure was introduced to “address and conceal discriminatory and inappropriate behavior.” The governing body also confirmed that the new rules approved at Tuesday’s meeting will be in effect for the 2026 World Cup, meaning fans could see the regulation applied for the first time on soccer’s biggest stage.

What did Gianni Infantino say about players covering their mouths?

When the Vinicius-Prestianni incident first came to light, a number of high-profile voices weighed in on the matter. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the first to suggest that covering one’s mouth during a confrontation should carry severe consequences.

Speaking on Sky News in early March, Infantino made his position clear. “If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously. There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn’t have said, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to cover his mouth. Of course, when you deal with a disciplinary case, you have to analyze the situation, you have to have evidence, but we cannot just be satisfied with that going forward,” he said.

New rule implemented following AFCON episode

The most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations also contributed to Tuesday’s rule changes, after Senegal players walked off the field in protest following a penalty call that went in favor of Morocco, with some players apparently believing the decision meant the match had been awarded to their opponents despite winning the final 1-0. In response, FIFA and IFAB have introduced a new rule that will also result in a red card for any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision.

“At the discretion of the competition organiser, the referee may sanction with a red card any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision. This new rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play,” the FIFA statement read. Additionally, any team responsible for causing a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the game, with a 3-0 victory automatically awarded to the opposing side.

Bayern Munich started the match in top form, dominating possession against the French side’s pressure and creating several scoring chances. In fact, an individual play from Luis Díaz resulted in a penalty after a foul by Willian Pacho. With his vast experience, Harry Kane converted the spot kick, giving his team the lead early in the game. However, their joy was short-lived, as they conceded two quick goals.

Far from being shaken by Bayern’s early strike, PSG quickly identified their opponent’s main weakness: The space behind the defensive line. From there, Désiré Doué delivered an excellent through ball to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who skillfully dribbled past Josip Stanišić to create space. With a superb finish, the Georgian found the equalizer, beating Manuel Neuer.

Building on their strong momentum, the French side managed to score another goal just two minutes later. After an excellent corner from Ousmane Dembélé, João Neves headed the ball, firing a powerful effort past Neuer to give PSG the lead. Although Michael Olise scored a fine goal to level the match for Bayern Munich, Dembélé restored his team’s advantage in the first half with a well-taken penalty.

Kvaratskhelia, Dembele braces overshadow Luis Diaz impressive goal

Shortly after the start of the second half, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia extended PSG’s lead. Following a through ball from Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi received possession, beat Luis Díaz, and delivered an excellent cross. Although two teammates failed to connect, the Georgian winger arrived from the left flank to finish and beat Manuel Neuer with a low and strong strike.

Capitalizing on Bayern Munich’s defensive lapse, PSG scored their fifth goal just two minutes after the previous one. Following an excellent team move led by Désiré Doué, who dribbled past Jonathan Tah, he played a pass to Ousmane Dembélé on the left flank. Showcasing his quality, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner received the ball, beat his marker again, and created space before firing a powerful low shot past Manuel Neuer once more.

Despite these two early goals, the German side maintained their attacking approach, managing to pull one back with a great header by Dayot Upamecano. Four minutes later, Luis Díaz scored one of the best goals of the season. After a long pass from Harry Kane, the Colombian controlled the ball first-time, dribbling past Marquinhos twice and firing a powerful shot into the top corner past Matev Safonov. However, they remained one goal short of tying the match.

The situation has gathered momentum after another difficult season, with Real Madrid facing the prospect of ending the campaign without a major trophy. That has intensified pressure on current boss Alvaro Arbeloa, whose future now appears increasingly uncertain as the club looks for a proven figure to restore authority and winning standards.

Unlike previous coaching appointments, The Athletic suggests that this process is driven directly by club president Florentino Perez, who reportedly wants to rebuild a project he believes has lost direction.

Perez has long admired Mourinho’s ability to manage elite dressing rooms, create competitive intensity, and absorb pressure during turbulent periods. Those qualities are now seen as especially valuable with a squad containing major stars and high expectations, including Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Several names have been linked with the role, including Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps, Jurgen Klopp, Massimiliano Allegri, and Lionel Scaloni. However, Mourinho’s familiarity with the club and his close relationship with Perez appear to have pushed him near the front of the queue.

The release clause that changes everything

One of the most significant details to emerge concerns Mourinho’s contract at Benfica. The Portuguese coach is tied to the Lisbon club until 2027, but Fabrizio Romano states that his release clause is worth around $3.5 million, making a move financially realistic for Madrid.

That clause can reportedly be activated shortly after Benfica’s season ends, giving Real Madrid a clear window to act. In modern soccer terms, the amount is relatively modest for a manager with such a pedigree and experience.

The Portuguese boss previously coached the Whites from 2010 to 2013, delivering one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup. His most famous domestic triumph came in the 2011-12 season, when Los Blancos reached 100 points and scored 121 league goals, breaking records in the process.

What it would mean for Mbappe and Vinicius

Despite the growing support from Perez, Mourinho’s candidacy is not universally accepted. Some voices inside the club reportedly remain concerned about the divisions created during his first spell, especially his well-documented fallout with former captain Iker Casillas.

There is also fresh controversy surrounding Mourinho after comments made earlier this year following Benfica’s UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Vinicius alleged abuse from an opposing player, and Mourinho’s post-match remarks were heavily criticized in Spain. That history means any return would be bold, emotional, and potentially divisive.

Meanwhile, for Kylian Mbappe, who arrived to lead a new era, the appointment of Mourinho would signal that Real Madrid is prioritizing instant authority over long-term experimentation. Mourinho has built his reputation on managing superstar squads, and many believe he would welcome the challenge of leading Mbappe, Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and the next generation.

The latest setback came in a goalless draw against Juventus, where Pulisic again failed to score and extended a troubling run. His drought has now reached 16 club matches without a goal, tying the worst scoring streak of his professional career, placing added pressure on both player and manager.

Pulisic last scored for Milan on December 28, and despite regular appearances since then, he has not managed to end the barren stretch. Across club and country in 2026, goals have been difficult to find, with only a limited end product to show for his efforts.

That is especially notable because Pulisic started the season brightly and remained one of the Rossoneri’s most productive players. Even during this slump, he is still among the club’s leading scorers, underlining how strong his early campaign had been.

Allegri reveals the real problem

After the Juventus draw, Allegri gave a revealing explanation for the winger’s struggles. Rather than blaming effort or attitude, the Milan boss suggested the issue is a mix of confidence and tactical demands. “Christian is a very sensitive man, and this drought is hitting him harder,” the manager told DAZN.

The Italian then went further, pointing to the physical and positional burden placed on the American. “He is also someone who struggles more with the physicality of duels and the lack of a centre-forward, but I must try to give a balance to this team.”

Milan has frequently used a shape that asks Pulisic and Rafael Leao to operate high up the pitch without a traditional striker. While the system has improved defensive structure, it has reduced fluency in attack and left both wide stars playing less natural roles. Allegri admitted as much when discussing the Juventus match.

“I realize he is not entirely suited to this. I had asked him to play centre-right tonight and Leao centre-left, so we were without a centre-forward.” That honesty reflects a growing reality: Pulisic is being used in areas where his best qualities are harder to maximize. His movement, combination play, and late runs into the box are often more dangerous when he starts wider or operates behind a striker.

Milan paying the price in front of goal

The issue goes beyond one player. Milan has scored just once in its last four matches, and the team’s attack has slowed dramatically during a crucial stage of the season. Leao has also gone through his own inconsistent stretch, while other forwards have struggled with fitness or finishing.

That has left the club leaning heavily on its defensive record rather than overwhelming opponents with goals. However, there is still time for the narrative to shift before the season ends.

Milan has four league matches remaining, and several come against beatable opponents. One goal could change everything for Pulisic, restoring confidence and momentum at exactly the right moment. Allegri clearly believes that will happen: “Rest assured, by the end of the season, Pulisic will have given his contribution.”

Courtois may wait a little longer before coming back to make sure he is fully fit. According to Marca, the goalkeeper is expected to be ready for El Clásico, which is set for Sunday, May 10.

The race for the La Liga title may already be lost for Real Madrid, as they trail Barcelona by 11 points with five matches remaining. Even if their rivals clinch the title this weekend, winning away from home could still give the fans a positive feeling in what has been a difficult season from the start.

Courtois’ time injured

No single player can win matches on their own these days, but there is no doubt that some positions matter more than others. Real Madrid have been without Courtois since March 17, when the goalkeeper left the Manchester City match at halftime.

The Belgian was unable to complete what was a Champions League win in England because of a muscle injury that kept him from returning to full fitness. That absence has been felt by the team as they were eliminated from title contention.

In his first match out, Andriy Lunin helped Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid, but that was the exception. Losses to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals and Mallorca in La Liga, along with draws against Girona and Betis, left them without a title.

Lunin’s record

This stretch without Courtois saw Lunin as the starting goalkeeper. Along with three wins, two draws and two losses during that run, the goalkeeper was not very reliable. His Champions League matches against Bayern Munich pushed the total to 13 goals conceded. Real Madrid did not keep a clean sheet during that period.

With this result, PSG and Bayern matched the all-time record for most goals in a Champions League semifinal match. The only previous instance came 66 years ago, when Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Rangers FC 6-3 in the second leg of the 1959–60 European Cup semifinals.

That clash between the German and Scottish sides also holds the record for the highest-scoring semifinal tie in the competition’s history. In the first leg, Eintracht Frankfurt had won 6-1, bringing the total to 16 goals across the series. That means PSG and Bayern Munich would need seven goals in the second leg at the Allianz Arena next week to match that mark.

Since the competition was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League in the 1991–92 season, there had never been a semifinal matchup with this many goals. The closest examples were Liverpool FC’s 5-2 win over AS Roma in 2018 and Inter Milan’s 4-3 victory over FC Barcelona in 2025.

PSG and Bayern Munich threaten historic Barcelona record

The unforgettable spectacle between PSG and Bayern Munich not only secured their place in Champions League semifinal history, but also brought them closer to a long-standing record currently held by Barcelona.

According to stats expert Mister Chip on X, both teams are nearing the record for most goals scored in a single edition of the competition. Barcelona currently top that list, having scored 45 goals during the 1999–2000 season.

With five goals on Tuesday, PSG now sit second on that list with 43, matching the totals posted by Bayern Munich in 2019–20 and Barcelona in 2024–25. The top five is rounded out by this current Bayern side, who have scored 42 goals in this edition of the Champions League.

These figures are clearly influenced by the tournament’s current format, introduced last season, which features more matches than before and allows teams to boost their scoring totals. Even so, with the second leg still to come—and a final awaiting one of the two sides—it appears highly likely that Barcelona’s record will be broken this year.

Currently in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, Alvarez has been one of the primary reasons the Colchoneros are just one step away from the final. But Atletico‘s inability to compete across all fronts has fueled interest from clubs eager to bring in one of the most complete players in the game.

At the pre-match press conference ahead of the semifinal against Arsenal, Simeone was asked directly about the possibility of his striker leaving at the end of the season. “I am not inside Julian Alvarez’s head. I understand it is normal for an extraordinary player like Julian to be wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, or Barcelona. It’s normal, because he is very good,” the Argentine coach said.

Simeone stopped short of either confirming or ruling out a departure, though extracting Alvarez from the Metropolitano figures to be a significant challenge for any suitor. With his contract running through June 2030, any club looking to sign him would need to surpass the €104 million Atletico paid Manchester City to bring him to Madrid.

According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Atletico will push hard to keep Alvarez beyond this summer, valuing him at a figure north of the €120 million Barcelona paid for Antoine Griezmann in 2019. While the striker has no intention of forcing his way out, he would be open to a move to Barcelona if the two clubs were able to reach an agreement.

Alvarez has already addressed his future

Reports linking Alvarez with Barcelona, Arsenal and PSG are nothing new, with those connections surfacing even during his time at Manchester City, largely centered on how the Argentine would fit into each club’s system. The striker himself, however, has made his current priorities crystal clear.

On Monday, Alvarez made it plain that his mind is firmly on the present and the challenges that lie ahead with Atletico. “I try not to give much importance to what they say, because the truth is that new things come out every week. I try not to waste energy on that. I try to focus on our situation here, with very important matches coming up. I want to be at my best to try and help the team and achieve great things here,” he said.

What is Alvarez’s price tag?

With four years remaining on his deal and a release clause set at 500 million euros, the scenarios in which Alvarez departs Atletico Madrid this summer are limited. FC Barcelona’s financial situation remains precarious, Arsenal have already committed enormous sums in recent windows, and PSG stand out as perhaps the most credible financial option among the reported suitors.

As revealed by journalist Jose Alvarez on El Chiringuito, Atletico Madrid have set an asking price of €120 million for the striker. Across two seasons with the Colchoneros, Alvarez has made 104 appearances, scoring 48 goals, though he has yet to lift a trophy with the club, a fact that could weigh on his thinking as he considers whether his ambitions are best served by staying or moving on.

For years, top European sides have searched for ways to grow their global reach, especially in markets such as the United States, Asia, and Australia. Now, FIFA appears ready to formalize a system that could reshape traditional domestic competition and create new commercial opportunities for the sport’s biggest names.

European soccer has become an increasingly worldwide product, with clubs attracting millions of fans far beyond their home cities. Sides such as Barcelona, Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester City already tour internationally every summer, filling stadiums and generating major revenue.

According to reliable outlets The Guardian and The Athletic, FIFA believes the demand for meaningful competitive matches outside Europe can no longer be ignored. Instead of resisting the trend, world soccer’s governing body now wants to regulate it carefully.

That demand has been especially visible in North America, where ticket sales for elite clubs remain strong. FIFA also recognizes that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could accelerate soccer’s commercial growth even further.

FIFA’s change that could reshape the game

As a result, European domestic leagues may soon be allowed to play one official league match abroad each season. If approved, it would mark a historic break from tradition, with league fixtures no longer guaranteed to remain inside their own countries.

Host nations would reportedly be capped at five foreign league matches per season, preventing one market from dominating the calendar. FIFA would also retain the final right to approve or reject every request.

That means a future La Liga match involving Barcelona could be staged in Miami, while Serie A could send Milan to play in another overseas venue. Similar ideas were discussed before, but now they appear closer than ever to reality.

Why Barcelona and Milan are on alert

Lamine Yamal’s Barcelona was previously linked with plans to play Villarreal in Miami, while Milan and Christian Pulisic had explored taking a fixture against Como to Perth, Australia. Both proposals eventually collapsed after resistance from authorities, supporter groups, and soccer stakeholders.

Those failed attempts now look like early tests for a broader movement. If FIFA approves the new framework, these clubs would likely be among the first to revisit overseas league matches because of their huge international fanbases. For stars such as Christian Pulisic and Lamine Yamal, it could also mean playing competitive domestic soccer in front of fans who rarely get the chance to watch them live.

Strict rules would apply

FIFA’s proposal is not a free pass for leagues to move games wherever they want. The Guardian suggests any match would need approval from the domestic federation, the continental confederation, the host country’s federation, the host confederation, and FIFA itself. There would also be protections for supporters and players.

Clubs may need to offer compensation or travel assistance to season-ticket holders who lose a home match. Travel fatigue is another major concern. FIFA is said to be examining workload issues carefully, especially with elite players already facing packed calendars.

Love was a Brazilian forward known for his colorful dreadlocks, but he was also a very good player. While his time in Russia with CSKA Moscow may be his most memorable, he was teammates with Mbappé in 2016, as he recalled in an interview with Sportv.

Speaking about a squad that had many players from the same country, such as Fabinho, Jemerson and Wallace, Love said in reference to a famous cartoon: “His speed was incredible. They called him ‘Correcaminos’ (Road Runner), especially the Brazilians.”

Love on Mbappé’s personality

Love remembered his time at Monaco easily, as he only played during the first half of 2016. He also recalled a match in which the club beat Paris Saint-Germain away after many years, with him and Mbappé leading the attack.

Mbappé’s personality was another topic of conversation. He is now often questioned because of his star status, but the Brazilian was clear about what the Frenchman was like when they played together.

Love joked that it was not him who played with Mbappé, but Mbappé who played with him, and he also praised his personality: “He was very young, very calm, very serene. He never mistreated anyone.”

Love’s time with Monaco

Love could not repeat his previous success with Monaco. He arrived on loan in January 2016 for an initial 18 months, but he left for Turkish club Alanyaspor after the season ended to make way for Radamel Falcao’s return from Chelsea. In his 12 Ligue 1 matches, he scored four goals during his time in France.

“I’ve been talking to Luka and wished him a successful surgery and a quality and speedy recovery,” the Croatia head coach said this week, just hours after news of the midfielder’s injury broke, according to BBC Sport.

Dalic struck an optimistic tone regarding Modric’s recovery timeline: “I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup, and we’ll provide full support. I am confident that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer.”

Modric underwent surgery on Monday at La Madonnina Clinic in Milan, performed by Dr. Luca Autelitano’s team, with successful results. The midfielder now faces a recovery process estimated at six to eight weeks.

Modric’s timeline ahead of the 2026 World Cup

With confirmation that he will miss AC Milan’s final four matches of the 2025-26 Serie A season, Luka Modric’s recovery from cheekbone surgery is now fully focused on the Croatia national team.

By the time Dalic announces the final 26-man roster traveling to North America at the end of May, the midfielder will have completed roughly one month of recovery, providing a much clearer picture of his availability.

At that point, in a worst-case scenario, Modric would be around halfway through his recovery timeline. In a more optimistic scenario, he could already be nearing a return to training—an important factor considering that, at 40 years old, he cannot afford to spend too much time away from regular sessions.

Croatia’s road to the World Cup

Once the 26-man squad is finalized, Croatia are set to travel to North America in early June to prepare for the tournament. They will first play two final warm-up matches: against Belgium on June 2, and five days later against Slovenia.

Croatia will open their 2026 World Cup campaign against England on June 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what is expected to be their toughest group-stage match. They will then face Panama on June 23 and Ghana on June 27.

Across the current season, Dybala has managed just 23 appearances, contributing three goals and four assists. Muscular injuries and knee surgery have kept him sidelined for 19 matches, leaving him well short of his best form and explaining his absence from Argentina’s most recent call-up lists.

In a conversation with Joaquin Alvarez on the Lo del Pollo YouTube channel, Dybala was candid about the challenge ahead of him. “We all want to be in the national team; it’s not going to be easy. I have to find my rhythm and get a consistent run of minutes at my club for that to happen. My goal is to be there with the national team, to be able to play in the World Cup. First, I have to be doing well at my club,” he said.

The numbers underline just how difficult this season has been physically. Dybala has played the full 90 minutes in a single game on just two occasions in 2026 and only five times across the entire campaign. He returned from his knee surgery on April 25 for a 13-minute cameo, his first action since January 25, meaning he had been completely sidelined for three months.

Despite his prolonged absence from the national team setup, Dybala was quick to make clear he holds no grievance toward head coach Lionel Scaloni. “It’s true that because of my injuries, I missed some call-ups, and in a national team like Argentina’s, you can’t afford to slow down. I don’t feel like I’m in a position to call the coach and ask him what’s going on or why I’m not there,” he said.

Refusing to write off his World Cup chances entirely, Dybala laid out what he believes he needs to do to earn a spot on the plane. “I have to show the coach that I’m doing well at my club, that I’m up to the standard of what he wants. He makes the decision on who are the best players to go and play a World Cup,” he added.

Will Dybala be at the 2026 World Cup?

Argentina’s final squad has yet to be officially announced, though reports from March suggested that 21 players have already effectively secured their spots. Dybala, however, remains well outside Scaloni’s current thinking, with his fitness concerns the most significant obstacle standing in his way.

In the attacking positions, the competition for the remaining spots has centered around the likes of Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono, Palmeiras’ Jose Manuel Lopez and RC Strasbourg’s Joaquín Panichelli, all of whom had the advantage of featuring in the March international window. While Panichelli has since suffered an ACL injury, the others remain ahead of Dybala in the pecking order.

Dybala’s last appearance for the Albiceleste came on September 10, 2024, when he came off the bench in the second half of a 2-1 defeat to Colombia in Barranquilla. His most recent international goal predates that by four days, when he scored in a 3-0 victory over Chile at the Monumental, stepping up to wear the No. 10 jersey in the absence of Lionel Messi.

While his role in the 2022 World Cup was largely a supporting one, Dybala delivered in the biggest moment, clearing a gilt-edged Kylian Mbappe chance in extra time of the final against France before coolly converting his penalty in the shootout that decided the contest. Now, with his fitness far from guaranteed and time running short, securing a late ticket to the squad would require something of a minor miracle.

Tebas said: “The rules don’t say anything about the guard of honor; it’s a tradition and traditions depend on the clubs. There isn’t a rule that establishes it. Tradition says you should do it for the champion, but it must be decided by the players and the club, Real Madrid. But there aren’t champions yet. You are saying it too soon.”

That is something to keep an eye on, with the two giants set to meet on May 10. The title could be decided this weekend if Barcelona beat Osasuna and Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol. If that does not happen, the champions could be decided when they meet in Barcelona.

Tebas on criticism from Real Madrid

At the Red de Ciudades de La Liga event, held at the headquarters of the Federación de Municipios y Provincias, Tebas also addressed criticism from Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

This difference in views has been going on for years, with Pérez presenting his club as the victim in some situations while the league president has responded with blunt comments of his own.

Tebas said: “I’m not surprised by Real Madrid. They don’t like anything that involves coordinated action from all the clubs as a group. That’s not how they view professional soccer. Real Madrid don’t share that concept. I’ve heard their president say many times that La Liga is Real Madrid with 19 other teams.”

Tebas on racism

The La Liga president said the goal of the meeting was to fight racism, as there have been many recent incidents, including fans and players from the national team being affected by it.

Tebas said: “The goal was to prevent this type of chants and behavior that exist in society and in sport. With this alliance between the cities that have professional soccer, we can create many strategies that will help us reduce this.”

Harry Kane arrives in top form, avoiding injuries and scoring droughts. For this reason, head coach Vincent Kompany will start him, aiming for him to once again elevate Michael Olise and Luis Díaz with his vision and link-up play. Additionally, he comes off scoring in both legs against the Spanish side, extending a streak of six consecutive matches finding the net.

Alongside the English striker, Bayern Munich will rely on Jamal Musiala, especially with Serge Gnabry ruled out for the rest of the season due to a serious injury. Completing the attack, they will line up with Luis Díaz and Michael Olise, aiming to break down the solid defense of the French side, which has been dominant throughout the season. Likewise, the presence of Manuel Neuer and Dayot Upamecano will be crucial.

PSG arrive at the match with a fully fit squad, avoiding injuries and dips in form in recent games. With this in mind, head coach Luis Enrique will maintain his starting lineup, relying on the brilliance of Ousmane Dembélé alongside the explosive dribbling of Désiré Doué. In addition, Willian Pacho and Marquinhos have formed one of the best defensive pairings in the world, capable of containing elite attacking units.

PSG confirmed lineup vs Bayern Munich

With Fabian Ruiz back in the lineup, PSG arrive with most of their roster available, missing only Quentin Ndjantou, who isn’t a regular starter anyway. While the Spaniard is key, head coach Luis Enrique will not start him, as he lacks competitive rhythm, giving the nod to Warren Zaire-Emery instead. Moreover, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will start.

With this in mind, the French side will play as follows: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Warren Zaire-Emery; Desiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Bayern Munich confirmed lineup vs PSG

Unlike PSG, Bayern Munich are coming into the match with several players missing from their roster, as Lennart Karl, Tom Bischof, Serge Gnabry, and Raphael Guerreiro are out with injuries. In addition, head coach Vincent Kompany will not be on the bench due to a yellow card suspension. Nevertheless, they have managed to dominate thanks to Harry Kane, Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise.

Considering this, the German side will lineup as follows: Manuel Neuer; Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Alphonso Davies; Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović; Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Luis Diaz; Harry Kane.

According to Le Journal Du Real, Real Madrid‘s locker room have chosen Vinicius Jr. as their leader, relegating Kylian Mbappé to a secondary role. With Álvaro Arbeloa’s arrival, the Brazilian forward successfully rallied the entire team around him, generating a positive momentum of results without the Frenchman. Meanwhile, Partidazo COPE reports that Los Blancos do not perceive the 27-year-old striker as the protective figure and leader they had anticipated.

Despite the numerous issues he has had with the fans and even with Xabi Alonso, Vinícius Jr. has managed to remain a key figure in the dressing room, as he consistently looks out for the group’s overall well-being, protecting his teammates. In addition, the Brazilian has delivered a strong all-around impact, scoring 19 goals and providing 14 assists, making his objective clear: To contribute to the team while also creating opportunities for his teammates.

Coupled with this, Real Madrid’s performances at the end of the season reportedly caused significant frustration for Mbappé, who privately criticized his teammates. However, Jude Bellingham has emerged as a strong critic of the Frenchman, also questioning the striker’s performances, increasing tension in the dressing room, according to Le Journal du Real. As a result, the 27-year-old could be losing influence within the group, in contrast to Vinícius Jr.’s standing.

Kylian Mbappé’s problems may have begun with Xabi Alonso’s dismissal

Following Xabi Alonso’s arrival, Kylian Mbappé emerged as the team’s cornerstone, with the system built to maximize his performance. As a result, the Frenchman established himself as the team’s leader, backed by the coach, while Vinícius Jr. took on a secondary role. However, everything changed after Xabi’s departure, as Álvaro Arbeloa reshaped the team’s structure, leading the 27-year-old star to no longer be the focal point of the side.

Under Arbeloa, Vinícius Jr. has taken on the role of team leader, gaining significant influence in on-field decision-making. In addition, the Frenchman reportedly believes that Los Blancos dismissed Xabi Alonso to benefit certain players, as the team had a more collective identity under him, according to Le Journal du Real.

Alongside the reported leadership issues, Kylian is facing significant criticism from Real Madrid fans. After his recent injury, some believe he is holding back to be fully fit for the 2026 World Cup with France, raising further doubts about his commitment. Despite this, the 27-year-old striker remains the team’s top scorer, making him indispensable to the club’s sporting project.

This Tuesday, the Mexican Football Federation shared via its official social media accounts a list of players chosen by head coach Javier Aguirre to begin training ahead of the World Cup. May 6 has been set as the reporting date for this group, which will begin an intense five-and-a-half-week preparation period.

“On this list are 12 players from Liga MX clubs who are being considered for inclusion in the final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the statement explained. “This list does not include the group of players based abroad, as they will be integrated into the final squad that will be submitted to FIFA on June 1.”

This means Liga MX clubs have agreed to release their players so that Aguirre can begin training a month earlier than what FIFA regulations require. As expected, clubs from other countries are not obligated to do the same, meaning the coach will, for now, have to work only with players competing in the domestic league.

In addition, those 12 players with a chance to make the World Cup are not the only ones called up by Aguirre. “There are eight players being monitored for the next World Cup cycle to strengthen the training group ahead of the preparation matches before the World Cup,” the statement added.

Mexico’s 12-player call-up list

While the list announced by Mexico this Tuesday is not binding—meaning not all players included will necessarily be part of the final 26-man World Cup roster—it offers a clear indication of Aguirre’s plans for the national team.

Below is the full list of players called up:

• Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna)
• Defenders: Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca)
• Midfielders: Luis Romo (Chivas), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas)
• Forwards: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas) and Armando Gonzalez (Chivas)

They are joined by eight young players being considered for the future of the national team: Oscar Garcia (Leon), Luis Rey (Puebla), Eduardo Aguila (San Luis), Jesus Gomez (Tijuana), Denzell Garcia (Juarez), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Jairo Torres (Juarez), and Kevin Castaneda (Tijuana).

Mexican stars playing abroad

While Aguirre’s preliminary list includes several standouts from Liga MX, a significant portion of Mexico’s top players are currently based abroad. Some of the players expected to be part of the final 26-man World Cup roster include Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah) and Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow).

Militao has long been one of Real Madrid’s most trusted defenders when fit, but repeated physical problems have again interrupted his momentum. For Ancelotti, the timing is painful as the club prepares for another demanding season while Brazil must now reshape its defensive plans.

On Tuesday, Real Madrid announced that Eder Militao underwent successful surgery after suffering a rupture involving the proximal tendon of the left hamstring. The procedure was carried out in Finland by specialist Dr. Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.

The club said in its official update: “Our player Éder Militão underwent a successful operation today for a rupture of the proximal tendon of the left hamstring.” The statement added: “Militão will begin his rehabilitation in the coming days.”

That confirmation ended hopes of a short-term recovery and immediately raised concerns over how long the defender would be sidelined.

World Cup dream ends for Brazil defender

The most significant consequence of the injury is that Militao has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup with Brazil. With the tournament approaching rapidly, there is no realistic timeline for him to recover, regain fitness, and be ready for elite international competition.

For Brazil, this is a serious blow. Militao has been an important figure in the national team setup and was expected to compete for a starting role in the tournament.

The defender previously featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and many believed he would again be part of the squad in North America. Instead, he must now watch from afar while Brazil searches for alternative options in central defense.

When is he expected back for Real Madrid?

While Real Madrid did not publish a formal return date, Fabrizio Romano and Globoesporte, reports that Militao is expected to be sidelined until October 2026. That means he is likely to miss the opening portion of the new campaign before targeting a comeback later in the autumn.

In a more recent update, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that with a five-month recuperation plan, the Real Madrid defender aspires to return in September. This timeline places pressure on the club’s squad planning. Los Blancos may need to rely heavily on existing defenders or move into the transfer market for reinforcements before the season begins.

Militao’s recent career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries, and this latest issue continues an unfortunate pattern. Across the last three seasons, his appearances have been limited to 13 matches in 2023-24, 18 in 2024-25, and 21 in 2025-26.

Serge Gnabry will not be available for Bayern Munich, as he has suffered a torn adductor in his right thigh that will sideline him for the rest of the season. In addition, the German will miss the 2026 World Cup, as his recovery could extend up to three months, according to Sky Sports. Without his presence, head coach Vincent Kompany loses a key player responsible for connecting and organizing the entire attack, making it one of the most significant absences possible.

In his absence, the German side may trust Jamal Musiala, who has been gaining prominence after his long absence. While he remains a world-class talent, he may not offer the same organizational skills, but he could be key to redirecting counterattacks and contributing on the scoring side. Nonetheless, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise will need to shine, as they may not have the same game opportunities without Gnabry in the Champions League semifinals.

Despite the significant absence of Serge Gnabry, Harry Kane could be a key player in organizing the attack vs PSG. Although the Englishman is primarily a center forward, he often serves as a central creative hub by dropping deep to receive the ball and initiate play. Because of this, he can be crucial in elevating Luis Díaz, Jamal Musiala, and Michael Olise by delivering key passes and creating space for them to shine, thus taking on a more influential creative role.

Konrad Laimer may play a key role in Bayern Munich’s offense

Throughout the 2025–26 season, head coach Vincent Kompany has relied on Konrad Laimer at left back in the absence of Alphonso Davies. With the Austrian, the German side has managed to develop a fairly dominant style of play, as he is not only key in defense but also sets up Luis Diaz on the left wing in attack. As one of Bayern Munich’s most well-rounded players, the 28-year-old star could play a key role in Gnabry’s absence.

Far from being a full-back who dominates the entire flank, Konrad Laimer tends to move into the interior of the attack, becoming a key support for Luis Díaz. In addition, he has contributed creatively, opening passing lanes for Harry Kane or Michael Olise—something he could replicate against PSG, given his strong vision. However, he would start from left-back, helping to free Jamal Musiala in attacking phases while also providing balance to the team.

Match Overview

The stakes couldn’t be more different in Group D as top-of-the-table San Lorenzo meets a desperate Santos side in a matchup loaded with urgency. San Lorenzo, unbeaten through two outings with a win and a draw, sit in control of the group and have a prime opportunity to tighten their grip with another strong result.

But it won’t come easy against a Santos squad running out of margin for error after collecting just one point from its opening two matches. With Neymar Jr. leading the charge, the Brazilian club knows anything less than a victory could seriously damage its chances of advancing, setting the stage for a high-intensity, must-win showdown.

Match Overview

Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning European champions, are on a mission to secure back-to-back titles, a feat not accomplished since the 2017-18 season. After a challenging league phase, PSG have found their rhythm in the knockout stages, dismantling English powerhouses Chelsea and Liverpool with commanding performances. Now, they face a familiar foe who has historically had their number, creating a high-stakes showdown at the Parc des Princes.

Bayern Munich arrives in Paris with an air of invincibility, having already clinched the Bundesliga title with games to spare and still chasing a historic treble. Vincent Kompany‘s squad is a finely tuned machine, considered by many to be the favorite to lift the trophy. Having already defeated PSG on this very ground earlier in the season, Bayern is confident it can secure a vital result on the road and take a firm step toward the final in Budapest.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This semifinal pits two contrasting season trajectories against one another. PSG endured a surprisingly turbulent league phase but have since transformed into a knockout-stage juggernaut, boasting a remarkable 12-2 aggregate score against their last two opponents. In contrast, Bayern has enjoyed a near-flawless campaign, dominating domestically and displaying ruthless efficiency in Europe, setting the stage for a clash between PSG’s surging momentum and Bayern‘s sustained excellence.

The tactical battle will be a fascinating duel between two of Europe’s most potent attacks. Both teams have scored 38 goals in the Champions League, the most in the competition. Bayern‘s strategy revolves around a relentless high press, ranking first for goals scored from high turnovers. PSG, under Luis Enrique, will look to control possession but must be wary of leaving space for Bayern‘s lethal transitions. The game will likely be decided by which team can more effectively impose its style and win the midfield battle.

For PSG, the motivation is multi-layered: defending their crown, overcoming a psychological hurdle against a dominant rival, and securing a crucial first-leg advantage. The urgency to perform at home will be immense. For Bayern, the objective is clear: continue their march toward another treble and assert their continental supremacy. With the domestic league already secured, they have the luxury of focusing entirely on this monumental tie.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has heavily favored the German giants. Bayern Munich has won four of the last five encounters against PSG, including the memorable 1-0 victory in the 2019/20 Champions League final. This track record gives Bayern a significant psychological edge heading into the semifinal.

Looking at the most recent matchups, the pattern of Bavarian dominance continues. Bayern defeated PSG 2-1 at the Parc des Princes in the league phase this season and also eliminated them 3-0 on aggregate in their last knockout stage meeting. PSG’s sole victory in the last five games came in the Club World Cup, a different context entirely from the high-stakes pressure of the Champions League.

While past meetings have often been tight, the offensive statistics for both clubs this season suggest a high-scoring affair is likely. All six of Bayern’s Champions League away games this season have featured over 2.5 goals. Similarly, over 71% of PSG‘s home matches in the competition have seen more than 2.5 goals, signaling that both defenses will be under constant pressure.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers face significant fitness decisions regarding key players that could shape the outcome of this first-leg clash.

PSG is anxiously monitoring the fitness of two crucial starters. Full-back Nuno Mendes is struggling with a thigh injury, and his absence would likely see Warren Zaire-Emery deputize. Midfielder Vitinha is also a doubt due to a heel issue that forced him off early in their last domestic match, creating a potential void in the center of the park.

Bayern Munich will be without their long-term absentee Serge Gnabry and second-choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich. However, the good news for the visitors is that captain Manuel Neuer is fully fit, and star playmaker Jamal Musiala has successfully returned from a recent injury, bolstering their formidable attacking options.

PSG Projected XI (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Zaire-Emery; Neves, Ruiz, Mayulu; Doue, Kvaratskhelia, Dembele.
This lineup relies on Luis Enrique‘s possession-based philosophy, with the midfield trio of Neves, Ruiz, and Mayulu tasked with controlling the tempo. The attacking trident is fluid and dangerous, with Ousmane Dembélé serving as the primary goal threat, supported by the creative talents of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué.

Bayern Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Stanišić, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Musiala, Díaz; Kane.
Vincent Kompany‘s system is built to maximize offensive output. Joshua Kimmich will orchestrate play from deep, while Jamal Musiala operates in the space behind the striker. The attack is spearheaded by the prolific Harry Kane, whose elite finishing is complemented by the dynamic wing play of Michael Olise and Luis Díaz.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the PSG vs Bayern match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles, as well as web browsers and mobile apps.

In addition to the Champions League, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to other top soccer competitions, including Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers.

A subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99/mo, offering comprehensive coverage of world-class soccer all year round.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Champions League games on US TV

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

As reported by Dan Sheldon of The Athletic, a player’s disciplinary record would be wiped clean not only after the quarterfinals but also following the conclusion of the group stage. This shift is being considered primarily to account for the tournament’s expansion and the introduction of the new Round of 32.

Under current FIFA regulations, accumulating two yellow cards in separate matches results in an automatic one-game suspension. In previous World Cups, this accumulation remained active from the opening match through the round of 16, a system designed to maintain discipline during the shorter tournament format.

However, for the upcoming edition in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, there will likely be two distinct reset stages. Players who advance to the knockout rounds would see their counts reset to zero; a second reset would then occur after the quarterfinals to ensure no one misses the final due to a minor booking in the earlier knockout rounds.

The move is intended to provide players with a fairer chance to participate in the expanded tournament, which now requires one additional game to reach the final. While not yet official, the change is set to be discussed and finalized during the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver this Tuesday.

The evolution of the yellow card amnesty

Booking rules at the World Cup have long been strict, as a single mistimed tackle can often sideline a star player for a high-stakes matchup. It was during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that the FIFA Executive Committee first agreed to implement an amnesty phase following the quarterfinals to protect the integrity of the final.

The 2026 tournament will feature a record 48 teams and rosters of 26 players, similar to the expanded squads seen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. By reportedly introducing this second amnesty phase, FIFA appears eager to modernize its disciplinary code to better fit the demands of its new, larger format.

Last Saturday, Liverpool hosted Crystal Palace in Matchday 34 of the 2025-26 Premier League, with the Reds looking to secure their UEFA Champions League qualification for next season. In the 59th minute, with Liverpool leading 2-0, Salah pulled up with an issue and was replaced by Jeremie Frimpong.

With Salah visibly touching the back of his left leg on the touchline, coach Arne Slot was asked about the severity of the problem after the match. “We simply don’t know, but what we do know is the season is in four weeks over, so there are not a lot of games being played. We have to wait and see how his injury is and if he is able to return to play. Let’s hope for the best and that he is available in the last part,” Slot said at his post-match press conference.

However, Egypt national team director Ibrahim Hassan provided a more definitive update in comments to Reuters. “He has suffered a hamstring tear and will require four weeks of treatment,” the former right back confirmed, an assessment that would bring Salah’s time on the pitch for Liverpool to a close for the season.

Liverpool have not issued a formal update on Salah’s condition since the Palace match, treading carefully around what may well have been the final appearance of one of the club’s greatest ever players. With Liverpool’s last Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 season against Brentford scheduled for Sunday, May 24, only a rapid recovery against the clock could give Salah a farewell appearance at Anfield.

Salah expected to be fit for the 2026 World Cup

With Egypt’s director pointing to a four-week recovery timeline, Salah’s World Cup participation does not appear to be in jeopardy, even if his Liverpool farewell proves anticlimactic. Egypt are set to open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15, by which point the Egyptian star is expected to have fully recovered from the hamstring tear.

The more pressing question surrounds the warm-up schedule ahead of the tournament. Egypt have a friendly against Brazil lined up for June 6, which could serve as a fitness test for Salah, though his involvement is likely to be carefully managed and limited to avoid any risk of aggravating the injury before the competition begins.

The Whitecaps have been wrestling with their stadium situation for some time, with their lease at BC Place expiring at the end of 2025 before receiving a last-minute extension through 2026 while negotiations continue. However, with revenue falling short of expectations despite Muller’s presence, the club remains up for sale and faces a stark choice between securing a new long-term deal at their current home or pursuing a move elsewhere.

As relocation reports began to circulate, the Whitecaps released a statement addressing the situation directly. “We are aware of today’s reporting. The club has faced well-documented structural challenges around stadium economics, venue access, and revenue limitations that have made it difficult to attract buyers committed to keeping the team in Vancouver,” the club said.

The statement made clear that the search for a solution has been exhaustive but has yet to yield results. “Over the past 16 months, we have had serious conversations with more than 100 parties, and to date, no viable offer has emerged that would keep the club here,” the franchise added.

With fans rallying behind a #SaveTheCaps campaign during last game against the Colorado Rapids, the ownership group stopped short of closing the door on a Vancouver future. “It remains the strong preference of this ownership group to find a solution in Vancouver. If there is a local ownership group with the vision and resources to chart a path forward, we urge them to come forward,” the statement concluded.

Las Vegas emerges as the leading relocation destination

In the wake of the fan movement and the growing media attention, the club’s board has moved to address the obstacles standing in the way of keeping the franchise in Vancouver. According to The Athletic‘s Paul Tenorio and Tom Bogert, a special committee of MLS owners convened earlier this month to discuss and evaluate the Whitecaps’ future, with Las Vegas taking center stage in those conversations.

The primary option on the table is a move to Las Vegas, where an investor group has unveiled a $10 billion development project on the Las Vegas Strip called Starr Vegas, which includes a dedicated soccer stadium with a capacity of 50,000.

The proposal has yet to gain traction with MLS leadership, however, and Las Vegas is not the only market in play. Indianapolis, Phoenix and Sacramento have also emerged as potential destinations for the franchise, a deeply unwelcome set of possibilities for the Whitecaps’ loyal fanbase.

The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, bringing most active leagues to a temporary halt, including the Brasileirao. Brazil’s top flight will play its final round before the tournament on May 31, with action resuming on July 22, leaving clubs facing nearly two months without competitive football.

According to Globo Esporte, Santos are planning a European tour during the first two weeks of July, coinciding with the World Cup’s knockout stages. The idea is for the Peixe to use a series of friendly matches to keep the squad sharp and ready for the Brasileirão’s resumption.

No opponents have been confirmed yet, but the club’s directors are targeting three games in Portugal, using Lisbon as their base. The trip would tie into an agreement Santos signed last November to participate in the Vitoria Cup.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to announce his final World Cup squad on May 18, with Neymar doing everything in his power to be included. While his participation in the North American tournament remains uncertain, the Brazilian forward already has a contingency plan in place for what would otherwise be a lengthy competitive break.

Neymar traveling to Argentina despite viral infection

With just five games left before Ancelotti names his squad, Neymar has precious little time to make his case for a World Cup berth. His next opportunity comes on Tuesday, when Santos travel to Argentina to face San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana group stage, though the star is not in ideal condition heading into the fixture.

Santos released an official statement addressing the situation: “The athlete Neymar Jr. presented symptoms of a viral infection on Saturday night; he was medicated, responded well, and continues to be monitored by the Santos FC medical department. Neymar is confirmed as part of the delegation traveling to Argentina for Tuesday’s match against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana.“

Alongside teammates Gabriel Brazao, Igor Vinicius, Willian Arao and Gabriel Barbosa, Neymar traveled to Argentina on Monday to join the delegation. Having completed training at Boca Juniors’ training complex, the Brazilian is now expected to be in the starting lineup as he continues his push to arrive at peak form ahead of Ancelotti’s selection deadline.

According to Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport, Barcelona’s sporting commission had a meeting with Raúl Martínez and Fernando Galán, physiotherapists who collaborate with the Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF). In that meeting, they created a very cautious recovery plan, aiming for him to be able to play with Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Despite this, the Blaugrana maintain a very firm stance.

Due to the high risk of relapse in hamstring injuries, Barcelona have fully decided to respect Lamine Yamal’s recovery timelines. With this, they seek to avoid accelerating his recovery, aiming to prevent physical problems in the medium and long term. Nonetheless, the Blaugranas understand that he will definitely be in the national team final list, but he could be absent in the first game against Cape Verde of the 2026 World Cup, as per Diario Sport.

Lamine Yamal could not only miss the first match of the anticipated tournament. According to Barcelona’s plans, the 18-year-old winger could be available only by the match against Uruguay, which is the final group stage game of the 2026 World Cup, reports Carlos Monfort. With this move, he aims to be in full form for the knockout stage as he is expected to be included in the final squad list, but under specific medical precautions.

Lamine Yamal may be struggling with the heavy workload at Barcelona

Having already suffered four injuries, Lamine Yamal could take a very cautious approach to his recovery, prioritizing sustainable performance over time. In addition, the legend Ruud Gullit has already warned the 18-year-old star about his physical condition, as he has accumulated a heavy workload at such a young age. Despite this, head coach Luis de la Fuente remains hopeful of having one of his key players available for the 2026 World Cup.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, head coach Hansi Flick has made Lamine Yamal an undisputed starter, accumulating 3,702 minutes. Although Roony Bardghji or Ferran Torres could serve as key rotation options, the Blaugrana have chosen to keep the 18-year-old as irreplaceable, leading to numerous physical issues. With this in mind, they could look to better manage his playing time, aiming to optimize his physical condition over the long term.

Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution at Nu Stadium, Messi has now appeared in 99 matches for the Herons. While teammate Noah Allen recently claimed the franchise record for most appearances, Messi continues to climb the club’s all-time list as he prepares for his 100th cap.

Inter Miami will host the next edition of the Florida Derby against Orlando City on Saturday, May 2, a matchup where Messi is expected to reach his centennial with the club. He will become the eighth player in franchise history to hit the mark, pulling level with Leonardo Campana on the club’s all-time appearances leaderboard.

Comparing the first 100: Barcelona vs. Inter Miami

After making his professional debut at age 17 in 2004, Messi spent nearly two decades at Barcelona, which remains the only other club where he has surpassed 100 appearances. During his two-season stint with Paris Saint-Germain, the star reached 75 games, a total that likely would have been higher had he not missed significant time due to injury and early tournament exits.

His early years in Spain provided a glimpse of the generational talent he would become. Messi reached his 100th appearance for Barcelona in February 2008 at just 20 years old, having tallied 41 goals and 15 assists for a total of 56 goal contributions during that span.

In the years immediately following that milestone, Messi would go on to set the world record with 91 goals in a single calendar year and claim his first Ballon d’Or at age 22. Despite arriving in MLS as a veteran in the twilight of his career, his clinical edge has remarkably sharpened rather than faded.

Through 99 games with Inter Miami, Messi has racked up 85 goals and 43 assists, bringing his total goal contributions to 128. That represents a massive 72-point gap over his early Barcelona numbers, proving that even as he nears his 100th game in North America, the World Cup winner is still operating at an elite level.

According to Moisés Llorens and Sam Marsden via ESPN, Barcelona have already initiated contact with Atlético Madrid over the signing of Julián Álvarez. Despite this, the Colchoneros are not very open to letting the Argentine leave, complicating the situation. Nevertheless, president Joan Laporta continues to view him as his main target, pushing to pursue his signing in the summer of 2026, when the club is expected to have the financial fair play room to make a move.

In light of this information, Julián Álvarez decided to break his silence, focusing on Atlético Madrid: “I try not to give too much importance to what they say, because the truth is that every week new things come out, all kinds of new information…I try not to waste energy on that and to focus on what we’re doing here at Atléti,” he said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Despite his statements, the Argentine continues to be linked with the Blaugrana due to a reported family-related move. According to Gustavo Yarroch via SportsCenter on ESPN, Julián Álvarez’s brothers are already looking for a house in Barcelona, suggesting they could help push for a transfer in the summer of 2026. With this in mind, Hansi Flick’s side remain hopeful of securing the striker’s arrival as a marquee signing for up to €100 million.

Julián Álvarez could be a perfect fit with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal

Throughout the season, head coach Hansi Flick has faced serious issues in attack, as Ferran Torres has been quite inconsistent and Robert Lewandowski can no longer press or fit into the starting XI as he once did. For this reason, the potential arrival of Julián Álvarez would be crucial, as he could elevate the performances of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal while also providing consistent goalscoring output.

Julián Álvarez has proven to be a truly difference-making player, with his physicality and tactical intelligence making him key in attack. He not only creates space and provides passes for his teammates, but is also capable of winning physical duels against world-class defenders. As a modern forward, the Argentine could fit perfectly into Hansi Flick’s high-pressing system, forming an ideal partnership with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

Despite the Argentine emerging as an ideal fit, the Blaugrana are keeping alternatives in mind, such as Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray or Luis Suárez of Sporting Lisbon, according to Adrián Sánchez of MasQuePelotas. While the Nigerian could also exceed €80 million, the Colombian would likely be a more affordable option. Nevertheless, Julián Álvarez remains the absolute priority, as his profile and potential strongly impress the club’s front office.

During Sunday’s clash with Juventus, Pulisic headlined Milan’s frontline alongside Rafael Leao, but the star duo once again failed to deliver. The USMNT captain was subbed off for Niclas Fullkrug in the 62nd minute after failing to register a single shot and completing just one dribble.

Following the match, Costacurta, who spent two decades at Milan, slammed the forward’s performance on Sky Sports, calling it Pulisic’s worst match to date: “The two up front help each other and understand each other very little. Pulisic was the worst on the pitch today.”

The lack of a true central striker has forced both Pulisic and Leao to drift across the pitch, often failing to settle into dangerous positions. With only 22 touches on the ball, Pulisic looked like a shadow of the player who claimed Serie A Player of the Month honors back in September.

Costacurta also took aim at Leão, noting that the Portuguese winger continues to underwhelm him: “He continues to fail to convince me. I don’t know what else to add. Every now and then I see him try, but very few things come off—very few—and above all, we wonder why Milan has to drop so deep, why they don’t defend with all 11. When the opponents have the ball, not everyone runs, and Leao is the one who does it the least.”

Pulisic and a concerning lack of form in 2026

After a dominant first half of the season, injuries have derailed Pulisic’s momentum and he has been unable to regain his clinical edge. The most glaring impact is reflected in a scoring drought that has now spanned the entirety of the 2026 calendar year.

In 16 matches, including last night’s stalemate with Juventus, Pulisic has failed to find the net, equaling a career-worst dry spell dating back to his time at Chelsea. It has been 958 minutes since his last goal for the Rossoneri, which came on December 28, 2025, when he was still challenging Lautaro Martínez for the Serie A Golden Boot.

Speaking with DAZN after the game, head coach Massimiliano Allegri addressed the psychological toll the slump is taking on his winger: “He’s a very sensitive player, and not scoring affects him more. He struggles more in physical duels. Without a true striker, it’s harder for him I need to give balance to the team.“

Since the turn of the year, Pulisic’s only goal contribution was a single assist provided during a 3-2 win over Torino on March 21. As Milan slide out of the title race and fights to cling to a Champions League spot, fans are beginning to worry if this dip in form will carry over to the 2026 World Cup.

According to José Félix Díaz via Diario AS, Gonzalo García is set to leave Real Madrid after failing to secure consistent playing time throughout the season. As a result, Borussia Dortmund have emerged as the main interested party in the Spanish striker, reportedly willing to submit a €30M offer. However, Real Madrid do not consider this acceptable, as they value the 22-year-old striker at €60M, which complicates a potential move to the Bundesliga.

Amid a disappointing season for Real Madrid, Gonzalo has shown a distinct goalscoring ability, standing out in the limited minutes he has been given, as he usually comes on late in matches and is rarely a starter. Because of this, it may be difficult for him to command a transfer fee close to €60M, as he is not a regular starter at a top European club and still has much to prove.

Neither Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa gave Gonzalo García enough playing time to showcase his scoring prowess, raising doubts about his potential. Nonetheless, Borussia Dortmund maintain a cordial relationship with Real Madrid, which could facilitate his transfer with buy-back clauses, ensuring him to play a significant role in his professional career, with hopes of replicating the success of Nico Paz, who is now excelling as an undisputed starter in Serie A.

Endrick may endanger Gonzalo García’s playing time at Real Madrid

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Gonzalo García managed to edge out Endrick, earning more playing time and even forcing the Brazilian’s departure in January 2026. However, the situation could change drastically next season, as his loan spell at Olympique Lyon was a complete success, establishing as an undisputed starter. As a result, the Spaniard could be forced to leave if he wants to secure consistent playing time.

Endrick has managed to showcase his talent during his spell at Olympique Lyon. After playing 18 matches, the Brazilian has recorded 7 goals and 3 assists. Beyond his statistics, he has shown strong involvement in the team’s collective play, helping elevate the performances of his teammates. As a result, Real Madrid are reportedly open to keeping him in the squad, as he could be compatible with Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé—something Gonzalo does not currently offer.

With this in mind, Gonzalo García should accept his departure, whether on loan or permanently, in search of a similar impact to Endrick. In addition, he could return to Los Blancos, something that already happened with Álvaro Morata, who came back after shining at Juventus as an undisputed starter. For this reason, the Spaniard could benefit greatly from leaving, securing a better future.

Match Overview

The pressure is mounting at Old Trafford as Manchester United enters a crucial phase of their season. Currently third in the Premier League but level on points with Aston Villa and with Liverpool just three points behind, the margin for error is razor-thin. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United has turned their home ground into a fortress, winning five of their last six league matches there. However, a recent 2-1 loss to Leeds served as a stark reminder that nothing can be taken for granted in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

Brentford arrives in Manchester with ambitions of their own, chasing a spot in European competition from ninth place. Keith Andrews‘s side has earned a reputation as giant-killers, underscored by a decisive 3-1 victory over United earlier this season. While they are currently on a streak of five consecutive draws, this run highlights their resilience and how difficult they are to break down. The Bees have been formidable on the road, losing just once away from home since mid-January, and they will be determined to turn their recent stalemates into a statement win.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs tell a story of differing expectations. Manchester United‘s campaign is defined by the absolute necessity of securing a top-four finish. Results have improved under Carrick, but performances remain inconsistent, often relying on moments of individual brilliance to secure points rather than sustained tactical dominance. For Brentford, this season is about cementing their status as a Premier League force and making a legitimate push for Europe, a goal that would be significantly boosted by a victory here.

The tactical battle is set to be a classic clash of styles. Manchester United is expected to control possession and territory, leveraging their offensive firepower. They average 15.64 shots per game, the second-most in the league, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating the attack. In contrast, Brentford will likely adopt a disciplined, defensive posture, aiming to frustrate United and strike on the counter-attack. The Bees‘ success will depend on their ability to contain Fernandes and exploit the defensive vulnerabilities United has shown in transition.

Motivation is at a fever pitch for both squads. For Manchester United, every match is a must-win to hold off their rivals and secure Champions League football. The financial and sporting implications are immense, adding significant weight to this home fixture. Brentford, meanwhile, can play with a degree of freedom. A positive result at Old Trafford would be a massive scalp and provide a huge injection of momentum into their European aspirations, making this a high-stakes encounter for both teams.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

History suggests this fixture is anything but predictable. The last five meetings between Manchester United and Brentford have been perfectly balanced, with each team claiming two victories alongside one draw. This parity proves that neither side holds a psychological advantage, and Brentford‘s 3-1 win in the reverse fixture this season will give them confidence that they can compete with and defeat their more storied opponents.

A closer look at recent encounters reveals a pattern of high-scoring, dramatic contests. Brentford won the last two matches where they scored three or more goals, including a thrilling 4-3 victory last season. Before that, Manchester United had secured back-to-back 2-1 wins, demonstrating their ability to grind out results in this fixture. The trend indicates that matches between these two are rarely dull and often decided by fine margins and offensive prowess.

For those looking at statistical trends, goals are the most prominent feature. Both teams have scored in all of the last five head-to-head clashes, and four of those five games have seen over 2.5 goals. The combined average of 3.8 goals per game in these matchups points towards an open and entertaining affair, suggesting that both defenses will be tested thoroughly on Monday night.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are contending with significant squad issues, though Manchester United receives a boost while Brentford continues to manage a lengthy injury list.

For the home side, the return of Harry Maguire is a welcome development for a defense that has been stretched thin. Lisandro Martinez remains suspended, and both Matthijs De Ligt and Patrick Dorgu are sidelined with injuries. In attack, Matheus Cunha is expected to be fit to start despite leaving the last match with groin discomfort, a crucial piece for United‘s offensive plans.

Brentford‘s impressive season is even more remarkable given their persistent injury problems. Key players like Josh Dasilva, Jordan Henderson, and Rico Henry are still unavailable, testing the depth of the squad. Despite these absences, the team has maintained a high level of performance and organization, a testament to their coaching and collective spirit.

Manchester United Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha; Šeško.
This lineup relies heavily on its attacking quartet to create chances. With Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings and Benjamin Šeško leading the line, United possesses a significant goal threat. The focus will be on whether the makeshift defense, bolstered by Maguire‘s return, can provide a solid foundation.

Brentford Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Jensen, Yarmolyuk; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago.
Brentford‘s formation is designed for defensive solidity and rapid transitions. The midfield duo of Jensen and Yarmolyuk will be tasked with shielding the backline, while the pace of Ouattara and Schade on the wings will be vital for launching counter-attacks aimed at their powerful striker, Igor Thiago.

More details on how to watch

The match is available on DirecTV Stream, which you can access on your computer, phone, tablet, and smart TV. It is compatible with devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

In addition to this Premier League clash, a subscription to DirecTV Stream gives you access to a wide array of other soccer competitions. You can watch leagues like Liga MX, La Liga, and other major tournaments from around the world.

The most basic subscription comes in at $69.99 per month, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans who want to follow multiple leagues and competitions in one place.

SEE MORE: Full Premier League TV schedule

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

According to Matteo Moretto, a transfer market specialist journalist, the future of Marcus Rashford is far from decided. Although he wants to remain at Barcelona, the club aims to lower his €30M buy clause, as he is 29 years old and they would not be able to amortize his contract over many years due to its relatively short length. While Manchester United are not looking to reduce his valuation, Rafael Leão could play a key role in the Englishman’s future.

If Rashford were to return to the Red Devils, he would receive a salary increase by playing in the UEFA Champions League. With this in mind, United would look to sell him quickly, aiming to free up wage space to pursue the signing of Rafael Leão, who is reportedly set to leave AC Milan for the Premier League, according to Football Insider. As a result, Barcelona and Rashford could push to reduce his transfer fee, as a return to Manchester United would be complicated.

Looking for a definitive boost to their squad, Manchester United could make a strong push for Rafael Leão, as they currently lack a dribbling-focused left winger in their squad. Being a highly decisive player, they could end up in a bidding battle with Manchester City and Liverpool—something they may not be able to afford without selling Rashford, whose high salary could block the arrival of the Portuguese forward, making things easier for Barcelona.

Report: Barcelona struggle as Víctor Muñoz, Jan Virgili don’t convince

Amid growing doubts over the future of Marcus Rashford, Barcelona are already considering alternatives, as they continue to pursue a signing on the left wing. While Víctor Muñoz and Jan Virgili had emerged as possible replacements for the Englishman, neither fully convinces the club for different reasons. As a result, the Blaugrana side face significant uncertainty in the transfer market.

According to Carlos Monfort via Diario Sport, Barcelona sporting director Deco has already met with the agent of Víctor Muñoz, aiming to bring positions closer for a potential transfer. However, they are not fully willing to pay the €40M release clause to CA Osasuna, since Real Madrid own 50% of his rights, which would effectively strengthen their direct rival—making the operation nearly ruled out.

Jan Virgili remains one of the best-positioned options to reinforce the wing. With Barcelona holding 40% of his future sale, his transfer fee would be in the range of €13–17M. Despite this, the Blaugrana do not currently consider his signing a priority, according to Sergi Capdevila via Diario Sport. As a result, they may still lack a clear alternative to Marcus Rashford, which could lead them to continue pressuring Manchester United to lower his valuation.

According to El Partidazo de COPE, Real Madrid have already initiated direct contact with Lionel Scaloni, aiming for him to become the club’s head coach starting next season. With his contract with Argentina running until December 2026, he may not face major obstacles in securing the move. Additionally, president Florentino Pérez reportedly views him as a strong candidate due to his experience and proven ability to manage egos in the dressing room.

If he decides to take charge of Real Madrid, Lionel Scaloni would face the biggest challenge of his career. While he succeeded with Argentina, he has not managed club teams on a day-to-day basis for a long period, having only worked as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli in Sevilla. However, he has already shown the ability to manage a squad full of stars, so he would be expected to bring out the best in Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr, and Jude Bellingham in the same starting lineup.

With the 2026 World Cup just a few months away, Scaloni may not define his professional future until mid-July, once the tournament concludes. As a result, Real Madrid could face delays in their sporting planning, complicating key decisions such as transfers or departures—like the future of Franco Mastantuono or the possible return of Nico Paz. Moreover, if he manages to win the tournament with the national team, Argentina could try to convince him to stay.

Didier Deschamps may also emerge as a key option for Real Madrid

Alongside Lionel Scaloni, Didier Deschamps has emerged as one of the best coaches in recent years, leading a golden generation of France that reached two World Cup finals and won the 2018 edition. After several years, he has decided to leave the national team at the end of the tournament, becoming a free agent. As a result, Real Madrid are said to view him as another strong candidate, given his greater experience at club level.

According to several Spanish media outlets, Real Madrid consider Deschamps a strong option to take charge of the team. Not only did he succeed with France, but he also achieved success with Olympique Marseille, winning several titles during his spell there. In addition, he knows Kylian Mbappé, as well as Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Ferland Mendy, which could be key for his integration into the squad.

Given the potential complications surrounding Lionel Scaloni, Didier Deschamps represents a more accessible option, as his contract situation would allow for an immediate move regardless of whether he wins the World Cup or not. Additionally, he has experience rebuilding squads, something crucial for Real Madrid after two consecutive trophyless seasons.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, when they’ll be hosting Al Ahli for Matchday 30 of the Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese legend heads to the match after securing the ticket to the AFC Champions League Two final in a 5-1 win against Qatar’s Al Ahli.

Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Selecao will play two friendlies on home soil: the first against Chile on June 6 and the second against Nigeria on June 10.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 26 goals and provided 4 assists in 31 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 969 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, when the Herons will be hosting Orlando City in the MLS at the Nu Stadium. The Argentine legend enters the fixture following another home draw, a 1-1 result against the New England Revolution.

As for international duty with Argentina national team, Lionel Messi is set to return to action during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Albiceleste will be facing Honduras on June 6th, and Iceland on June 9, leaving Messi and company just one week to regroup before their tournament opener against Algeria on the 16th.

The 2026 MLS campaign has just begun for Messi, who has featured in eleven official matches so far across all competitions, scoring eight times without registering an assist. The opener came against LAFC, who handed Inter Miami a 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.