tag

Kylian Mbappe has urged Real Madrid fans to refrain from singling out Vinicius Jr for ‌the club’s woes, insisting the blame for their stuttering form rests on ‌the entire team. The France forward ‍appealed for unity ahead of Real’s Champions League clash at home to Monaco today, after tensions at the Santiago Bernabeu reached boiling point during Saturday’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Levante. “I understand the fans because we’re not doing things right,” ‍Mbappe said. “What I didn’t like was that if they boo, they should boo the whole team. You shouldn’t single out one player. It’s not Vini’s fault that we’re playing the way we are now. That’s all I have to say: don’t go after one player. It’s our collective fault, and we have the character to change that on the pitch.” Despite Saturday’s La Liga win, which saw ‌second-placed Real move within a point of Barcelona, who lost at Real Sociedad on Sunday, frustration spilled over at the Bernabeu, with the fans directing their anger at several players, including Vinicius. The ‍Brazil winger was jeered throughout the ⁠match and particularly ‌targeted during the starting lineup announcements, with heavy boos resonating in the stadium. The unrest follows a turbulent period for the 15-times European champions. Their defeat by Barca in the Spanish Super Cup final this month, coupled with a shock 3-2 Copa del Rey exit at second-division side Albacete, has left fans disillusioned. The dismissal of manager Xabi Alonso last week, seven months into his tenure, has further fuelled tensions. Reports of internal discord, including clashes between the coach and Vinicius, cast a shadow over Real’s beleaguered campaign and Alonso’s exit. Saturday’s scenes painted a picture of strain and vulnerability. Broadcast footage showed a visibly emotional Vinicius sitting ​on the stairs leading to the ‌pitch, clearly affected after hearing boos during the lineup announcement. Mbappe, who was seen comforting the 23-year-old winger before the game, emphasised ⁠the importance of providing a supportive ‍environment for Vinicius. “Vini, like you, like her, like everyone else, he’s a human being,” Mbappe said. “He’s an unbelievable talent, a great guy, and I’m fortunate to know him. We all need to protect him better. He’s not alone at Real Madrid, and we’re all with him. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the best players in the world. My ​job is to support him, look after him. When he’s happy, he’s a difference-maker, and that should be our collective focus.” Levante’s visit to the Bernabeu might have secured three points for Los Blancos, but the tense atmosphere underscored the lasting impact of recent disappointments. Despite Barcelona’s surprising 2-1 loss at Sociedad, giving Madrid the chance to close the gap, the Bernabeu faithful remain restless, demanding improvement from their players. Real have the opportunity to move closer to qualifying for the Champions League last 16 with a win over Monaco ⁠today that could be key to Arbeloa rediscovering their rhythm and encourage fans to offer the united backing the team needs. 

New coach Alvaro Arbeloa said he was not afraid of failure as he took the blame for Real Madrid's stunning 3-2 defeat to second-division Albacete ‌in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on ‌Wednesday.Arbeloa endured a nightmare ‍start to his managerial career at Real after taking charge of the Spanish giants following ⁠Xabi Alonso's departure on Monday.The ⁠shock result capped a dismal week for the club, who also lost ‍3-2 to Barcelona in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final.The 42-year-old Arbeloa inherits a side four points adrift of their arch-rivals Barcelona in LaLiga and now out of the Copa del Rey. Speaking after the humbling result at a misty Carlos Belmonte stadium, the former Real Madrid defender took full responsibility for the defeat but insisted ‌that brighter days lay ahead."At this club, a draw is always bad, a tragedy. It's painful, and I'm sure all our fans are hurting," Arbeloa ‍told reporters. "I am responsible and ⁠to blame. As ‌for the line-up and the substitutions, I can only thank the players. Now we have to recover for Saturday."Arbeloa's decision to rest several first-team stars came under scrutiny as Madrid struggled against an organised and determined Albacete side. Despite the result, Arbeloa doubled down on his choices. "I don't regret it. I was convinced that the squad I brought was the right one," he asserted."The players we had formed a great team. I would make the same decision a thousand times over. It's difficult ​for players to adapt to ‌everything I've asked of them in just one day. We also have many players who need ⁠to recover physically."Madrid's second consecutive loss in less than a week was a blow for Arbeloa, but the manager remained steadfast in his belief that failure is a stepping stone to success. "I'm not afraid of failure," he said."I understand anyone who wants to describe this defeat as a failure. ​Failure is part of the road to success. It will make me better, and it will make us all better. I've endured defeats harder than this one. We'll prepare for the next match with maximum dedication."He added that Real had a lot of room for improvement physically. "With a new manager, players will need time to adjust to different ideas," he said. "What happens on the pitch is ultimately my ⁠responsibility. We need clearer ideas in how we approach matches, particularly against teams that defend deep." 

New Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa insisted Tuesday he would be himself at the helm of the Spanish giants rather than trying to imitate Jose Mourinho.Arbeloa, who in his playing days at Madrid was an ally of his then coach Mourinho, has drawn comparisons to the Portuguese veteran for his approach to management.The 42-year-old former defender was appointed to replace Xabi Alonso on Monday after Real Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final against rivals Barcelona on Sunday."I have not spoken to Jose yet. For me it was a privilege and an honour to be coached by Jose Mourinho," Arbeloa told a news conference."I have a great relationship with him... and obviously he was someone who influenced me a lot, I carry him within me."(However) I am going to be Alvaro Arbeloa, because while it's true I am not afraid of failing, and have never been, I'm sure that if I tried to be Jose Mourinho, I would fail spectacularly."Mourinho, currently coaching Benfica, led Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title.During that era he battled against Pep Guardiola's dominant Barcelona when the fierce rivalry between the Catalans and Real Madrid was at its most bitter.Barca currently lead Madrid by four points at the top of La Liga and Arbeloa's job is to revert the situation, although his first match in charge is at Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday.Arbeloa, who was coaching Madrid's reserve side and previously working with the club's youth teams before he was promoted, said success is the most important thing for the record 15-time European champions."This club is winning, winning, and winning again. That demand on ourselves, showing the DNA of what brought us here, that has filled our trophy cabinets (is what I want)," continued Arbeloa."When I was a player I received those values from the players in the dressing room, and for me that is the most important thing... to be able to excite the fans we have all over the world and try to leave those cabinets even more full."That is my work, that is my obsession and what I will be living every day."Madrid did not announce how long Arbeloa's contract as first-team coach would be."What I can tell you is that I've been here for 20 years, at home, and I will be at Real Madrid as long as they want me here," added Arbeloa."This is my home, that's how I feel and that's how it will always be."No MbappeStriker Kylian Mbappe was absent as Arbeloa took charge of his first training session on Tuesday before the visit to face second-tier Albacete.Mbappe made his comeback from a knee sprain as a late substitute in the Spanish Super Cup final defeat by Barcelona on Sunday, but is likely to keep working on his recovery until next Tuesday's Champions League match against his former side Monaco.A Real Madrid source told AFP it was "logical" that Mbappe was absent from training, given his knee issue.Former coach Alonso had admitted it was a calculated risk to involve Madrid's top goalscorer in the match against Barca in Saudi Arabia.Arbeloa said he had a close relationship with Alonso, a former team-mate for Madrid and the Spanish national team."Everyone here knows the bond that connects me to him, the friendship that connects me to him, how much I value him, how much I love him, and I know that's mutual, has been mutual and will continue to be mutual," said Arbeloa.Alonso, replaced after less than eight months at the helm, said on social media he was leaving the club having done the best he could."Things didn't go as I would have liked," wrote the Basque coach on Instagram on Tuesday."Coaching Real Madrid was an honour and a responsibility. I'm grateful to the club, the players and above all the fans for their confidence and support."I leave respectfully, with gratitude, and the pride of having done the best I could." 

Real Madrid said that coach Xabi Alonso has left the Spanish giants by mutual consent, to be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa. A day after the team lost the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, the club parted ways with the Basque coach eight months after his arrival and immediately appointed former Madrid player Arbeloa, who was coaching the reserve side."Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end," said the Los Blancos in a statement.In a separate statement Madrid then announced Arbeloa would take Alonso's place, without specifying the length of the 42-year-old's contract. "Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid's academy since 2020," said Los Blancos.Arbeloa's first match at the helm is a Copa del Rey last-16 visit to face second-tier Albacete Wednesday. The Spaniard played 238 times for Madrid between 2009-2016, winning two Champions League titles and La Liga once, among other silverware.Arbeloa also lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010, as well as the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, playing alongside Alonso for club and country. Alonso joined in June, replacing veteran Carlo Ancelotti, but Madrid struggled to find consistency under the Basque coach and are second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona.Los Blancos were outplayed in a 3-2 defeat in Saudi Arabia on Sunday by Hansi Flick's side, the 44-year-old's last at the helm. Alonso was close to the sack towards the end of 2025 but a run of five consecutive wins kept him in his position, until the Super Cup defeat.Alonso had signed a three-season deal at the Bernabeu after leaving German side Bayer Leverkusen, with whom he won the Bundesliga in 2024. Real Madrid were thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in July in the Club World Cup semi-finals, which was an early setback for the coach.A 5-2 drubbing by Atletico Madrid in September was another blow for Alonso, although it was the team's only league defeat until December. Despite a Clasico win over Barcelona in October, it appeared president Florentino Perez had not fully warmed to Alonso, who had intended to bring a modern coaching approach to the team.While Ancelotti, who led Madrid to three Champions League wins across two spells in charge, was hailed for his man-management, Alonso was appointed for his tactical nous. Early on during his time in charge Alonso said the "rock'n'roll" was about to begin, but it never came, with few entertaining attacking displays, despite the superb output of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, La Liga's top scorer.Madrid struggled through a run of poor form amid an injury crisis, losing at home against Celta Vigo, and away at Liverpool in Europe, as well as drawing several domestic games. In that period many of the tactical ideas Alonso had tried to implement, including high pressing, faded away, amid reports some star players had fallen out with him.Brazilian wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes dropped out of form, going several months without finding the net. Spanish media also said Alonso would be ousted if they failed to beat Manchester City in the Champions League in December.Madrid lost against Pep Guardiola's side but the performance enough of an improvement that Alonso was given more time to try and save his job. However, the defeat by Barca in Jeddah was the final straw for Madrid, who agreed a deal with Alonso for him to depart. 

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick commended Raphinha's mindset after the forward struck twice to help his team beat Real Madrid and retain the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.The Brazilian winger has seven goals in his last five matches, including a brace in the 3-2 win over Los Blancos in Saudi Arabia. Raphinha was out injured for around two months as Barca's form dipped in October and November, but has come back strongly. "His mentality is unbelievable, his dynamic affects the whole team," Flick told reporters.Raphinha missed a fine chance in the first half but almost immediately fired Barca into the lead in Jeddah. Then with the score tied at 2-2, the 29-year-old struck the winner from outside the area, with the help of a deflection."He missed the first chance but the second one, he was there and (scored) the first goal, and it gave the team more confidence," continued Flick. "This is what Raphinha brings on the pitch, it's a lot of intensity and we need this."Barca won the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid last season on their way to claiming a domestic treble. Flick said he hoped the victory would help the La Liga leaders achieve their other ambitions this season."We are in a good mood, we have a lot of confidence now," said Flick, after Barca's 10th consecutive victory across all competitions. "This final was very important for us because against Real Madrid it's always something special. Again we won a final, and this is fantastic."Flick has won all eight finals he has competed in as a coach, including two last season against Madrid. "When we are focused, we concentrate and play like we did today, I have a really good feeling with the team, because it's important," added Flick.The coach brought on defender Ronald Araujo in the final stages, after the Uruguayan took a mental health break of around a month. "To be on the pitch and to win this title means a lot for him," said Flick. "I'm really happy that he's back, and happy that it seems like it's okay – we will support him always." 

Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz maintained his goal-a-game record at the Africa Cup of Nations by scoring to take Morocco into the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat Sunday.Diaz scored once in each of three group matches and his 64th-minute strike against the Tanzanians created history as he became the first Moroccan to find the net in four consecutive AFCON matches.The goal came after Morocco squandered numerous scoring chances while stretching an unbeaten run in competitive and friendly matches to 23. Their last loss was to South Africa at the 2024 AFCON.Morocco will face South Africa or Cameroon, who meet later on Sunday at a different Rabat venue, in the quarter-finals on Friday.Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, set up the last-16 winner for Diaz, while making his first start in the tournament after coming off the bench in a victory over Zambia last Monday.The 2025 African player of the year suffered a serious ankle injury playing for PSG against Bayern Munich in the Champions League two months ago.But Morocco lacked Azzedine Ounahi, who arrived at the stadium using crutches and wearing a medical boot on his left foot. Bilal El Khannouss took his place in midfield.Morocco were favourites for several reasons, including home advantage, the backing of close to 70,000 supporters, and lying 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings.First chanceHowever, it was Tanzania who had the first chance in the third minute, but Saimon Msuva misconnected with a Selemani Mwalimu cross.Morocco had the ball in the net after 15 minutes as Ismael Saibari nodded a Abdessamad Ezzalzouli free-kick past goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga.The assistant referee immediately raised his flag for offside and a VAR review confirmed that the PSV striker had strayed too far forward.Ayoub El Kaabi was the next Moroccan to come close, heading over before being injured in a collision with Masaranga. Both players resumed after treatment.A Diaz shot was too high from the edge of the box and El Kaabi headed wide as the host nation continued their pursuit of the opening goal, but the first half ended goalless.In a lively start to the second period, Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi headed wide then, in a rare Tanzanian raid, Feisal 'Fei Toto' Salum fired over with only goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to beat.As Moroccan pressure mounted, Hakimi rifled a free-kick against the crossbar from just outside the box on the hour mark.A goal seemed inevitable given the relentless pressure from the host nation, and it came thanks to Hakimi and Diaz.The full-back passed to the forward, who beat Masaranga at his near post with an angled shot from close range. 

Real Madrid Wednesday said that Kylian Mbappe had suffered a knee sprain, delivering a blow to their bid to reel in Liga leaders Barcelona."After the tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by Real Madrid's medical services, he was diagnosed with a sprain in his left knee. Awaiting evolution," the club said in a statement.Real Madrid did not indicate how long the 27-year-old striker would be out for, but a source close to the France superstar told AFP that he would be absent for at least three weeks.Mbappe, the leading scorer in La Liga this season with 18 goals, is therefore a major doubt for Sunday's league match at home to Real Betis, Los Merengues' first after the winter break as they trail Barcelona by four points.He could also miss the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia on January 8, as well as a league fixture against Levante and a Champions League clash with former club Monaco.Real did not say when or how Mbappe was injured, however he had trained with the team on Tuesday.He underwent an MRI scan on Wednesday.Mbappe has enjoyed a stellar 2025, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's club record 59 goals in a calendar year, and has at times carried Real Madrid, relieving some pressure on under-fire coach Xabi Alonso.He has scored 73 goals in 83 matches for Real since making a free transfer move to the Spanish giants from Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago.He finished top scorer in La Liga last season with 31 goals - four more than Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski - and is currently seven goals clear of the next best this season, Barca's Ferran Torres.His absence adds to those of Real defenders Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, midfielder Federico Valverde, and forward Brahim Diaz who is at the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco. 

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faces mounting pressure ahead of today's Champions League group-stage meeting against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, but the Spaniard was confident the team could turn their poor form around.Sunday's 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo, in which Real were reduced to nine players after defenders Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras were sent off, left the club second in LaLiga with 36 points, four behind leaders Barcelona.Adding to Alonso's challenges, Madrid could be without as many as eight key players, including top-scorer Kylian Mbappe, who missed training on Tuesday with a muscle injury."Football can change quickly... for good or for bad," Alonso told a press conference Tuesday. "After the Celta match, we've already drawn our conclusions."Now it's just City in our minds. It's the Champions League, we're at the Bernabeu. It will be different because of the energy that's created. That's what's on our minds, what's ahead of us."Asked whether his job could be at risk if Real falter against City, Alonso remained defiant."When you coach Real Madrid, you have to be prepared for situations like this. We are a team, we are all united," he said."To reverse the disappointment, which is normal, all we're thinking about now is City."Mbappe's absence would be a significant blow for Alonso's team, with the Frenchman leading both the LaLiga and Champions League scoring charts this season.The 26-year-old joins an already packed injury list that includes Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga.Wednesday's clash will be the 13th meeting between the clubs in the past decade, a rivalry that has intensified as Real and City combined to claim three of the last four Champions League titles.Real won the competition in 2022 and 2024, beating City en route to both titles, while the English side lifted their maiden Champions League trophy in 2023 after overcoming the Spanish club in the semi-finals that year.Despite a disappointing run in recent weeks, with two victories in their last seven matches across all competitions, Alonso remained optimistic."We're all in this together. United. Convinced that this is an opportunity. We need to have the energy to connect with the Bernabeu. If that happens, we have a chance to win," he said."In football, you have to adapt and learn. Some days are good, others are not," he added. "But we are making progress with every match. Good thing we have a challenge tomorrow. The best way to move forward is to face it. It's a challenge that we must rise to."Real are fifth in the Champions League standings on 12 points, three behind leaders Arsenal. City are ninth on 10 points, chasing a top-eight finish that would secure direct qualification to the last 16. 

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr issued a public apology after his angry reaction to being substituted during Sunday's heated 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona had him storm straight to the changing rooms.The Brazilian was withdrawn in the 71st minute and replaced by compatriot Rodrygo, despite having played a key part in the winning goal and running Barcelona's right back Jules Kounde ragged during the fiery encounter.Vinicius made his displeasure known to manager Xabi Alonso before heading directly to the dressing room, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment as Real ended a four-game losing streak against their bitter rivals.While Vinicius revealed he had personally apologised to his teammates and club president Florentino Perez, notably absent from his statement was any mention of Alonso. "Today I want to apologise to all Real Madrid fans for my reaction when I was substituted in El Clasico," Vinicius said via his social media accounts. "As I have already done in person during today's training session, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club and the president."The 25-year-old attributed his outburst to his competitive drive, explaining: "Sometimes my passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive nature stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents."Vinicius has had a testy relationship with Alonso since he took over as manager in May. Alonso has substituted him in most games this season even though Vinicius has been linking up well with forward Kylian Mbappe.But even after storming off the pitch, his part in a testy match was not over. He reemerged just before the final whistle after Pedri was sent off and a fight broke out between the teams. He had to be shepherded away from the scene as he argued with Barca players.Real have 27 points at the top of the La Liga standings, five ahead of Barcelona in second.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is upbeat about the long-term future of Micky van de Ven with the north London club despite reported interest in the Dutch defender from Spanish giants Real Madrid.The centre-back scored twice in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton to take his tally for the season to five goals in 13 appearances, with Spurs now third in the table - five points behind leaders and arch north London rivals Arsenal.Van de Ven has become a leading figure in the absence of injured club captain Cristian Romero and could lead the side out again in a League Cup match away to holders Newcastle on Wednesday. Frank, attempting to retain the senior players in a squad that won the Europa League in May, was relaxed about keeping hold of van de Ven, who joined Spurs on a six-year deal in 2023, for all the talk that Real are tracking the progress of the 24-year-old.“Yeah, very happy with Micky. I think he has been brilliant for the club since he signed and he has taken some steps up this season,” Frank said.“I think he actually defends even better. I think he is still very good on the ball, he added the goals and the headed goals, which I am very happy with. He’s a threat from set-pieces.“Character and leadership also growing and as far as I know, we have a good contract with him but definitely a player I see with a big future at the club. “I think he is happy here, that is very important and we’re happy with him, so let’s see what happens in the future.“I think the most important thing is it looks like he really enjoys his football, he really enjoys his time here, I am very happy with him, everyone is really happy, so that’s a good sign.”

Jude Bellingham's goal helped Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 to win a tense Clasico and move five points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of La Liga on Sunday.Champions Barcelona won all four times the teams were pitted against each other last season but in his first Clasico as Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso snapped that run.Kylian Mbappe, who later missed a penalty, fired Madrid in front and although Fermin Lopez levelled for the visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham netted a second for the hosts before half-time which proved decisive.Barca playmaker Pedri was sent off in the final stages for a second yellow card as tensions spilled over in the Spanish capital.Madrid's victory means they have won nine of their opening 10 league games and Alonso's side proved against Barca they can triumph on the big occasion, following their derby humbling by Atletico Madrid in September.Hansi Flick's team were led on the touchline by his assistant Marcus Sorg, as the German coach was suspended following a red card last weekend as they scraped a victory over relegation-battling Girona.Barcelona were without several regular starters, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo among others, while Lamine Yamal still does not appear fully fit after a groin injury but started.The teenager wound up Madrid fans in the week by claiming Los Blancos "steal" and "complain" and his name was greeted with a chorus of jeers when read out before kick-off.Barcelona had more of the ball in the first half but it was largely sterile possession and Madrid created the most dangerous opportunities.The hosts were awarded an early penalty when Yamal appeared to bring down Vinicius Junior. However it was cancelled after a VAR review as it was the Brazilian initiated the contact.Madrid fans' ire at the officials grew when Mbappe blasted home from outside the area but the goal was ruled out for a milimetric offside against the French superstar.Mbappe did not have long to wait before he could celebrate in earnest, after superb work by Bellingham sent him through on goal.The forward, the division's top goalscorer, netted his 11th league goal of the campaign with a lethal low finish past Wojciech Szczesny.The goalkeeper made a good save from Dean Huijsen while Bellingham and Fede Valverde went close as Madrid took control.Szczesny stopped efforts from Vinicius and Bellingham again, and it was against the run of play when Barcelona equalised.Arda Guler gave away possession in a dangerous area and Marcus Rashford, playing in his first Clasico, crossed for Lopez to blast the visitors level in the 38th minute.Bellingham struck Madrid's second five minutes later to give Los Blancos a deserved advantage at the interval.The England international, who scored his first goal at the Bernabeu since April in midweek against Juventus, gleefully tapped home after Eder Militao nodded Vinicius's cross back into his path.Mbappe penalty savedMadrid should have extended their lead at the start of the second half but Szczesny made a fine save to push out Mbappe's penalty, after Eric Garcia was penalised for handball.Yamal, frustrated and struggling to make an impact on the game, sent a long-range shot high over the bar as Madrid closed ranks and kept the Catalans at a safe distance from their goal.Madrid looked the more threatening in the final stages despite Barca needing to score, able to bring on Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz, while Barca had little in the way of attacking reinforcements.Sorg sent defender Ronald Araujo up front during nine minutes of stoppage time after he netted the winner as a makeshift striker against Girona, but the centre-back could not trouble Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Pedri was sent off in the final seconds for a second yellow card for a late foul on Aurelien Tchouameni, sparking a brief sideline shoving match, while players from both sides rowed after the final whistle.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso praised Kylian Mbappe for his stellar form this season, as the French forward tops both the La Liga and Champions League scoring charts ahead of Wednesday's home clash with Juventus. Mbappe, 26, who joined Real from Paris St Germain last season, has scored 10 goals in nine LaLiga matches and five in two Champions League appearances, alongside three goals for the French national team this term. His form has helped Real make a strong start under Alonso, winning 10 of their 11 games across all competitions. The Spanish side lead LaLiga with 24 points, two ahead of Barcelona, and have secured maximum points in the Champions League. "It's not just the goals," Alonso told reporters. "His influence is almost as important in terms of his teammates following him with and without the ball. He's helping us. He's scored goals everywhere. The influence, as well as the goals, is what the team needs." Real face a struggling Juve side who have not won in more than a month and sit seventh in the Serie A standings, four points behind leaders AC Milan. However, Alonso warned against taking the Italians lightly. "We're on alert for Juve tomorrow. Any Italian team that's struggling can be dangerous. We must not forget history. Juve are a big club, both now and in the past. They have some very good players," he said. "It's a European classic. They have faced each other many times, and I’ve played in some of those games. We feel very prepared. We want our third Champions League victory and to get off to a great start. We need the stadium. People go to the Bernabeu wanting to see big games. We have to give them what they want so that they respond in kind." Courtois slams La Liga over plans for Barca-Villarreal Miami match Meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has launched a scathing attack on LaLiga and its President Javier Tebas, criticising the decision to stage Barcelona's away match with Villarreal in Miami on December 20, saying it "distorts the competition”. The game, set to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium, would be the first La Liga fixture held outside Spain and the first European league match staged abroad. While European governing body UEFA reluctantly approved the plan, Real Madrid and other LaLiga teams' players have expressed their opposition, with Courtois leading the charge. Speaking at a press conference on the eve of Real’s Champions League clash with visiting Juventus, Courtois accused La Liga of bypassing clubs in the decision-making process and argued that the move undermines the principles of fairness in the home-and-away league format. "LaLiga does whatever it wants because it suits them,” Courtois said. "This decision distorts the competition. Playing at home is not the same as playing away. In LaLiga, playing away is very difficult, as we saw against Real Sociedad and Getafe. Villarreal away is tough. It’s not fair to change the rules mid-season without consulting us.” Courtois also contrasted La Liga’s plans with the NBA and NFL, who regularly play matches abroad. "The NBA has 82 games, and the NFL’s owners collectively approve these decisions. Here, La Liga acts unilaterally. It’s not the same,” he said. Over the weekend, La Liga players staged silent protests by standing motionless at kickoffs across all matches, symbolising their discontent. However, La Liga’s broadcasts ignored the protests in several games, showing a wide, aerial shot of the stadiums accompanied by a banner that read "Commitment to peace", which LaL iga has been using due to the war in Gaza, an attitude that prompted further criticism from Courtois. "Hiding the protests and trying to change the narrative is censorship and manipulation,” Courtois said. "I’m not surprised. (Tebas) behaves like no other sports executive I’ve ever seen. His actions on social media and in public speak volumes.” Real Madrid, who opposed the decision as early as August, have filed two complaints with Spain’s Sports Ministry, arguing that the move undermines the league’s competitive integrity. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone also weighed in on the controversy, expressing his scepticism over the Miami fixture. "I won’t believe it until I see it,” he told reporters. "The home team loses the advantage. Their fans won’t be there, and they have to travel thousands of miles. We need to respect the fans.” La Liga has repeatedly defended its plan to stage matches abroad, stating that the proposal "does not distort competition or violate any rights of players, clubs or fans". However, with the match now scheduled for Miami, the stage is set for further tension between the league and its players.