Julian Alvarez has been included in Atletico Madrid's travelling squad to face Liverpool in their Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday. The Argentine forward recently returned to competitive action following intense transfer speculation over the summer, as Diego Simeone's side prepares for another demanding European test on Merseyside.
Barcelona have reportedly instructed Hansi Flick to maintain total silence regarding Jose Mourinho following the Portuguese manager's return to Real Madrid. The Catalan giants are desperate to avoid being dragged into Mourinho's trademark media battles as the historic rivalry threatens to boil over once again.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has praised stand-in captain Waldemar Anton after setting high standards across the squad ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal. The central defender has taken over the armband following a serious knee injury to club captain Emre Can, with Kovac highlighting his leadership at Signal Iduna Park.
Dominik Szoboszlai believes that Liverpool must rediscover the ferocious tempo that defined their previous success if they are to overhaul Arsenal in the Premier League title race. The Hungarian midfielder, now serving as one of the club's vice-captains, insists that recapturing that relentless energy is the missing ingredient for the current squad.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has insisted that the Nerazzurri are fully focused on their upcoming Champions League test against Real Madrid, downplaying the narrative surrounding Jose Mourinho's presence in the opposing dugout. The Argentine forward acknowledged the Portuguese manager's legendary status at San Siro but shifted the attention toward the formidable task of facing the Spanish giants.
Injuries at Chelsea mean Beever-Jones is the focal point of the attack for the time being, presenting the England star with a huge opportunity to impress ahead of next summer's World Cup
Ayyoub Bouaddi can “reach world-class Rodri level easily”, former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the teenage wonderkid expected to become a global superstar on the back of his £86 million ($116m) transfer to the Etihad Stadium. At just 18 years of age, the Morocco international is already being likened to World Cup-winning Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.
Levante captain Roger Brugue is confident that his team can halt Barcelona's perfect start to the Liga season this weekend. The forward stressed that the Granotas will approach Sunday's encounter without any inferiority complex, banking on their formidable home form to derail the high-flying league leaders at Ciutat de Valencia.
Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti has lavished praise on Real Betis counterpart Manuel Pellegrini ahead of their Champions League league phase opener on Tuesday. The Italian tactician highlighted the Chilean's exceptional longevity and achievements while insisting the La Liga outfit remain formidable opposition despite a 21-year absence from Europe.
Mohamed Salah has proven that class is permanent by shattering a long-standing Turkish Super Lig record during his sensational debut campaign with Trabzonspor. The Egyptian forward, who ended his iconic nine-year association with Liverpool this summer, has hit the ground running in the Black Sea region despite his new club's turbulent start to the season.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has urged his squad to stay grounded ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park. Despite the Spanish visitors enduring a winless domestic start and losing 4-0 in this exact fixture last term, Kovac insists the Yellow Submarine retain elite tactical and technical quality.
Alvaro Morata has insisted he is not closing the door on his international career after missing Spain's triumphant 2026 World Cup campaign. The veteran forward admitted that fierce competition in attack makes a recall difficult but reflected warmly on watching his former team-mates lift the trophy following a candid phone call from Luis de la Fuente.
The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
There are a number of iconic left wingers plying their trade at the very highest level, but who is the best of the bunch? With Luis Diaz in the frame, former Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL. He sees Paris Saint-Germain enigma Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior forming part of that conversation.
Jose Mourinho is no stranger to mind games and iconic imagery, but the Real Madrid boss was left chuckling during his latest media appearance for a very different reason. Ahead of a heavyweight Champions League clash against Inter, the Portuguese tactician was presented with a garden sprinkler in a cheeky reference to one of the most famous nights of his career.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted he is ready to pull his weary superstars out of the firing line to prevent a mid-season injury crisis. The Italian coach, who has enjoyed a perfect start to the new campaign, acknowledged that the physical demands on his squad are reaching a breaking point following a summer of international commitments.
RB Leipzig midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi has decided to switch his international allegiance and represent DR Congo over the Netherlands at senior level. The 21-year-old former Jong Oranje star, who is contracted in Germany until 2030, has chosen to pledge his long-term future to the African nation following their impressive 2026 World Cup campaign.
Graeme Souness has once again voiced his concerns over Declan Rice’s credentials as an elite midfielder, delivering a scathing review of the Arsenal star's tactical approach. Despite Rice’s instrumental role in the Gunners' recent successes, the Liverpool legend remains entirely unconvinced by the England international’s positioning on the pitch.
Italian side Como 1907 have displayed remarkable solidarity by extending striker Roberta Picchi's contract until 2028 following her breast cancer diagnosis. The 34-year-old forward is preparing to begin immediate medical treatment, with the Serie A outfit guaranteeing full institutional backing to ensure her professional future remains completely secure.
Middlesbrough have been left furious after a bizarre chemical mishap at Turf Moor caused their pristine white away kit to turn bright green. The Championship side are now considering an official complaint to the EFL and seeking compensation from Burnley after industrial cleaning products completely failed to remove the persistent pitch dye.
UEFA has announced that a moment of silence will be observed across all Champions League fixtures this week to honour the victims of the catastrophic flash floods in Nepal. European football's governing body will also display a solidarity banner across every stadium to support the affected communities.
Juventus have been rocked by the news that captain Manuel Locatelli is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury. The Italian international is expected to be unavailable for at least three months, leaving manager Luciano Spalletti with a significant selection headache as the club’s injury list continues to grow.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is facing a significant selection headache as his side prepares for a vital Champions League fixture against Club Brugge. The Premier League outfit must navigate this European hurdle without the services of Leon Goretzka, whose ongoing injury struggles have dealt a major blow to the club's midfield options.
Emily Fox helped Arsenal start with a win, but Chelsea and Manchester United stumbled as USWNT stars returned to club action across England and France.
U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino says that Noahkai Banks will not be considered for a call-up for the team's upcoming camp, as the Augsburg defender remains undecided about his international future. Banks removed himself from consideration for a USMNT call-up in March and, ultimately, for the World Cup as he mulled over his future with both the U.S. and Germany.
Rodri Hernandez did not hold back his assessment of Valencia’s dismal form during Barcelona’s comprehensive victory at Mestalla on Sunday. The Spanish midfielder was caught by television cameras delivering a scathing verdict on the opposition while resting on the bench following his substitution.
Crystal Palace are finally set to welcome Cheick Doucoure back to senior competitive action after a gruelling 20-month recovery period. The Mali international has endured a nightmare run with serious injuries, but manager Pierre Sage has confirmed he will feature in the club's upcoming Carabao Cup fixture.
Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of issuing a public statement to address growing rumors regarding fan conduct at their iconic stadium. The club has moved quickly to dismiss claims that supporters are being prevented from displaying national symbols during matches.
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