World Cup News

After Real Madrid’s disappointing season, Kylian Mbappé has received heavy criticism for failing to lead the team to success. Adding to this, 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit delivered a strong critique of the Frenchman, making clear the underlying issue within the dressing room. Kylian Mbappé has enjoyed an outstanding individual season, scoring 40 goals and playing a key role in the attack. Despite this, Real Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and sitting second in LaLiga. In response, 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has delivered a strong critique of the 27-year-old striker, highlighting what he sees as a growing problem within the dressing room. “It’s not only Kylian Mbappé’s fault, but his arrival has filled the Real Madrid locker room with selfishness. It’s a fiasco, and time is running out for him,” Emmanuel Petit said, via RMC Sport. Moreover, he strongly criticizes Eduardo Camavinga, defending the French striker: “If someone has to be blamed, it’s him. His entrance was catastrophic. At that moment in the match, that red card is very harsh, but the referee is simply applying the rules.” Far from blaming the lack of specific profiles in the squad, Emmanuel Petit made it clear that Real Madrid’s issues do not necessarily stem from the sporting side. Alongside these remarks, concerns over Vinícius Jr.’s contract renewal have also emerged, as he is reportedly seeking a salary equal to that of Kylian Mbappé. With this, and the reported dressing room tensions involving Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos seem to be facing a significant internal problem. Despite these reported ego issues, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. have made it clear on multiple occasions that there are no problems between them, even stating that they share a close relationship. However, Real Madrid’s inconsistent performances this season have raised serious concerns, with fans expressing worries that there is no collective identity, but rather a focus on individual priorities. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match. Mbappé joined a Real Madrid team led by Vinícius Jr. Real Madrid have managed to remain one of the best teams in the world, with Vinícius Jr. standing out as a difference-maker. The Brazilian has not only delivered in terms of goals, but has also been key in two UEFA Champions League titles. As a result, Kylian Mbappé’s arrival significantly shook up the squad, as the scoring responsibility and spotlight are now shared, forcing both players to adjust their roles on the pitch—something that has yet to fully click. While Kylian Mbappé has thrived in his best goalscoring form, Vinícius Jr. has struggled to fully adapt, drawing criticism after managing just 17 goals—well below his peak level. Neither Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa have been able to properly integrate both players on the pitch, as when one shines, the other tends to fade into the background. Feeling that the system no longer benefits him, the Brazilian has already hinted that he is not entirely comfortable. Real Madrid’s current problems may stem from the midfield While many point to ego clashes and similar issues, Real Madrid could address their problems by reinforcing one key area: The midfield. Following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, Los Blancos have lost structure in their play, leaving Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé at times looking disconnected on the pitch. As a result, they reportedly have a clear priority: Signing a controlling midfielder. According to Francisco José Delgado via Cadena SER, Nico Paz will make a comeback to los Blancos, paying €9 million to Como 1907. While the Argentinean plays in a more offensive role, he could be a key to organize the game. To achieve that, los Blancos are reportedly open to sell Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos. For that reason, they could still chase another organizative reinforcement. With a player capable of dictating the tempo, Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé could benefit significantly, as they would receive better service and more scoring opportunities. This would give Real Madrid a more structured style of play, helping them build a stronger on-field connection. A similar dynamic was seen with Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who thrived with a solid midfield supporting them.

Real Madrid are almost certain to be searching for a new manager this summer, with it looking unlikely that Alvaro Arbeloa will continue after his side’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich earlier this week. The 43-year-old, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, is poised to oversee a trophyless season, which is […] The post Real Madrid managerial target not considering Bernabeu switch appeared first on Football España.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been accused of “filling the dressing room with selfishness” at the Bernabeu.

Emmanuel Petit insists Kylian Mbappe has "filled the Real Madrid dressing room with selfishness" since his arrival.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe does not want ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as his new head coach next season, according to reports.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder, working as a pundit for French broadcaster RMC, launched into a scathing attack on Mbappe after Real's quarter-final defeat by Bayern Munich.

Kylian Mbappe is at the center of growing tension at Real Madrid, while Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a leading name for the club’s next managerial cycle, as the Spanish club edges closer to what could become a second straight trophyless season. Kylian Mbappe is at the center of growing tension at Real Madrid, while Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a leading name for the club’s next managerial cycle, as the Spanish club edges closer to what could become a second straight trophyless season. Reports suggest that Madrid is already preparing for a major shift after a season spiraling toward disappointment. The uncertainty comes after the Champions League elimination to Bayern, a result that has intensified scrutiny over manager Alvaro Arbeloa and the club’s broader direction. With Mbappe, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham all part of an increasingly complicated attacking structure, pressure is building both on and off the pitch. As things stand, the club is again staring at a season without silverware, triggering internal discussions about major changes. Madrid’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich proved to be the breaking point in what has been a turbulent season. The defeat, a chaotic and high-scoring affair, effectively confirmed that the club would fall short in every major competition. Domestically, the situation has been no less concerning, with Barcelona holding a commanding lead in the title race. Combined with an early Copa del Rey exit, the campaign has exposed structural issues that go beyond results on the pitch. The pressure has naturally fallen on head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, whose position now appears increasingly fragile. Despite his loyalty to the club, his own words reflected the uncertainty surrounding his future, as he admitted, “It’s the club’s decision… All I want is for Real Madrid to win, regardless of who’s in charge.” Klopp emerges as leading candidate, but only under one term Attention has now shifted toward possible replacements, and Jurgen Klopp has become Real Madrid’s preferred long-term target, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The former Liverpool manager, now working within the Red Bull structure, is highly admired internally at the club. However, the situation is far from straightforward. Despite strong internal support for Klopp, there has been no concrete progress toward an appointment, largely due to uncertainty surrounding his willingness to return to management. German coach Jurgen Klopp. As Romano revealed on his YouTube channel, the key condition shaping Los Blancos’ approach is that Klopp must make the first move. The club is unwilling to initiate formal negotiations unless the German signals his readiness to step back into a coaching role, leaving the entire situation in a delicate holding pattern. This approach reflects the club’s cautious stance after previous managerial changes, especially given the instability of recent seasons. The German tactician himself has previously dismissed speculation, calling reports of contact “nonsense” while insisting no approach has been made. What now for Real Madrid? Real Madrid now finds itself in a familiar but dangerous position: planning a rebuild while uncertainty surrounds both the manager and squad structure. The added complication of waiting for Klopp’s decision seems to have slowed the process, leaving the club in a state of anticipation. For Mbappe and the rest of the squad, the next few weeks could define the direction of the entire project. Whether the 58-year-old former manager eventually steps forward, or whether the Whites turn elsewhere, will determine how the club responds to another season that has fallen short of its expectations.

Barcelona are searching for options to strengthen their forward line this summer, and it appears they are looking at more veteran options. For some time they have been linked with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, but the Argentina international may be out of reach for their finances. On Friday, it came as a surprise when […] The post Barcelona have 31-year-old number nine on shortlist as Julian Alvarez alternative appeared first on Football España.

Written by Harry Gillies. “What did you think of the sending off?” The Spanish press lobbed the question at Bayern’s manager, as they had to every passing player, but Vincent Kompany just smiled and said, “If you look at the game we can talk about some other situations as well.” Not that his words will […] The post Analysis: As Real Madrid career towards premature end to season, what’s left at the end of it? appeared first on Football España.

FC Bayern Munich booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic 6-4 aggregate victory over Real Madrid. The tie took a decisive turn late on when Madrid were reduced to ten men following an 86th-minute red card to Eduardo Camavinga. Bayern capitalized on the advantage, with late goals from Luis Díaz [...] The post UEFA Champions League: Bayern, PSG, Arsenal and Atlético Madrid reach semi-finals first appeared on Sahara Football.

Juventus have maintained a long-standing interest in Gonzalo Garcia, who has struggled for consistent playing time at Real Madrid… The post Como will compete with Juventus for Real Madrid attacker appeared first on Juvefc.com.

Mbappe at Real Madrid isn’t the only example of a trophy-collecting club making a big signing and then, coincidentally or otherwise, experiencing a lull.

Real Madrid were dumped out of the Champions League, with Bayern Munich winning 6-4 on aggregate after a 4-3 success at the Allianz Arena. Much of the focus after that match has been on the controversial red card for Eduardo Camavinga, and some believe this has taken away from criticism that should be coming the […] The post Barcelona icon tells Real Madrid fans to “stop crying” about controversial Champions League exit appeared first on Football España.

After being eliminated by Bayern Munich in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Kylian Mbappe made a reassuring message to the fans that Real Madrid "will start winning again and very soon." Kylian Mbappe’s dream of capturing a UEFA Champions League title has been deferred for at least another season following a quarterfinal exit at the hands of Bayern Munich. In the midst of what has been a frustrating campaign for Real Madrid, Mbappe delivered a defiant message to the fanbase, promising that the club “will start winning again soon.“ Wednesday’s elimination via a 6-4 aggregate scoreline served as a crushing blow for a Real Madrid side that had pinned its primary championship hopes on Europe, with Barcelona currently the heavy favorites to secure La Liga. Despite Mbappe netting the third goal for the Spanish giants, he was unable to stave off elimination in what was statistically his most prolific individual scoring campaign in the competition’s history. In his first public comments following the defeat, Mbappe took to Instagram to offer a candid self-assessment of the team’s current form: “We tried until the very end, but it wasn’t enough. It’s disappointing to be eliminated from such an important competition, but we have to look ahead. We need to take a hard look at ourselves to avoid this kind of disappointment again.“ After that wake-up call to his teammates, the French striker made it clear that the club expects to be back in the trophy hunt sooner than later. “We will never give up!!! In Madrid, failure has never been and never will be an option. But I promise you one thing: we will start winning again and very soon,” Mbappe concluded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kylian Mbappé (@k.mbappe) Mbappe’s individual impact during the 2025-26 Champions League campaign was undeniable, as he racked up 15 goals in just 11 appearances. While he reached the 70-goal milestone for his UCL career, his individual brilliance couldn’t mask the team’s lack of cohesion, a process hindered by significant organizational turmoil, including the dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso back in January. Real Madrid and a 2025-26 season to forget With 40 goals and six assists across 39 games so far, Kylian Mbappe has indisputably been the lone bright spot for Real Madrid this season. However, questions regarding the squad’s over-reliance on the star striker have intensified, casting a spotlight on the fact that despite a roster full of superstars, this iteration of Los Blancos has failed to gel as a collective unit. The 2024-25 season, the final chapter of the Carlo Ancelotti era, saw the club lift the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup while falling short of major domestic and European honors. While the appointment of Xabi Alonso initially sparked hope during the FIFA Club World Cup, a crushing defeat in the Spanish Super Cup proved to be the tipping point that led to his midseason exit. Real Madrid Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in to lead the first team but has struggled to stabilize the ship. Under his watch, the club suffered a shock Copa del Rey exit to second-tier Albacete and the recent Champions League heartbreak against Bayern. Currently, La Liga is being dominated by Barcelona, sitting at the top with 79 points in 31 games and a 9-point difference to second-placed Real Madrid. With just seven games remaining, Los Merengues are on the verge of their first trophyless season since 2020-21, the final hallmark of a campaign the club would rather forget.

Is Kylian Mbappé actually the issue at Real Madrid? We break down his trophy drought since joining, while his former club continues to thrive without him, and debate whether Harry Kane has quietly become the Ballon d’Or frontrunner. Then Sophia Wilson joins us to talk about leaving soccer at the door, motherhood, and what really drives her as a competitor. Finally, Kaylyn Kyle stops by to unpack Javier Mascherano’s shock exit from Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC’s statement win, and what it all means for the future of MLS and the USMNT.

The Real Madrid star is still searching for his first UCL trophy, but he's breaking records in the process. Leer

The Real Madrid star regrets the European KO, but assures that Real Madrid will return Leer

Vinicius Junior surpassed a Lionel Messi assist record in the UEFA Champions League during Real Madrid’s loss to Bayern Munich, although Cristiano Ronaldo still leads the all-time list. Real Madrid were eliminated from the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League after falling to Bayern Munich on Wednesday in Germany. However, the match allowed Vinicius Junior to surpass a Lionel Messi mark and move closer to Cristiano Ronaldo. Vini produced a brilliant play and assisted Kylian Mbappe on Real Madrid’s third goal in the closing minutes of the first half, which temporarily put the Spanish side level in the tie. With that contribution, the Brazilian winger reached 13 assists in the knockout stages of the European competition. In doing so, Vinicius moved past Lionel Messi for second place in the all-time rankings in that category. The Argentine forward had recorded 12 assists in Champions League knockout matches during his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the top of the list, having recorded a total of 15 assists in the tournament’s knockout stages across his spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. No other player has come close to those numbers, but Vinicius, at just 25 years old, needs only three more to claim the all-time record. IT'S MBAPPE'S TURN! 😱 OH MY GOODNESS, WHAT A MATCH! #UCL pic.twitter.com/g0RYwP92aF — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 15, 2026 Vinicius also draws level with Neymar That assist to Mbappe at the Allianz Arena also helped Vinicius climb the all-time Champions League assist rankings, including both the knockout rounds and the group stage. Vini is now tied with Neymar for fourth place on the list with 33 assists, and he has strong prospects of closing in on the top spots in the near future. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as expected, are also in the top three, with the Portuguese star leading the way. However, there is another somewhat unexpected name included: Angel Di Maria, who played alongside both legends at Real Madrid and PSG, respectively. All-time Champions League assist leaders: 1- Cristiano Ronaldo (42) 2- Angel Di Maria (41) 3- Lionel Messi (40) 4- Neymar (33) 4- Vinicius (33) 6- Kevin De Bruyne (31) 6- Ryan Giggs (31) 8- Xavi Hernandez (30) 8- Thomas Muller (30) 10- Karim Benzema (29) 10- Andres Iniesta (29)

Is Kylian Mbappe a curse for Real Madrid? Following their aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich, Los Blancos face a managerial crisis and a squad regression that Florentino Perez must answer for. The fallout from Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final will inevitably rumble on for several weeks. The competition was Madrid’s last realistic route to major silverware in a season which promised a lot, but will ultimately deliver nothing. Barring a monumental collapse by Barcelona in La Liga, the 15-time European champions will end a second consecutive campaign without a trophy. With that in mind, read on as we assess the repercussions for Real Madrid, starting with an issue which has been entirely of their own making. Mbappe has proved to be a curse rather than a blessing Kylian Mbappe is one of the best forwards in the world. That point is evidenced by his tally of 84 goals in 98 appearances for Los Blancos. However, his desire to be the ‘main man’ is not only a problem Madrid didn’t need, but one which they could have avoided. Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 for Paris Saint-Germain. However, his efforts in front of goal failed to deliver the desired results in the Champions League. In their first season without the French international in their team, PSG were crowned kings of Europe. They have reached the semi-finals again this season. By contrast, Mbappe has made Madrid worse. They won La Liga and the Champions League in 20234/24 – since then, they have suffered a series of disappointments. The 27-year-old’s ego was problematic when he was at PSG, and has continued to upset the equilibrium in Madrid’s dressing room. Players such as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are no shrinking violets, yet are expected to play second fiddle to the ‘Mbappe Show’. Intriguingly, Madrid looked far more coherent as a team when Mbappe was recently sidelined with a knee injury. With Vinicius and Brahim Diaz leading the line, they were more balanced. It may seem churlish to question a player who has scored goals for fun in Madrid colours, but it cannot be ignored that they have regressed since signing him. Arbeloa on shaky ground after Champions League exit Madrid’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as manager last summer appeared to be a sensible decision with SportsView and other major football publications all predicting success for Los Blancos, but he lasted just seven months. At a club packed with egos and led by president Florentino Perez, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss was always likely to be on a hiding to nothing. Alonso quickly lost the dressing room, with Vinicius and Federico Valverde amongst the players who publicly expressed disapproval at his methods. Appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s replacement was no real surprise. He had done well with the club’s youth and ‘B’ teams, so was viewed as a steady pair of hands. Arbeloa responded to Flick’s comments However, the club’s failure to specify the length of his contract when he was placed in charge suggested that they were unsure whether he was the right man for the job. A record of 13 wins and one draw in 21 matches highlights why Madrid may have been reluctant to confirm whether he was a long-term appointment. Arbeloa will reportedly be replaced this summer, with Perez seemingly eager to bring in someone with a proven track record of success. That may be easier said than done given the dearth of viable options currently available. Madrid’s managerial options are thin on the ground Alonso seemed to be the ideal fit for Madrid. He was a former player who subsequently enjoyed success as a manager with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Sacking him after just seven months in charge did not seem like the brightest idea anyone had ever had, and developments this summer may hammer home that point. Several managers have been linked with the Madrid managerial job including Zinedine Zidane, Jurgen Klopp and Maurico Pochettino. Perez rates Zidane highly, but he seems destined to replace Didier Deschamps as the French national team manager at the end of the World Cup. Klopp would be welcomed with open arms at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has demonstrated no desire to leave his position as head of Red Bull’s football operations. Pochettino could be available after the World Cup, although nothing he has done with the United States national team suggests he is the right option for Madrid. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been touted as a possibility after the club recently confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season. Several pundits believe the 43-year-old is an ‘elite-level’ manager, but whether he is ready to step into the Madrid hot-seat is hugely debatable. Madrid’s eagerness to pander to egotistical players and dispense with Alonso’s services has created a problem that may find extremely difficult to fix this summer.

Kylian Mbappe added another historic chapter to his remarkable career on a painful night for Real Madrid, as the forward matched a major Champions League scoring mark previously set by Karim Benzema. Kylian Mbappe added another historic chapter to his remarkable career on a painful night for Real Madrid, as the forward matched a major Champions League scoring mark previously set by Karim Benzema. Although the Spanish club suffered elimination against Bayern, Mbappe still found a way to leave his stamp on the contest. The result was devastating for Los Blancos, but it also underlined how central Mbappe has become to the team’s future. Even in defeat, the French star continued his record-breaking run in Europe’s biggest club competition, showing why he remains one of soccer’s most decisive players. Bayern Munich produced a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final, sealing a 6-4 aggregate triumph and booking a place in the Champions League semi-final. The German club struck late through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise after a chaotic and emotional encounter. Bayern Munich ends Real Madrid’s European run Madrid had entered the match hoping for another famous comeback, but their resistance was broken in the closing stages. Tensions rose further when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute, a decision that sparked furious protests from the visiting side. The match exploded into life almost immediately when Arda Guler scored after only 34 seconds following a mistake from Manuel Neuer. Bayern responded quickly through Aleksandar Pavlovic, setting the tone for an open and high-level contest. Harry Kane then added another goal for Bayern after Guler had restored Madrid’s lead earlier in the half. Vinicius hit the crossbar before creating the chance that allowed Mbappe to score and keep Madrid alive before the interval. That finish from the French superstar briefly gave the Spanish club the belief that momentum was shifting. Instead, Bayern’s late push proved decisive as the Bundesliga giant surged through. Mbappe matches Benzema’s historic mark While the team’s result was bitterly disappointing, Mbappe still reached several significant milestones with his goal. Among the many records, Mbappe tied Karim Benzema for second place among Frenchmen in a single Champions League season with 15 goals scored in one season. That places him alongside one of Real Madrid’s greatest modern forwards and another legendary French striker. Benzema achieved the feat during his Ballon d’Or-winning season, making Mbappe’s achievement even more notable given the pressure and expectations surrounding his first full era as Madrid’s attacking leader. Karim Benzema of Real Madrid shakes hands with head coach Jose Mourinho Only one French player has scored more in a single UEFA campaign, with Stéphane Guivarc’h’s 1997-98 tally for Auxerre still ahead. Mbappe is also now just two goals shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time single-season Champions League record of 17. Individual brilliance amid collective frustration Mbappe’s overall numbers this season remain extraordinary. He has scored 40 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, a return that would usually place a player on course for multiple trophies. Instead, Madrid now faces the possibility of finishing the campaign empty-handed. The club is already out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Barcelona holds a commanding lead in La Liga.

Real Madrid want Jurgen Klopp or Mauricio Pochettino to take the reins should the club part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa, according to the Daily Mail. Pressure is mounting at the Santiago Bernabeu after a bruising week. A Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich has already ended hopes of European glory. Los Blancos […]

The semi-finals are set after a dazzling meeting between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. But there was plenty more to talk about in the last eight Bayern Munich’s thrilling 4-3 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday, which gave them a 6-4 victory on aggregate and set up a semi-final meeting with PSG, was a stone-cold classic. If either of the semis is as good as Real and Bayern’s quarter-final, this season will have been blessed. Arda Güler showed off his brilliance on Wednesday, first with his presence of mind after Manuel Neuer’s mistake led to the opening goal and again from a free-kick in the 29th minute. Güler’s goals gave Madrid hope, but Harry Kane made another difficult finish look routine before Luis Díaz and Michael Olise’s late goals settled the tie. Bayern’s wing wizards were crucial in defeating the 15-time champions. This game had it all. That includes controversy, with a post-match scuffle set off by Madrid players enraged by Eduardo Camavinga’s dismissal for two quickfire yellow cards. Neuer, the hero of the first leg, had his blushes saved by his Bayern teammates, though one save from Kylian Mbappé was him at his best, combining reflexes with brute strength. Fine margins decided a battle of the giants.

Bayern Munich secured their UEFA Champions League semi-final place after an all-time classic against 15-time winners Real Madrid. Here are three things we learnt. Bayern’s defence could be exposed by…

Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic is not happy with Real Madrid counterpart Antonio Rudiger, calling his behaviour ‘unacceptable’ after a heated encounter during their Champions League quarter-final second leg. The Croatian defender was involved in a coming together with Rudiger, after claiming a foul. In the first half, Stanisic went down in the build-up to […] The post ‘Let’s see if he’s man enough to admit what he said’ – Josip Stanisic slams Real Madrid defender appeared first on Football España.

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the Champions League, the Europa League and the international game. Bayern Munich edge a seven-goal thriller to knock out Real Madrid and book their Champions League semi-final spot. Goals galore at the Allianz Arena, with Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and more all making headlines. Harry Kane celebrates a milestone season and looks ahead to his first-ever Champions League semi-final. Late drama as Eduardo Camavinga sees red before Bayern seal it in stoppage time. Arsenal grind out a scoreless draw with Sporting to reach back-to-back Champions League semi-finals. Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal’s mentality and hits back at criticism of their season. Debate on Off The Ball Breakfast about whether the Premier League faces an “existential crisis”. Liverpool suffer a major blow as Hugo Ekitike ruptures his Achilles and misses the World Cup. Discussion around Mohamed Salah’s form and whether physical decline is a factor. Europa League quarter-final build-up with Aston Villa holding a strong lead over Bologna. Nottingham Forest boosted by Chris Wood’s return ahead of their clash with Porto. Conference League focus as Crystal Palace aim to finish the job against Fiorentina. Irish interest across Europe, with Troy Parrott, Andrew Omobamidele and others chasing comebacks. And how does it feel to be Irish? Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

By Martin Graham The knockout rounds of Europe’s premier competition once again delivered high drama, with seven goals, two dismissals, and the exit of its most decorated club. The tie burst into life almost instantly when Real Madrid struck after just 35 seconds, prompting Steven Gerrard to suggest viewers were in for a remarkable […]

FOOTBALL fans were treated to a true spectacle as they watched Bayern Munich and Real Madrid play out one of the games of the season. The two European titans faced one another in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with Ballon d'Or hopefuls Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe leading the way as they...

Arriva l'ultima conferma sul gravissimo infortunio dell'attaccante, che non sarà a disposizione della Francia.

We bring you the Ballon d’Or odds, with Harry Kane now streaking away with Kylian Mbappe odds dropping every week.

France national team manager Didier Deschamps has sent a heartfelt message of support to Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike after a serious injury ended his World Cup hopes. Ekitike has suffered a suspected Achilles injury, which could likely put him out of action for the next nine months, with Deschamps admitting it’s a “huge blow” for […] The post “Huge blow…” – Manager sends message to Liverpool star who’s set to miss World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bayern Munich will play holders Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League semi-finals after coming from behind to beat Real Madrid 4-3 on the night and secure a 6-4 aggregate win in a wild quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena.

Stu Holden is BACK and joins David Mosse for a new episode of State of the Union. On this show, the duo reacts to Matt Crocker leaving U.S. Soccer for a leadership role with Saudi Arabia so soon before the World Cup. After, Stu and Mosse recap a WILD Champions League week that saw Bayern, PSG, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid advance to the semi-finals. Stu asks if Mbappé is the best player in the world despite Real's loss and gives his pick for the UCL winner. Back stateside, Nashville made history by becoming the first MLS side to win in the mighty Azteca in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, knocking off Club America. In #AskAlexi, Stu and Mosse debate if Mexico or the U.S. utilize their domestic league better and in One for the Road, the guys dive into the sudden departure of Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Chapters: (1:36) Stu's Reaction to Matt Crocker leaving U.S. Soccer (6:34) The UCL semifinals are set (29:31) U.S. abroad weekend preview (35:25) Nashville SC pulls off historic CCC upset (45:32) #AskAlexi (56:41) One for the Road #StateOfTheUnion Subscribe to get the latest from Alexi Lalas' State of the Union: http://sprtspod.fox/SUBSCRIBEtoSOTU Listen to Alexi Lalas' State of the Union on Apple Podcasts: http://sprtspod.fox/sotu Follow SOTU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOTUWithAlexi Follow SOTU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotuwithalexi/ Follow SOTU on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sotuwithalexi Like SOTU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOTUWithAlexi About Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast: U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas discusses the biggest stories in the world of soccer from an American perspective. Join Alexi and soccer guru David Mosse, as they break down the USMNT, USWNT, MLS, Bundesliga, Premier League, World Cup & everything in between. Mbappé over Yamal, Epic UCL night and MLS vs Liga MX with Stu Holden www.youtube.com/@StateOfTheUnion

Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to push on after a dramatic Champions League quarter-final success over Real Madrid kept their treble hopes alive. Boasting a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Spain, Bayern were initially rocked as Arda Guler’s brace and a calm finish from Kylian Mbappe gave Madrid a 3-2 half-time lead […] The post Kane calls for Bayern to push on after statement win over Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

Despite being eliminated by Bayern Munich, Kylian Mbappe eclipsed Lionel Messi’s personal best but fell short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record for goals in a single UEFA Champions League season. Kylian Mbappe‘s 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign came to a crashing halt Wednesday following Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal second leg. While the Frenchman managed to surpass Lionel Messi’s personal best, he ultimately fell short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s gold standard for goals in a single UCL season. Despite being sidelined for three matches, Mbappe enjoyed a prolific run in European play, netting a staggering 13 goals in just seven games during the league phase. Those historic numbers immediately put the Frenchman on a trajectory to shatter every existing record had Real Madrid managed a deeper run toward the final. His availability in the knockout stages was limited, featuring only in the first leg of the playoff round against Benfica and the second leg of the Round of 16 against Manchester City after missing time with a knee sprain. After going scoreless in those earlier rounds, Mbappe regained his form in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, scoring once in each leg of the series. His 42nd-minute strike at the Allianz Arena, assisted by Vinicius Junior, brought his tournament total to 15 goals. Although he shattered his previous personal bests of eight goals in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 campaigns, the premature exit effectively clipped Mbappe’s wings in his pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ultimate milestone. Messi left in the rearview When it comes to pure finishing, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the competition’s historical benchmarks. However, Mbappe’s 2025-26 output has already eclipsed the greatest single-season effort produced by the Argentine and Barcelona legend. By finding the net 15 times in 11 appearances, Mbappe surpassed Messi’s career-high for a single Champions League campaign. Messi’s most productive season came in 2011-12, when he scored 14 goals before Barcelona was eliminated by Chelsea in the semifinal stage. Remarkably, Mbappe now joins an elite club alongside Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, who both reached the 15-goal mark in a single season. Benzema achieved the feat in 12 matches during the 2021-22 campaign, while Lewandowski hit the number in just 10 games in 2019-20; notably, Mbappe is the first to do so under the competition’s revamped format. Cristiano Ronaldo’s record remains safe While Mbappe was on a torrid pace, the quarterfinal exit preserves both of the high-water marks set by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon still holds the record for the most goals in a single Champions League edition, having scored 17 times in 11 games during the 2013-14 season. Furthermore, Ronaldo also maintains the second-best mark in history, a 16-goal barrage across 12 games in 2015-16. Mbappe’s mid-season fitness issues, which saw him sidelined for three matches, proved to be missed opportunities to catch Ronaldo, whose records will remain untouched for at least one more year.

What once seemed like a partnership destined to dominate Europe has turned into a relationship full of question marks Leer

Real Madrid bowed out of this season’s Champions League on Wednesday, as they went down 4-3 to Bayern Munich in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, which ensured a 6-4 defeat on aggregate for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side. Andriy Lunin – 5 He may have made a couple of good saves to keep Bayern at […] The post Real Madrid player ratings against Bayern Munich: Arda Guler shines on disappointing night appeared first on Football España.

Real Madrid faced off against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a win on the road in the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos made a dream start to the game as they scored the opener in the first minute when Arda Guler found the back of the net. […] The post Mbappe And Bellingham Get 7.5 | Real Madrid Players Rated In Tough Loss Vs Bayern Munich appeared first on The 4th Official - A view from the sideline.

KYLIAN MBAPPE was left visibly furious after Bayern Munich fans broke a minute’s silence ahead of Real Madrid’s crunch Champions League clash. Mbappe could be seen shaking his head in disbelief as the stadium noise cut across a tribute meant to honour club legend Jose Emilio Santamaria. Real could not get the last laugh as...

Kylian Mbappe is closing in on the numbers posted by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the UEFA Champions League. Kylian Mbappe’s scoring run during the 2025-26 season with Real Madrid has put him in the conversation with the all-time greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The French forward scored this Wednesday against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League and now sits sixth on the all-time scoring list with 70 goals. What stands out most about the French forward is how quickly he has climbed the rankings: Mbappe reached that mark at just 27 years and 116 days, surpassing the career totals of other legends such as Thomas Muller, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. That milestone puts Mbappe in direct competition with the two defining stars of this century, Messi and Ronaldo. They remain the top scorers in Champions League history, but Kylian is on track to seriously challenge their records. At the same age Mbappe is now, neither Messi nor Ronaldo had reached 70 goals in the competition. At 27 years and 116 days, the Argentine forward had scored 68 Champions League goals, while the Portuguese star had just 38. IT'S MBAPPE'S TURN! 😱 OH MY GOODNESS, WHAT A MATCH! #UCL pic.twitter.com/g0RYwP92aF — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 15, 2026 In terms of efficiency, Lionel Messi holds the edge. By the time he reached 68 goals, the then-Barcelona player had done so in 88 matches, averaging 0.77 goals per game. Mbappe follows with an average of 0.71, with 70 goals in 98 matches. Cristiano Ronaldo, at that same age, had scored 38 goals in 80 matches, for an average of 0.47. All-time Champions League top scorers: 1- Cristiano Ronaldo – 140 goals 2- Lionel Messi – 129 goals 3- Robert Lewandowski – 109 goals 4- Karim Benzema – 90 goals 5- Raul Gonzalez – 71 goals 6- Kylian Mbappe – 70 goals 7- Thomas Muller – 57 goals 8- Erling Haaland – 57 goals 9- Ruud van Nistelrooy – 57 goals 10- Harry Kane – 51 goals Mbappe makes history in Europe Despite Real Madrid’s elimination against Bayern Munich, Kylian Mbappe still has plenty of reasons to be satisfied with his performances. He is, and very likely will remain, the top scorer in this edition of the UEFA Champions League with 15 goals in 11 matches. Only three players had previously reached that total in a single edition of the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the all-time record, having done it three times, including the single-season mark of 17 goals. Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema have each reached 15 once. However, this Wednesday the French forward achieved something that not even Ronaldo or Messi managed during their peak years in Europe. Mbappe became the only player in Champions League history to score 10 away goals in a single season — and he did it without even reaching the semifinals of the tournament, underlining his remarkable performance this campaign.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid faced off in a hard-fought match in the 2025-26 Champions League quarterfinals. While the German side dominated, Real Madrid shone with their efficiency. However, Luis Díaz and Michael Olise led the way to victory with two brilliant goals. Throughout the match, Bayern Munich established as the more dominant side, enjoying long spells of possession and excelling with their high press. However, Real Madrid managed to compete by sitting deep defensively and breaking on the counterattack, proving quite efficient. While this kept the game closely contested, Luis Díaz and Michael Olise ultimately decided the Champions League victory with two stunning goals in the closing minutes. Los Blancos started the match in top form, as just 36 seconds in, Arda Güler scored a long-range goal following a mistake by Manuel Neuer in the build-up. However, they chose not to seek control through possession, instead sitting back defensively and hitting on the counterattack. Because of this, they were able to dictate the rhythm of the game, with the Turkish midfielder completing a brilliant brace, including a stunning free-kick goal. Arda Güler beautifully curls home the freekick 🇹🇷 Astonishing game between Bayern and Real Madrid 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wF7OgHrrYj — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 15, 2026 While the German side controlled possession, Real Madrid looked more dangerous. Aleksandar Pavlović and Harry Kane scored the two goals that brought the game level, showcasing their quality. However, Kylian Mbappé restored the lead in the 45th minute, finishing off a great cross from Vinícius Jr. with two touches to beat Manuel Neuer and send his team into halftime in front. A HEAVYWEIGHT #UCL CLASSIC IN MUNICH 🤯 Bayern Munich and Real Madrid trade goals to level this tie on aggregate 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/fnbX9kEzQo — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 15, 2026 Far from easing their attacking pressure in the second half, Bayern Munich continued to dominate the game, constantly pushing to score and secure the win. In response, Los Blancos relied on a solid low block that cut out any attacking moves while breaking quickly on the counter. After persistent pressure, the German side eventually found the victory, with two impressive individual moments from Luis Díaz and Michael Olise late in the match. Luis Diaz and Michael Olise impressed with their brilliant goals Relentlessly pressing for a goal in the second half, Bayern Munich finally broke the deadlock in the aggregate score. Driving into Real Madrid’s box, Aleksandar Pavlović executed a short pass to Luis Díaz on the left, who then returned it and laid it off to Jamal Musiala. The German executed a first-time backheel pass, setting up the Colombian perfectly. After dribbling past the defenders, Díaz fired an excellent shot past Lunin. Far from settling after Luis Díaz’s goal, the German side maintained their attacking intent. Following a pass from Harry Kane, Michael Olise drove efficiently toward Real Madrid’s box. Taking on Antonio Rüdiger and Franco Mastantuono, the Frenchman unleashed a stunning strike from outside the area, placing the ball into the corner of the net and leaving Andriy Lunin with no chance, making it 6–4 on aggregate. LUIS DÍAZ AND MICHAEL OLISE WIN IT FOR BAYERN AT THE DEATH 🔥 THEY KNOCK 15-TIME CHAMPIONS REAL MADRID OUT OF THE UCL 💥 pic.twitter.com/sS4AWvsEgs — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 15, 2026

Bayern Munch 4-3 Real Madrid (6-4 agg) Real Madrid are out of this season’s Champions League, as they fell to defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final with Bayern Munich. As expected, Alvaro Arbeloa recalled the likes of Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham to his line-up for the match at the Allianz Arena. His […] The post Real Madrid bow out of Champions League despite brave Bavaria effort against Bayern Munich appeared first on Football España.

The French star came within reach of Cristiano Ronaldo's record, but Real Madrid's Champions League exit cut his historic run short. Leer

Bayern Munich snatched a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. The Bavarians have progressed to the semi-finals after winning 6-4 on aggregate. They will face holders Paris Saint-Germain, who knocked out Liverpool on Tuesday. Madrid opened the scoring inside 45 seconds as […]

Bayern Munich played out a classic against Real Madrid in a Champions League game that will be cherished for years to come. It was an absolute nightmare start for Bayern…

Kylian Mbappe is on the brink of ending his long-time contract with Nike, prompting pursuits from Adidas and Under Armour

Bellingham was superb but Camavinga helped to expose Mbappe as an 85-goal fraud as Bayern squeezed through to the Champions League semi-finals after a wonderful game of football.