Vinícius Júnior

Jimbo welcomes Duncan Alexander, Charlie Eccleshare and Colin Millar into The Athletic’s studios amid an epic week of football. Hansi Flick’s young Barcelona banish some Bayern demons with a 4-1 win in Catalunya. And Real Madrid come from 2-0 down to thrash Dortmund 5-2. Vinicius Junior takes the match ball. Next the Ballon d’Or? Elsewhere in Europe, high-spending Atletico are under pressure but it’s Unai Emery’s Aston Villa who are top of the Champions League. Arne Slot has made the best start by any Liverpool manager ever. He takes the Premier League leaders to face a depleted Arsenal on Sunday. Plus Viktor Gyokeres, Papiss Cisse and the Battle of the Buffet 20 years on. Produced by Charlie Jones. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1a: Barcelona 4-1 Bayern with Pol Ballus (06.30) • PART 1b: Real Madrid 5-2 Dortmund (16.30) • PART 2a: Arsenal v Liverpool preview (25.00) • PART 2b: The rest of the Champions League midweek (35.00) • PART 3a: On This Day - the Battle of the Buffet (45.00) • PART 3b: The rest of the Premier League weekend (53.00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid's Brazilian star, Vinicius Junior, is contemplating a historic transfer offer from Saudi Arabia. Sources reveal that Saudi Arabia's Public Invest

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse welcome back Carli Lloyd and Rob Stone to recap the final day of Euros and Copa América quarterfinals. England advanced behind standout performances from Bukayo Saka and Jordan Pickford, and the Netherlands rallied with two second half goals to beat Türkiye 2-1. James Rodríguez led the way for Colombia as they continued their 27-match unbeaten streak. With 3 goal contributions on the night, Rodríguez helped Colombia advance to their 3rd semifinals in the last five years. They will face Uruguay in the semifinals, who also advanced past Brazil. 17-year old Endrick recorded his first international start with Vinicius Junior out, but Marcelo Bielsa’s squad was able to finish on top in the penalty shootout. (4:05) To wrap the show, the crew shared a few stories on their journey into sports broadcasting. (25:36) Presented by Zillow #Zillow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recapped two dominant performances from Copa América Group D. Colombia won 3-0 behind goals from Luis Díaz, Davinson Sánchez, and Jhon Córdoba. As one of the favorites to win Copa América, Colombia cruised past Costa Rica to advance to the quarterfinals. Vinicius Junior also put on a show in Brazil’s match against Paraguay. Brazil won with three goals in the first half, responding quickly after finishing scoreless on Monday. (2:20) To wrap the show, the guys shared some of the record viewership the Euros group stage matches have received across FOX networks. (20:35) Presented by Zillow#Zillow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s podcast, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League victory, behind Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior's goals. Another spectacular goal raises the question, has Vini Jr taken over as the best player in the world? The CONCACAF Champions Cup final also wrapped up this weekend, where Pachuca came away with the victory and booked a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. And finally, Emma Hayes secured her first victory at the helm of the USWNT. (4:34) With just a few days until the big Summer of Stars, Alexi and Mosse put together their Euro and Copa America best 11s. A Euro dream team filled with English players such as Kyle Walker, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham. On the Copa side, Messi the GOAT is in the midfield and Christian Pulisic on the wing.(31:10) In #AskAlexi, the guys answer questions on the USMNT's chance of winning Copa America and their favorite current player who fights through contact. Alexi shares the toughest player he ever played against to wrap up the show. (42:17) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was it a mistake to substitute Harry Kane in Bayern Munich’s Champions League defeat? Would you rather have Vinicius Junior or Kylian Mbappe in your side? Will a Premier League spending cap work better than the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules? Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss David Moyes’ upcoming departure from West Ham and whether he has been harshly treated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid are planning to confront Cadiz on Saturday, May 4, in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti's group will arrive inside touching separate of the league trophy if they win this end of the week. Meanwhile, the Spanish monsters are mulling over a one-year expansion for ingenious midfielder Luka Modric. Somewhere else, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is set to sign a new Contract at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid considering Luka Modric renewal Real Madrid are considering a new contract for Luka Modric, concurring to Cadena SER. The Croatian midfielder's contract with the club terminates at the conclusion of the season, and he remains intensely connected with an exit. There's intrigued in the player's administrations from the Center East, whereas he too has admirers in the MLS. In the mean time, previous club Dinamo Zagreb are clearly sharp for Modric to return to his ancient chasing ground. However, the 38-year-old accepts he still has the capacity to play top-flight football and needs to proceed at the Santiago Bernabeu for another season. Modric has showed up 40 times over competitions for Los Blancos, enrolling two objectives and six assists. Most of his appearances have been from the seat, with the Croatian no longer a first-team customary for the La Liga giants. However, Real Madrid are satisfied with the player's affect from the seat as well and are truly considering keeping him around for another season. Be that as it may, the as it were concern for the club is that it would obstruct the improvement of more youthful abilities like Arda Guler. Real Madrid Sharp on Re-Signing Toni Kroos After Masterclass vs Bayern Munich Toni Kroos has not chosen where his future lies but his team-mates are trusting he chooses to remain at Real Madrid after his Champions League masterclass against Bayern Munich. The experienced 34-year-old German midfielder shone for Real in their 2-2 semi-final to begin with leg draw at his previous stepping ground in Bavaria on a holding Tuesday night. Kroos’s contract terminates in the summer after a decade with the record 14-time Champions League winners. “I need to win as much as conceivable this season — I don’t think approximately the future,” he said after the game. Looking past self-evident standout Vinicius Junior, who gotten both of Madrid’s objectives against Bayern, Kroos was Madrid’s finest player in a coordinate where Los Blancos seem have been beaten. Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern made more chances and Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said they were at their best, compared to his side which as it were appeared their beat level in flashes. Kroos was by differentiate especially reliable and his eminent ball for Vinicius made a difference Madrid take the lead. The previous Germany international was a step ahead of everybody else on the pitch, indicating to Vinicius where he arranged to play the ball, a pass which didn’t appear to be on. Vinicius, closely familiar with Kroos’s quality, made the right run and the ingenious strung the needle with his slide-rule pass. “We prepare together so much, I know Kroos exceptionally well and he knows me exceptionally well,” clarified the Brazilian forward. Vinicius’ strike-partner Rodrygo said he would adore Kroos to stay. “We continuously tell him (Kroos) to remain, not fair one but numerous a long time more, age doesn’t matter,” Rodrygo told Movistar. “He’s so magnificent, with such lesson, I cherish playing with him, I trust he keeps going.” „No tendencies“ – Davies proceeds to keep Bayern on tenterhooks Alphonso Davies is heavily connected with Real Madrid Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies is still the subject of exchange gossipy tidbits. In spite of the fact that his title is habitually connected with Real Madrid, wearing chief Christoph Freund affirmed that no concrete offers have been gotten to date. It remains to be seen what will happen with the Canadian in the summer. „No,“ Freund answered to the coordinate address of whether there had been an enquiry from Genuine Madrid for Davies. He included that there are „of course talks“ with Davies almost his future, but that there are „no signs yet“ as to whether he will amplify his contract in Munich or take off the club. Munich would like to expand their contract with the pacy full-back, but not at any cost. It was as of late supposed that Davies‘ compensation requests are as well tall for those dependable at the German record champions. Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen too made it clear that there was „zero dialogue“ with respect to Davies at the lunch with the Real Madrid administration team. Davies presently as it were part-time at Bayern Reports have as of late been doing the rounds in Spain that intrigued from the Whites has cooled impressively. One of the reasons for this is the 23-year-old’s fluctuating performances. The vulnerability encompassing his future does not appear to have cleared out Davies cold. In spite of his self-evident ability and previous dominance on the cleared out wing, his playing time has been constrained in later weeks. In the Champions League semi-final against the Whites, he was as it were substituted for Leroy Sané in the 87th minute. In the current season, the Canadian has made 38 appearances for Munich. He has scored one objective and set up a assist five.

In today’s show, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap Champions League action: Mbappe, Vini, Haaland, and Kane advance to the Quarterfinals. Taking age out of the question, which player would you build your dream team around? Also in Europe, Weston McKennie is looking to make his speedy return against Atalanta. (5:37) Back state side, we have a loaded week of MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup ahead. Club America takes on rivals Chivas while Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey take on his old club, Cincinnati. (24:21) In #AskAlexi the guys answer questions on ranking the USMNT #9 position, USL league competing with MLS, and the “dark arts” of defending. (33:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PSG might sign Serge Gnabry as a substitution for Kylian Mbappe, agreeing to German media. The French megastar's flight for Real Madrid is progressively looking like fair a matter of time. After once more time running down his contract, Mbappe, it appears, will at long last make the move to the Spanish capital. As a result, PSG will likely got to sign a big-name substitution, in spite of the fact that they also have Xavi Simons on the books, who will return from his amazing Leipzig loan within the summer and who can moreover highlight on the left wing in spite of basically playing on the right. In any case, there's still no ensure that the Dutchman will really be given a chance. He seem fair as well be flipped for benefit to adjust the books, after all PSG paid just €4 million to re-sign him from PSV. The names of a part of potential Mbappe substitutions have been bandied around in later weeks, with Man Utd's Marcus Rashford the foremost high-profile player supposedly under consideration. Presently, be that as it may, a unused and somewhat bizarre star has too entered the picture. Gnabry to PSG? Agreeing to BILD's Lukas Fischer, Serge Gnabry could be a target for the French monsters within the occasion of Mbappe's flight. In reality, the writer goes so distant as to claim that he is the 'top candidate' which a potential move is 'heating up.' The player is caught on to be sharp on the move and Bayern would be willing to allow his wish, having as of now supposedly move recorded him in January for €55m. Fischer moreover states that PSG have been following the German player for a few time. Whereas the ex-Arsenal man is without a doubt a incredible player, it would be a strange move on the portion of PSG. Gnabry is three a long time Mbappe's senior, a altogether more awful player and has scarcely included so distant this term due to harm, only scoring once when fit, subsequently why Bayern are willing to cash in on him. For €55m, you may easily get a more youthful player with massive upside to supplant the megastar otherwise- you seem attempt to urge Rashford; it's not like PSG are strapped for cash. It would be interesting for the French mammoths to seek after a bargain for Gnabry at this organize of his career. Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that Real Madrid don’t got to sign Kylian Mbappe as they as of now have the six best players in world football, but Rodrygo disagrees. Los Blancos ran out 4-0 champs over La Liga title challengers Girona on Saturday in a statement of intent in Spain, and Ancelotti was awed by his side’s performance. Vinicius Junior ran revolt on the night and the Brazilian is right now the leading player on the planet, agreeing to Ancelotti. After Real Madrid’s resonating win, the previous AC Milan, Chelsea and PSG boss was inquired almost Mbappe’s potential summer move from Paris Saint-Germain. Be that as it may, he was fast to reject any exchange talk. Kylian Mbappe to connect Real Madrid? “You keep inquiring almost a player who plays for another team,” Ancelotti said amid his post-match press conference. “now we have the most excellent player within the world here. In arrange: Vini Jr to begin with, [Jude] Bellingham moment, Rodrygo third. At that point [Toni] Kroos, [Federico] Valverde, [Eduardo] Camavinga.” Whereas Ancelotti was sharp to squash any gossipy tidbits of Mbappe joining on a free exchange when his PSG contract terminates this season, Rodrygo was enthusiastic to precise his want for the Frenchman to join. The Brazil worldwide is seemingly the foremost likely current Real Madrid player to lose his spot within the beginning XI in case Mbappe arrives, but Rodrygo needs to see the PSG star connect this summer regardless. After the 4-0 win over Girona, he told correspondents: “I would love Mbappe to come. I always need to play with the most excellent and he's one of the most excellent the world. I can't conversation much almost him. He's a PSG player and I have to be him.” Mbappe has scored 20 objectives and given four helps in 19 Ligue 1 recreations so distant this season, and whereas the Frenchman could be a danger to Rodrygo's put in Real Madrid's beginning XI, the Brazilian apparently needs him to connect the club.

Kylian Mbappe on Real Madrid's plan 'every single day' with Los Blancos stars expecting his entry in blockbuster move from PSG On Monday, Football journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that agents of Kylian Mbappe and the Real Madrid board are arranging a move under strict mystery, but with the authorization of PSG. On Tuesday, an ambassador and ex PSG player Laure Boulleau, claims that Mbappe's move to Los Blancos could be a deal. It is anticipated that within the coming days Mbappe will affirm that he will not stay with Paris Saint-Germain, a articulation that would certainly open the entryways for his marking with Los Blancos. Boulleau has expressed that, inside the club, PSG have affirmed his flight: "We have the impression that we have as of now lived this cleanser opera. In past a long time I didn't get as well much data, but presently I've been told that his marking for Madrid could be a bargain. I tell myself that there's a plausibility that he may reestablish," said the previous France international on 'Canal Football Club'. In expansion, Boulleau commented that Mbappe "moreover loves his club and has regard for it", so he advocates "holding up for his choice as grown-ups". In this respect Fabrizio Romano expressed that Mbappe would to begin with got to communicate his choice, actually, to Nasser Al-Khelaifi. But at the minute, there's no official report marked with Real Madrid, with Paris Saint-Germain or with any other team. The Real Madrid dressing room has supposedly arranged for the entry of Kylian Mbappe with the forward set to create a long-awaited La Liga switch Mbappe is set to form a long-expected move to Madrid, two a long time after making a stun u-turn, and spurning the opportunity to move to the Spanish club. This time, the club have genuine certainty that the France captain will play at the Santiago Bernabeu following season, concurring to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Madrid dressing room is energetically anticipating Mbappe's entry: "In the dressing room of Real Madrid, critical players have the feeling that yes, this time, the club is reaching to make it happen... each single day they talk around Kylian Mbappe, and the feeling they have this time is that it's truly, truly close." Mbappe may have communicated his intrigued in joining Madrid, but there are still a number of barricades to be navigated. PSG will supposedly need to gather a few kind of expense for his takeoff, whereas Los Blancos are anticipated to pay a strong marking reward to make the bargain happen. Despite the conversation, Mbappe has vowed to play out the rest of the season for the Parisians. They are right now beat of Ligue 1, and are set to play Real Sociedad within the Champions League last 16 in mid-February. Los Blancos, in the interim, are La Liga top picks, and seem open up a persuading lead on the table with a win over Girona this week. Los Blancos haven't been perplexed to sprinkle money in a long time gone by, but a free exchange for a World Cup-winning, generational ability would be the foremost stunning bargain of the final decade. Conceivably indeed in football history. Indeed in the event that those compensation were astronomical—and ESPN is announcing he will take a 50 percent pay cut to beauty the Santiago Bernabéu with his abilities—it would still be a steal. The CIES Football Observatory's information has Mbappé's move esteem at about $115 million (€106.2 million) in its January 2024 discharge of the foremost costly players in football, even with an lapsing contract. Transfermarkt, in the mean time, records him as the foremost profitable player in world football nearby Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland at over $194 million (€180 million). And Real are getting him for nothing. Zero euros. As distant as deals go, this one appears distant as well great to be true. La Liga isn't brief of ability. Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Robert Lewandowski, Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Antoine Griezmann and Rodrygo are fair a few of the names competent of snatching features each week. But after Lionel Messi cleared out Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo left Genuine Madrid, there has been a particular need of genius in Spain's top tier. Bellingham has been outstanding, there's no contention there, whereas Vinicius is undoubtedly incredible and Lewandowski can still wonder indeed at 35 a long time old. But Mbappé is in his prime, and features a World Container title to his title (and two appearances in the tournament's last). He's been bamboozling guards all closes up for the best portion of the past 10 years. This is an extraordinary expansion to a association that woefully misses two players who won Ballons d'Or from 2008 to 2017. Mbappé hasn't put his name on that illustrious list just yet, but a grander stage in a higher-profile league might just allow him to etch his name within the of football legend. Paris Saint-Germain gradually built itself up as a destination for the world's top talent from the early 2010s, with Zlatan Ibrahimović's arrival in 2012 accelerating its status. But, with Mbappé reportedly on his way out, none of those players will be around next season, and no one else within the squad can boast the kind of allure that any of those names provided. With that, the quest for an elusive Champions League title seems further away than it has for over a decade, and the club's ability to draw in truly world-class talent will be severely affected. Meanwhile, Ligue 1 will be much less appealing to the casual viewer, impacting its standing within the game and likely reducing its revenue.