Football

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior emerged as the hero on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick to propel the Spanish giants to a resounding 4-0 victory over Osasuna in La Liga. The triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu provided a much-needed confidence boost for Carlo Ancelotti's side, which had suffered consecutive home defeats in the league and Champions League.Despite the absence of injured stars Kylian Mbappe, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo, Madrid dominated the match from the outset. Vinicius opened the scoring in the 34th minute, finishing off a pass from Jude Bellingham. Bellingham, who had been instrumental in Madrid's success last season, added to the lead with a fine lob just before halftime.Vinicius continued his impressive form in the second half, completing his hat-trick with two more goals. The first came after a long ball from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, while the second was set up by Brahim Diaz.Mbappe, who has struggled to find the net in recent matches, was unable to add to his tally despite playing in his preferred position on the left flank. However, Madrid's clean sheet helped end a run of nine goals conceded in three consecutive home matches.The victory moved Madrid to within six points of league leaders Barcelona, who face Real Sociedad on Sunday. "We won by a margin, we had a complete game in terms of work and effort," said Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz. "Madrid always have to win and we'd suffered two consecutive defeats... The fans deserved a victory, we can still give more, we are an incredible team."

Real Madrid's Champions League woes continued on Tuesday as they suffered a humiliating 3-1 home defeat to AC Milan. The loss marked Madrid's second in four matches and left them languishing in the middle of the table.Kylian Mbappe, who has struggled to find his best form since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, failed to score again and has now netted just once in his last six matches for Madrid. The French striker was denied by Mike Maignan in the first half and again before halftime.Milan took the lead in the 12th minute through Malick Thiaw's header from a corner. Vinicius Junior equalized from the penalty spot after being fouled by Emerson Royal, but Alvaro Morata restored Milan's lead before the break.Tijjani Reijnders sealed the victory for Milan in the second half, finishing off a superb solo run by Rafael Leao. Madrid's hopes of a comeback were dashed when Antonio Rudiger's goal was ruled offside.Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his team is "not giving a good account of itself" and called for improvements in compactness and organization. "We have to be worried," he said. "The team's not giving a good account of itself."Milan coach Paulo Fonseca praised his team's bravery and work rate. "The players came here with courage, didn't have any fear... in the first half we created plenty and in the second half we were on the back foot, but we fought together," he said.Madrid's next Champions League match is at Anfield against Liverpool, by when Ancelotti will hope to have solved some of his team's growing problems.

Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, will face off against AC Milan at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in a highly anticipated Group Stage match.Real Madrid, led by the prolific Kylian Mbappe, has had a mixed start to their Champions League campaign, securing victories against VFB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund but suffering a disappointing loss to Lille. The Spanish giants will be eager to bounce back and assert their dominance in the competition.AC Milan, on the other hand, has endured a challenging start to their European campaign, with just one win from their first three matches. The Italian giants will be determined to turn their fortunes around and secure a positive result against Real Madrid.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe's most storied clubs. Real Madrid will rely on the brilliance of Mbappe, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modric, while AC Milan will look to the likes of Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud, and Sandro Tonali to inspire them to victory.The match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the Sony Liv app and website. Fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating this clash of titans, as Real Madrid and AC Milan battle for supremacy in the UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid's La Liga Match Postponed Due to Devastating Floods in SpainReal Madrid's highly anticipated away match against Valencia in La Liga this weekend has been postponed due to the devastating flash floods that have ravaged eastern Spain, claiming the lives of over 95 people. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) made the decision on Thursday (October 31, 2024) to prioritize the safety and well-being of the affected communities.Villarreal's home match against Rayo Vallecano has also been suspended as a result of the catastrophic floods. La Liga requested the RFEF to postpone both matches, as well as three second division games involving teams from the affected areas."It has been agreed to postpone matches that were to be played in professional and non-professional competitions, both in 11-a-side football and in indoor football (in the Valencia region)," the RFEF stated in a press release.The federation had already postponed several midweek Copa del Rey first round matches, including Valencia's game against Parla Escuela. A moment of silence for the flood victims will be observed at matches this weekend in Spain, including league leaders Barcelona's Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday.The floods have caused widespread devastation in eastern Spain, with torrential rains leading to flash floods and mudslides. The death toll continues to rise as rescue workers search for survivors and assess the damage.The postponement of the Real Madrid and Villarreal matches is a reminder of the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on sporting events. The safety and well-being of the affected communities must always come first, and the decision to postpone the matches was the right one.

Barcelona's El Clasico Triumph Resonates Globally, Including in IndiaBarcelona's emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the El Clasico showdown on Saturday reverberated across the globe, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. The match, a highly anticipated clash between two of the most iconic clubs in the sport, generated immense buzz and discussion, even in countries far removed from the European football scene.In India, the El Clasico match became a topic of conversation at the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a roadshow in Gujarat's Vadodara with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, highlighted the intense passion with which the match was followed in India."Spanish football is liked a lot in India. Yesterday, the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the discussions were held in India, too. Barcelona's brilliant win was a subject of discussion here as well. I can also tell you that there was as much banter between the fans of the two clubs in India, as it would've been in Spain," PM Modi said.PM Modi's remarks underscore the global reach of the El Clasico rivalry and the deep-rooted passion for football in India. The match, which is often billed as the biggest club match in the world, attracts a massive audience and generates intense emotions among fans.The El Clasico victory also has significant implications for Barcelona's title hopes in La Liga. The win puts them eight points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, strengthening their position as favorites to reclaim the league title.

Kylian Mbappe's transition to Real Madrid has been a gradual one, with the French superstar yet to fully establish himself as a pivotal figure in the team. However, Saturday's La Liga Clasico against Barcelona presents an ideal opportunity for Mbappe to showcase his brilliance and accelerate his adaptation to life in the Spanish capital.Mbappe's move to Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in June was a long-awaited dream come true, but the 25-year-old has not yet reached his peak performance level. With eight goals in 13 matches across all competitions, Mbappe has shown glimpses of his potential, but he has also struggled to find his place in Carlo Ancelotti's tactical setup.The Clasico is a stage where heroes are made, and a standout performance from Mbappe could propel him to new heights. Should he score against Barcelona and help Real Madrid match the Catalans' record of 43 consecutive La Liga matches without defeat, it would be a significant step forward in his integration into the team.Ancelotti has expressed satisfaction with Mbappe's contributions, acknowledging his goalscoring prowess. However, the coach believes that Mbappe is still finding his feet and has the potential to improve significantly.Mbappe's predecessor at Madrid, Jude Bellingham, set a precedent for the Frenchman last season, scoring twice on his Clasico debut and netting a last-minute winner in the second league clash against Barcelona. Ancelotti has emphasized Mbappe's goal-scoring abilities, hoping that he will take on the mantle of the team's primary attacking threat.Despite his goal-scoring exploits, Mbappe has faced some challenges in recent weeks. He was not on the scoresheet in Real Madrid's 5-2 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, and he has been embroiled in off-field controversies, including a rape investigation and a dispute with PSG over unpaid wages.The Clasico will not erase Mbappe's problems, but a dazzling performance would shift the focus back to his footballing abilities. He has scored six goals in four matches against Barcelona, all in the Champions League for PSG, and he will be eager to add to that tally in the iconic fixture.Mbappe's role in the Madrid team is still evolving, with the forward often drifting to his favored left side and swapping positions with Vinicius Junior. The Clasico will be a test of his adaptability and his ability to make a decisive impact in a high-pressure environment.If Mbappe can deliver a standout performance against Barcelona, it would not only boost his confidence but also silence the critics who have questioned his impact at Madrid. The Clasico is a stage where legends are born, and Mbappe has the opportunity to etch his name into the annals of the rivalry.

Real Madrid staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, with Vinicius Junior scoring a hat-trick. Aston Villa maintained their perfect record to go top of the table.Vinicius struck three times in the second half as Madrid bounced back from two goals down to inflict further anguish on Dortmund, in a repeat of last season's final, which Real Madrid won 2-0.First-half goals in quick succession by Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens had given Dortmund a two-goal lead at half-time. "Things were very quiet when we got to the dressing room 2-0 down at halftime," Vinicius (24) told Movistar. "But we listened to the boss (coach Carlo Ancelotti) and agreed one simple thing: if we can score first then we'll fight back and win once again."The 15-times champions duly struck back early in the second period via Antonio Rudiger and Vinicius, before Lucas Vazquez sent Real ahead and the Brazilian netted two more inside the final 10 minutes. After the surprise defeat at Lille last time out, Madrid's hunt for a record-extending 16th Champions League crown is back on track as they move to ninth in the standings, on six points.Malen swept the Germans into the lead on the half-hour following a deft pass from Serhou Guirassy that split open the defence. Madrid defender Eder Militao was then left beating the turf in frustration four minutes later when Gittens flew in at the back post to double Dortmund's lead.Rudiger halved the deficit with a powerful header from a Kylian Mbappe cross on 60 minutes. Vinicius equalised two minutes later by tucking away a stray ball, the goal being awarded by VAR after Mbappe was shown to have been onside in the build-up.A rare Dortmund foray forward resulted in a fine Thibaut Courtois save, with the holders then racing straight down the other end and Vazquez lashing home on 83 minutes. Vinicius then completed his hat-trick in the 86th and 93rd minutes, his second coming after a lung-busting sprint down the line from inside his own half.Arsenal emerged 1-0 winners at home to Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk thanks to an own-goal from the visitors' goalkeeper. Dmytro Riznyk could only grasp at thin air after Gabriel Martinelli had cut in from the left and smacked the ball against the near post before it rebounded back off the goalie and over the line. Leandro Trossard missed a penalty near the end, but Arsenal had already done enough to secure their second win of the tournament.Table-topping Villa Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are enjoying an excellent return to European football's top table after 41 years as they won their third match in three Champions League outings this term with a 2-0 victory against Bologna. "We are playing seriously, we are playing focussed, responsible and the team is progressing and mature in everything," manager Unai Emery told TNT Sports. John McGinn opened the scoring at Villa Park 10 minutes after the interval and Jhon Duran wrapped up the points in the 64th minute, sending Emery's side to the top of the league phase table on nine points with zero goals conceded.Stuttgart sank Juventus 1-0 in Turin, thanks to a stoppage-time winner by El Bilal Toure. The Italians were reduced to 10 men when Danilo picked up a second yellow while conceding a penalty in the 84th minute. Mattia Perin looked to have saved his side when he stopped the resulting spot-kick from Enzo Millot, but Toure slammed home in the 92nd minute for Stuttgart.PSV Eindhoven surprised Paris Saint-Germain with a Noa Lang goal against the run of play in the first period, before Achraf Hakimi hit back on 55 minutes to ensure the points were shared. AC Milan beat 10-men Club Brugge at the San Siro with Christian Pulisic and a Tijjani Reijnders brace giving the Italians a 3-1 victory. Monaco won 5-1 at home to Red Star Belgrade, while Sporting Lisbon beat Sturm Graz 2-0 in Austria. Last season's Spanish league surprise-packages Girona picked up their first points in the competition with a 2-0 win at home to Slovan Bratislava.On Wednesday (October 23, 2024), five-time winners Barcelona host six-time champions Bayern Munich and Liverpool visit RB Leipzig.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of Kylian Mbappe's goal-scoring prowess over his defensive contributions. The Spanish giants have struggled to find their rhythm this season, and Ancelotti believes Mbappe's primary focus should be on finding the back of the net."I prefer that he scores goals than he presses," Ancelotti stated. "The central striker position in our team has not changed. I ask him the same I asked of Karim (Benzema)."Mbappe has scored eight goals in 12 appearances for Madrid this season, but his output has been overshadowed by Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, who has netted 14 times in 12 games. The French forward has also faced criticism for his absence from France's recent Nations League matches due to a thigh injury.Ancelotti's comments come amid concerns about Mbappe's impact on the team's balance. The arrival of the former Paris Saint-Germain star has pushed Jude Bellingham into a more defensive role, and the English midfielder has yet to score this season."We're satisfied with his work... because he works a lot on the pitch," Ancelotti said of Bellingham. "The truth is he hasn't scored the goals he did last year, but the surprise isn't this year, it's last year."Ancelotti acknowledged Madrid's attacking prowess, which includes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, and expressed his preference for end-to-end matches. "I want (rock and roll football) because I have players with these characteristics," he said.Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin emphasized the need for a strong mentality and collective effort to overcome Madrid's attacking threats. "It's only possible (to succeed) as a collective, not just against these two, but against all of Real's players," he said.Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt stressed the importance of closing down Madrid players quickly. "It's about working even more defensively... you probably shouldn't give them any breathing room to get close to our goal," he said.

Jude Bellingham's second season at Real Madrid has been a tale of contrasts. After a stellar debut campaign marked by goals and glory, the England international has faced challenges in his sophomore year.Bellingham's first season in Madrid was a whirlwind. Thrust into the attack after Karim Benzema's departure, he scored 10 goals in his first 10 games. His performances earned him the admiration of fans and critics alike.However, this season has been different. Bellingham has been tasked with more defensive responsibility, a role that has limited his attacking output. He has yet to score in nine games across all competitions.Bellingham's frustration was evident during Madrid's recent win over Celta Vigo. He appeared furious with Vinicius Junior for not passing him the ball when he was well-placed to score.Manager Carlo Ancelotti defended Bellingham, saying that his reaction showed "balls and character." However, he acknowledged that Bellingham's role has changed and that he should be appreciated for his contributions to the team.Bellingham's struggles have coincided with Madrid's inconsistent form. The team has struggled to find the right balance in midfield, with Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes all vying for attacking roles.Despite his challenges, Bellingham remains a key player for Madrid. His work rate, passing ability, and defensive awareness make him a valuable asset to the team.As Madrid prepares for crucial matches against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, Bellingham will be determined to make a significant contribution. Whether he scores or not, his presence on the pitch will be vital for the team's success.