Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has reflected on his side’s recent derby defeat by Atletico Madrid, insisting the result was not caused by the officials.

Real Madrid lost 2-1 away from home after being reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute, when Dean Huijsen was shown a red card.

The decision-making during the match left Real Madrid unhappy, with the club particularly critical of the refereeing in the meeting with Atletico Madrid.

Jose Mourinho also highlighted the issue at his news conference, bringing printed photographs showing several incidents in which he believed Atletico Madrid players should have been sent off.

Real Madrid will return to action on 10 October, when they face Villarreal.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has shared his impressions of working with Jose Mourinho, who returned to the “royal club” last summer.

The Belgium international already knew the Portuguese manager from their time together at Chelsea. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.

Courtois joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2018.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has told Belgium manager Marc van Bommel that he will not play in the national team’s autumn fixtures because he is currently prioritising his club.

The 34-year-old has made 115 appearances for Belgium, conceding 90 goals.

Belgium began their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Italy before losing 1-0 to France. The Red Devils are due to face Turkey on Friday, 2 October.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he does not want his son to follow him into goalkeeping as the youngster begins his first steps in football.

The 34-year-old has been with Real Madrid since 2018. Before joining the Spanish club, Courtois played for Chelsea, Atletico and Genk.

Real Madrid will host Villarreal on 10 October in the eighth round of La Liga. The team, managed by Jose Mourinho, currently sit fourth in the table with 15 points.

Barcelona have revived their interest in Sporting right-back Ivan Fresneda, who was recently called up to the Spain squad for the first time.

The 22-year-old is among the potential transfer targets being considered by the Catalan club, according to Barca Universal, citing Sport.

Barcelona previously monitored Fresneda in the summer of 2023, when he was playing for Valladolid. However, Sporting moved more quickly than their rivals and secured his signing.

Fresneda was included in the Spain squad after replacing the injured Pedro Porro. The Madrid-born defender has yet to make his debut for the national team.

Fresneda came through the academy at Real Madrid before continuing his development at Valladolid. His current market value is estimated at 20m euros by Transfermarkt.

Barcelona forward Raphinha Dias has avoided a serious injury after being forced off at half-time during Brazil’s match against Australia.

The 29-year-old was substituted as a precaution after developing muscle swelling. According to Sport, Barcelona are not concerned about the extent of the problem, with Raphinha indicating that the injury is minor.

Unless there are any unexpected complications, Raphinha should be available for Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture against Getafe on 10 October.

The winger has left the Brazil squad at Barcelona’s request and will undergo further examinations in the coming period.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has chosen team-mate Kylian Mbappe as the player he would award the Ballon d’Or to this year.

Mbappe finished as the leading scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, making him Courtois’ preferred candidate for the individual prize.

“He amazes everyone,” Courtois said of Mbappe.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on 26 October.

Mbappe did not win a team trophy with Real Madrid last season.

Virgil van Dijk could leave Liverpool at the end of the 2026/27 season, with the club yet to offer its captain and long-serving defender a new contract and Real Madrid reportedly considering a short-term deal for the Dutchman.

Van Dijk will turn 36 at the start of the 2027/28 campaign. His possible departure would mark a significant change at Anfield, although Liverpool’s recent decision to part company with Mohamed Salah underlines the principle that no individual is bigger than the club.

Players eventually move on, while the institution continues. However, few Liverpool players in recent years have had Van Dijk’s authority, consistency and influence in leading the side.

His absence would be particularly significant because Liverpool do not appear to have an obvious replacement for the defensive and leadership qualities he provides.

Reports in Spain have suggested Real Madrid could offer Van Dijk a short-term contract if he becomes a free agent. It remains unclear whether that prospect would appeal to the player, although a move could reunite him with former central defensive partner Ibrahima Konate.

Jose Mourinho is not a manager known for signing players without a purpose. If he believes Van Dijk can still contribute, though, the Portuguese would not turn down the opportunity to acquire an experienced defender without a transfer fee.

Van Dijk’s importance to Liverpool is reflected in his workload since the beginning of the 2025/26 season. No player has started more than his 61 matches in that period, while only Alexis Mac Allister has featured in more games, with 62.

The defender has played 5,481 minutes, more than any other Liverpool squad member. That level of availability, particularly at his age, highlights his continued reliability.

Van Dijk has also scored eight goals during the same period. Only Cody Gakpo, Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike have scored more for Liverpool.

He has been involved in 19 of the 61 matches in which Liverpool kept a clean sheet. No other player has been part of a Liverpool side that prevented the opposition from scoring more often since the start of 25/26.

His defensive numbers are similarly dominant. Van Dijk has made 272 headed clearances and 396 clearances overall, both comfortably more than any of his team-mates.

Although his 34 attempted tackles are fewer than those of several colleagues, he has won 61.76 per cent of them, one of the highest success rates in the squad. He has regained possession 165 times, including 77 recoveries in the middle third of the pitch.

Van Dijk has won 299 of his 418 one-on-one duels, giving him a success rate of 71.53 per cent, well ahead of his team-mates. His 323 aerial duels and 243 victories in them are also squad highs.

He is the only Liverpool player to have attempted more than 4,000 passes, completing 3,926 of 4,396 for an 89.31 per cent accuracy rate. One or two players have marginally better percentages, but they have attempted about 2,000 fewer passes.

The statistics suggest that age has not diminished Van Dijk’s competitive edge. Despite appearing to have lost some pace, he has continued to perform at the highest level without relying on speed.

Andoni Iraola and the Liverpool board therefore face a difficult decision before allowing the captain to leave. “You don't know what you've got until you lose it” may prove an accurate warning, with Real Madrid potentially set to benefit.

Real Madrid representative Emilio Butragueno attended a ceremony in Buenos Aires commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary footballer Alfredo Di Stefano.

Di Stefano’s daughter, Silvana, and his sister, Norma, were also present at the event.

A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the former site of the club’s football ground where Di Stefano began playing the sport.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has been named the club’s best player for September, according to ManagingMadrid.

The 21-year-old Turkey international has been one of the most influential players in the team’s early-season campaign, producing particularly strong numbers in creating chances for his team-mates.

Guler’s place in Real Madrid’s starting line-up was uncertain at the beginning of the season because of the competition for places. However, he has established himself in the first team and developed an effective partnership with Jude Bellingham.

Guler is currently away with the Turkey national team. Turkey lost both of their matches in September, against France and Italy.

Their next Nations League fixtures will take place at the start of October, when Turkey will face Belgium and Italy.

Barcelona remain interested in signing a recognised top-level centre-forward after failing to recruit one during the summer transfer window.

The Catalan club instead used Raphinha in the central attacking role, while Gabriel Jesus was brought in as cover. However, Hansi Flick’s side have not abandoned their plan to strengthen at the top of the attack.

A report in El Nacional has linked Barcelona with a possible move for Mikel Oyarzabal from Real Sociedad. The 29-year-old Spain international has emerged as a potential target as the club continues to consider its options up front.

The report also claims the proposed transfer would have the backing of Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. Yamal is said to feel comfortable playing alongside Oyarzabal for the Spain national team.

A bid of 50 million euros could provide the basis for negotiations between Barcelona and Real Sociedad over Oyarzabal, according to the report.

Barcelona’s interest follows a summer in which they were unable to complete a deal for an established elite centre-forward, leaving Flick to adjust his attacking options. Raphinha was deployed in the lead role, with Gabriel Jesus providing an alternative.

The possibility of signing Oyarzabal would represent a continuation of Barcelona’s search for a long-term solution in attack, with Yamal’s reported support potentially adding to the appeal of the move.

Ferran Torres reportedly wants to see Barcelona team-mate Dani Olmo join him at Paris Saint-Germain.

Recent reports suggested the forward had been trying to persuade Pedri to follow the same route, leaving Barcelona for the French club. El Nacional has now reported that Torres would also like another Barcelona player, Olmo, to become part of his team-mate’s squad.

According to the report, Olmo could be encouraged to consider a transfer because he is not currently a guaranteed starter at Barcelona.

The 28-year-old is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich and clubs in the Premier League.

Transfermarkt values Dani Olmo at 60 million euros.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is reportedly trying to persuade Barcelona to sign his Spain team-mate Alex Baena from Atletico.

According to Gazeta.Ru, citing El Nacional, Rodri considers Baena an outstanding player and has already begun encouraging the 25-year-old to move to Camp Nou.

Any deal could prove difficult, however, because Atletico may be unwilling to let Baena leave.

Barcelona had previously considered signing Baena while he was playing for Villarreal, but no transfer took place.

Baena is currently valued at 40 million euros by Transfermarkt.

Former Nigeria forward John Utaka has named Kylian Mbappe as his leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Utaka, who is known for his spells with Nigeria, Lens and Portsmouth, gave the assessment in an exclusive comment to online publication Euro-Futbol.Ru, where he discussed the awards for the best player and goalkeeper of the year.

“I would name Mbappe as the main contender for the Ballon d’Or,” Utaka said.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on 26 October 2026 at the London Palladium theatre in London.

The leading favourites for the men’s award are regarded as forwards Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane.

The prize for the best goalkeeper will be presented at the same ceremony. Experts and analysts have identified Unai Simon and David Raya as the leading contenders for the Yashin Trophy.

Brazil winger Raphinha was substituted during the national team’s match against Australia because of discomfort and will miss the Selecao’s upcoming fixtures.

The Barcelona player will return to his club ahead of schedule, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed.

Sources at Barcelona said Raphinha will undergo further examinations after rejoining the club.

Harry Kane believes Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona has strengthened the forward’s self-belief and helped him make a greater impact for England.

Gordon scored in consecutive internationals as England responded to a 3-2 Nations League defeat by Spain with a 2-0 victory over Czechia. The former Newcastle player opened the scoring against Spain before finding the net again against Czechia.

The 24-year-old headed in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross to seal England’s win, continuing an impressive start to life with the Spanish giants. Gordon has provided four assists in his first six appearances for Barcelona, having enjoyed success away from the Premier League.

Kane, England’s captain and Bayern Munich striker, said playing for a major club had helped Gordon develop greater belief in his ability.

“I think sometimes going to a big club like that gives you more self-belief, more confidence,” Kane said. “You feel like you belong on the biggest stage and I think he's taken that into his England performances.”

Kane was also impressed by Gordon’s display in England’s defeat by Spain before praising his contribution against Czechia.

“He was outstanding against Spain on Saturday, again today he was the difference maker,” Kane said. “He was always looking to be direct and be the one to get us ahead and a great finish from him as well. A lovely ball by Trent, but those finishes aren't easy and he took it really well.”

Alexander-Arnold’s delivery created the goal, and Kane said the right-back had made an important contribution in both attack and defence.

“Trent's outstanding. The delivery, the passing range, the crossing but also today defensively he was outstanding,” Kane said. “Trent just has to keep his head down, keep working hard.”

Gordon also highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s quality after the match and expressed his delight at being able to play alongside him for England.

“I make that run time and time again and only a certain number of players have got that ability, technique and bravery to be willing to make the mistake trying that pass, so credit to Trent,” Gordon said.

“That’s why he’s so good and I’ve been dying to play with him for that reason.”

Real Madrid defender Raul Asensio is facing a spell of between two and four months on the sidelines after the club announced he will undergo surgery on Thursday.

The Spanish club confirmed on the final day of September that Asensio requires an operation. According to Marca, his expected recovery period means he may not play again during 2026.

Asensio has made 80 appearances for Real Madrid’s first team, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

Real Madrid are currently fourth in the La Liga table and trail leaders Barcelona by six points.

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio will undergo surgery on Thursday after suffering a stress fracture to the tibia in his right leg.

The Spanish club announced the procedure on its official website but did not provide a timetable for the 23-year-old’s recovery.

Asencio has not yet featured for Real Madrid during the 2026/2027 season.

The defender is valued at 20 million euros by football statistics website Transfermarkt.

Real Madrid’s next La Liga fixture is against Villarreal on Saturday, 10 October, with Jose Mourinho’s side due to host their opponents.

Carlo Ancelotti says Vinicius Junior deserves patience and remains capable of influencing matches despite a difficult start to the season for Real Madrid.

The Brazil forward has scored only once in eight appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid, who are fourth in LaLiga with 15 points.

Vinicius Junior offered a reminder of his ability during Brazil's 4-2 friendly victory over Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday. The 26-year-old helped create Brazil's third goal before scoring their fourth from the penalty spot.

Ancelotti, who previously coached Vinicius Junior during his time in charge of Real Madrid, said the forward continued to have an important role for both club and country.

"I know Vini very well. To me, he is a key player for the national team - a key player for Brazil - and he was a key player in my own footballing journey," said Ancelotti.

"He is a key player for the future. Is he at his best right now? No, he isn't, but it is the start of the season. And Vini, always, even when he isn't at his best, he can still make the difference, just as he did today.

"The goal that really opened up the game was thanks to him. So, I'm going to be very patient, because he deserves that patience."

Ancelotti said Vinicius Junior had shown how he could contribute even when his performance was below its highest level, highlighting the role he played in breaking Australia's resistance.

Brazil's next fixture is another friendly, against India in Kolkata on Saturday.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says he hopes “justice will prevail” as forward Lamine Yamal competes for the Ballon d’Or.

Voting to decide the winner has now closed, with the result due to be announced at the awards ceremony on 26 October.

Yamal and Kane are currently considered the leading contenders for the prize.

The 19-year-old Barcelona player has made eight appearances in all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.