Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and FC Barcelona have been summoned to a conciliation hearing in Madrid on 25 November after Barcelona took legal action over comments he made about the club and refereeing.

The hearing could precede criminal proceedings for defamation against Perez, according to sources close to the case who spoke on Monday.

Barcelona began the legal process on 12 June, following remarks made by Perez at a news conference in May. The Real Madrid president accused the Catalan club of manoeuvring to receive favourable treatment from referees.

The club said it wanted Perez to withdraw comments it considered knowingly false, defamatory and harmful to its image and reputation. Barcelona added that it would bring a criminal complaint if the conciliation process did not resolve the dispute.

The case is linked to the so-called Negreira case, which concerns payments made by Barcelona to companies connected to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of Spain's refereeing committee.

Spanish courts are investigating payments of up to 7 million euros made over almost two decades. The inquiry is examining whether the money was intended to secure a competitive advantage.

Barcelona denies any wrongdoing. It has said the payments were for reports about referees, while a court dismissed bribery charges against the club in 2024.

Perez addressed the matter at a press conference on 12 May, describing it as "the most serious case of corruption in football".

He added: "We could never have imagined Barcelona giving money to the head of the referees."

The Real Madrid president also claimed his club had been deprived of league titles as a result of the affair.

"I've won seven leagues. I could have won twice as many. The others were stolen from me," he said.

The 25 November appearance is a conciliation hearing, rather than a criminal trial. The process gives the parties an opportunity to settle the dispute before Barcelona decides whether to pursue the threatened criminal complaint.

Luis Figo says Yan Diomande will become increasingly influential for Real Madrid and has urged supporters to allow the teenager time to adapt to a new level of football.

The Ivory Coast international joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig during the summer in a deal which could eventually be worth £120M (€140M), provided certain add-ons are activated. The transfer represents a significant profit for Leipzig, who paid €20M for Diomande in 2025.

Diomande, 19, has been introduced gradually by Jose Mourinho, with the veteran coach taking care not to place too much pressure on the forward during the early stages of his LaLiga career.

He has made seven top-flight appearances so far, although only two have come as starts. That limited involvement has prompted some sections of the Real Madrid support to question the pace of his progress.

Former Real Madrid player Figo believes there is no reason for concern, saying the teenager’s adjustment to the club should be viewed as a process rather than judged immediately.

“It’s normal for him to take it step by step. There’s a certain amount of time needed to adapt. Playing for Real Madrid isn’t the same as playing for another team,” Figo said.

“He’s already adapting to what Real Madrid is all about and improving. I think he’ll contribute more in the upcoming matches and will become more prominent.”

The comments come as Diomande continues to adjust to the demands and expectations of Real Madrid after his move from RB Leipzig.

Real Madrid’s next match will come after the FIFA international break, when they host Villarreal on October 10th.

Atletico Madrid are ready to offer Marcos Llorente a contract extension before the end of 2026 as they attempt to retain the Spain midfielder beyond the 2026/27 season.

Llorente, 31, has become an important member of Diego Simeone’s squad since making the bold decision to leave Real Madrid and move across the Spanish capital in 2019.

His current Atletico Madrid contract expires at the end of the 2026/27 campaign, and his future has become a focus after he announced his decision to retire from international football with Spain following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder is reportedly being monitored by Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, with the clubs viewing him as a potential free-transfer signing in 2027.

However, Atletico Madrid are keen to keep Llorente at the Estadio Metropolitano, and renewal discussions are already taking place. The player is also understood to want to remain in Madrid, with all parties working towards an agreement.

Should he sign a new contract, it would be expected to be the final deal of his playing career. Llorente has previously indicated that he does not intend to continue playing beyond the age of 35.

Llorente said he wanted to remain with Atletico Madrid for several more years and hoped an agreement could be reached that reflected his value to the club.

“I’m clear I want to stay at Atletico Madrid for more years. I’m happy in a place where I’m valued, and hopefully we can reach an agreement where everyone is valued,” he said.

“I’ve never been one to grandstand, but if I’m honest, I’d like to retire at Atletico Madrid.”

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has returned to his club after being released from Spain’s UEFA Nations League squad because of a left-knee problem.

Garcia reported discomfort before Spain’s opening fixture of the current FIFA window and was left out of the team that beat England 2-1 at Wembley over the weekend.

The 23-year-old had been expected to start in London, but Spain decided not to risk him and omitted him from the squad as a precaution.

According to Marca, Garcia is now back in Barcelona and will rest for the remainder of this week before resuming training with the club.

The injury is not considered serious, but Barcelona and Spain agreed that caution was the appropriate approach. Atletico Madrid defender Robin Le Normand has been called up to replace Garcia in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

Spain, the defending European and world champions, face Croatia in Sevilla on September 29th.

Lamine Yamal believes Barcelona team-mate Hamza Abdelakarim has the ability to become a football legend in Egypt as the teenager continues to develop for club and country.

The 18-year-old was included in Hansi Flick’s first-team plans over the summer after Barcelona rejected calls for him to join a LaLiga rival on loan during the 2026/27 campaign.

Abdelakarim had spent the second half of last season on loan at Barca. Barcelona made the move permanent in June after he impressed with their U19 team, activating a clause to sign him.

Yamal, who is familiar with the pressure placed on young Barcelona players, expects Abdelakarim to make an impact in the months ahead.

“He’s a player with a bright future,” Yamal said. “He’s still young and has all the qualities to be a great striker. I think he’ll make the most of his time with the team and score a lot of goals.

“He’s a very adaptable player and we always try to make him feel comfortable.

“We all know his high level and that he’s a prolific goalscorer. Everything will come in time, so I advise him to stay calm and focused.

“Hamza has the skills and abilities to achieve what he wants, and I hope he becomes a football legend in Egypt.”

Real Madrid have contacted Erling Haaland’s representatives after Manchester City were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, according to Football Insider.

The LaLiga club are prepared to renew their long-standing interest in the striker, with Arsenal also understood to be keen. However, it remains uncertain whether Haaland would be willing to leave Manchester City for another English club.

An independent panel ruled that Manchester City had breached 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League. The club intend to challenge the findings through a legal appeal.

The verdict has cast fresh uncertainty over Haaland’s future at the Etihad Stadium, despite the Norway international having a contract with Manchester City until 2034.

It would take an offer of more than £150M to persuade Manchester City to sell the 26-year-old, with Real Madrid expected to meet the club’s valuation if they decide to pursue a formal move.

Haaland’s contract does not contain a relegation clause. That means Manchester City would still be in a position to demand their full valuation, even if the club’s legal case ultimately affects their Premier League status.

Joel Robles says Wigan Athletic’s 2013 FA Cup victory over Manchester City will remain one of the defining moments of his career, despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League days later.

The Spanish goalkeeper, now 36 and playing for Estoril, has also won the Europa League, Copa del Rey and other major honours during a career that has taken him from Atletico Madrid to England, Real Betis and Portugal.

Robles came through Atletico’s academy and was part of the squad that won the club’s first Europa League title by beating Fulham in the 2010 final. He shared a dressing room with Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero and described the experience as something he would “carry for the rest of my life”.

He also played in qualifying matches during Atletico’s 2012 Europa League campaign before joining Rayo Vallecano on loan in January. Although he did not finish the season in Madrid, Robles still feels connected to the triumph.

“As a homegrown player who had been there for 10 or 11 years, it was a great joy,” he said. “The most important thing is that Atletico Madrid won that Europa League.”

Robles worked alongside goalkeepers including David de Gea, Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Asenjo and Roberto Jimenez. He grew up with De Gea, while Courtois joined Atletico on loan from Chelsea.

He had two short spells under Diego Simeone, totalling six or seven months, but said the manager’s impact was clear immediately.

“You could see from day one what he was going to bring to the club,” Robles said. “Fourteen or 15 years later, Cholo Simeone still has the same energy, or even more. He has made Atletico Madrid competitive and created a team that never gives up.”

Robles believes Atletico are now trying to develop into a championship-winning side after investing heavily in their squad. He said that process would take time, drawing a comparison with Paris St-Germain, who spent years building before finally achieving success with the help of Luis Enrique.

Betis success and Pellegrini’s influence

Robles described Real Betis’ 2022 Copa del Rey victory as “the best gift football could have given me”.

He had spent four happy seasons at the club and was preparing to leave when Betis beat Valencia in the final at Seville’s La Cartuja. The victory came in front of the club’s supporters and was sealed by a penalty shootout involving Joaquin and Miranda, both academy graduates.

“It felt like destiny for all of us,” said Robles.

He believes Betis’ continued progress, including their qualification for the Champions League, is the result of the stability provided by manager Manuel Pellegrini and the club’s board.

Pellegrini, he said, had helped Betis remain in European competition, retain important players, build a competitive squad and strengthen the relationship between the team and its supporters.

Robles expects Betis to compete across the league, Champions League and Copa del Rey, although he warned that matches against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Arsenal would bring additional physical demands. He added that Pellegrini still regarded La Liga as the priority, with European qualification now the club’s minimum expectation.

Robles also praised Joaquin, who retired at the age of 40. He said the former Spain winger remained highly competitive, could still leave team-mates “on the ground” and hated losing small-sided matches or missing games.

“He was a 40-year-old with the same ambition as when he was 25,” Robles said. “He was a key figure at the club.”

Wigan glory followed by relegation

Robles joined Wigan after Roberto Martinez gave him the opportunity to play in the Premier League. The club were relegated in 2013, but won the FA Cup by beating Manchester City, who included Aguero and Carlos Tevez.

Robles said Wigan’s achievement might never be repeated and would remain part of the club’s history.

Wigan had beaten Everton 3-0 away in the quarter-finals before defeating second-tier Millwall in the semi-finals. Robles felt the draw had helped, with Manchester United appearing in the other semi-final.

The final was followed three days later by a league match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Wigan needed to win to remain in the division, while Arsenal were competing for Champions League qualification.

They failed to win and were relegated.

“Going from the high of winning the FA Cup against Manchester City to relegation three days later was strange,” Robles said. “I still have that thorn in my side, but winning the FA Cup will be remembered by many people.”

After Wigan, Robles moved to Everton when Martinez became manager. He initially competed with Tim Howard, whom he described as a club legend, before eventually becoming the first-choice goalkeeper.

When Ronald Koeman arrived, he told Robles he would be second choice to Maarten Stekelenburg. Robles said Koeman was direct and did not avoid difficult conversations, but he still played a significant number of matches that season.

Everton later signed Jordan Pickford from Sunderland, and Koeman was dismissed in December. Robles stayed until the end of the season before leaving for Real Betis.

His final English club, so far, was Leeds United. He joined a squad that included Marc Roca, Junior Firpo, Diego Llorente and Rodrigo Moreno, while sporting director Victor Orta and goalkeeping coach Marcos Abad made his role clear from the outset.

Illan Meslier was Leeds’ young goalkeeper, but Robles eventually played during a difficult campaign in which the club were relegated after a demanding final 10 matches.

Martinez and life in Portugal

Robles worked with Martinez at Wigan and Everton and said the manager had played a major part in his career.

“He gave me the chance to play in the Premier League,” Robles said. “He has a winning aura, he is extremely intelligent and has everything under control.”

Martinez later managed the Belgium and Portugal national teams. Robles believes he will eventually return to club football and succeed at a major side, adding that he had already won a title with Portugal against Spain and was highly respected there.

Robles joined Estoril after president Ignacio, who is Spanish, outlined the club’s ambitions. He admitted the team were enduring a difficult period, but said a three-week break would give them time to clear their minds and prepare for the next phase of the league.

He has been impressed by the quality and competitiveness of Portuguese football, including clubs such as Casa Pia and Estoril. He said the league regularly gives young players opportunities before selling them on.

Robles remains motivated by his love of football and his desire to improve. He said defeats and mistakes still hurt, while the age gap between him and his 22-year-old competitors meant he had to maintain his physical condition.

Estoril have seven Spanish players, and Robles believes the close geographical relationship between Spain and Portugal is one reason Spanish footballers are increasingly recruited there. He also said Spanish players are highly valued abroad, despite often having to work harder to earn recognition at home.

Finally, Robles highlighted the development of Spanish goalkeepers and their ability with the ball at their feet. He cited Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia and De Gea, saying modern goalkeepers had adapted to different tactical demands.

He used Unai Simon as an example, explaining that the Athletic Club goalkeeper may play more directly for his club but can operate as a passing goalkeeper for Spain, including finding the third man against England.

“That shows the ability and high level of goalkeepers today,” Robles said.

Former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix says he wants to return to European football, despite being settled at Al Nassr.

The Portugal international moved to Saudi Arabia in June 2025 to join his national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Felix has made a strong start to life in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 30 goals in 55 appearances and helping Al Nassr win the title last season.

Felix, 26, has a contract with Al Nassr until June 2027 but says he is already considering a return to Europe. He believes he can still compete at the highest level, including in the UEFA Champions League.

“I’m very comfortable in Saudi Arabia. I’m happy and enjoying my football, but it’s true I’m also thinking about returning to Europe,” he said.

“I don’t know whether it’ll be next year, in two years, three or four, but I’d like to play in European competitions again.”

Felix joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica for €125M in 2019 before later moving to Chelsea for another substantial fee. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Barcelona and has previously made clear his desire to return to the Catalan club.

A move back to Barcelona does not currently appear straightforward, but Felix retains strong feelings for the club after his brief spell there.

“I was very happy to have worn the Barca shirt. It was a childhood dream for me, my father and my brother. It was an honour,” he said.

Felix’s comments underline his intention to remain in contention for European football while continuing his career in Saudi Arabia. His current deal means he is committed to Al Nassr through June 2027, although he has not ruled out making the move back to Europe before or after then.

Estevao’s limited role at Chelsea has reportedly prompted interest from Barcelona, who are considering a January loan move for the Brazil international if Hansi Flick requires additional attacking options.

The 19-year-old has made only two starts this season, both in the Carabao Cup, and has played just 23 minutes of Premier League football. His lack of involvement is understood to have created uncertainty over his immediate future at Stamford Bridge.

Estevao is also rumoured to have expressed concern to his representatives about his situation, despite Xabi Alonso indicating during pre-season that the forward’s “youth and potential” would ensure he had a role during the 2026/27 campaign.

Barcelona may now explore the possibility of a temporary move in January, with the club assessing its attacking options under Flick.

Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski were replaced by Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi over the summer, while Barcelona were unable to complete a deal for Julian Alvarez. That pursuit is not expected to be revisited during the season.

Estevao could therefore offer Flick a short-term addition to his squad if Barcelona decide to make an approach.

Chelsea are understood to be open-minded about the player’s long-term position at the club, leaving the possibility of a temporary move under consideration as his first-team opportunities remain limited.

Julian Alvarez’s immediate focus is on Atletico Madrid and Argentina after Barcelona and Arsenal failed to secure a move for the forward during the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old was one of the leading names discussed before the transfer deadline, with both clubs pursuing him. However, no deal materialised, and Alvarez is now expected to concentrate on strengthening his position at Atletico Madrid while taking on greater responsibility for the national team.

That role could become increasingly significant as Argentina begin to plan for a future without Lionel Messi, who has retired from international football.

Argentina have three matches scheduled, including Messi’s final appearance for the national side against Benin. Alvarez is one of the players expected to become more influential under Lionel Scaloni as the team prepares to move beyond its iconic captain.

While his short-term priorities appear clear, Alvarez’s longer-term club future remains less certain.

Barcelona sporting director Deco recently attempted to draw a line under the speculation surrounding a possible move to Camp Nou. Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit in Lisbon, he said the club had moved on and was satisfied with the players already available.

“Julian is in the past, we have to look ahead, and we are happy with the rest of the squad,” said Deco.

“The idea has always been to bring in a mobile number nine capable of linking up with teammates, and Julian was one such player. It didn't work out, we made an offer. The club always maintained they wouldn't sell him, so we have to look for other solutions.”

Barcelona’s decision to pursue alternative options does not necessarily rule out renewed interest in Alvarez at a later stage.

Arsenal also continue to monitor the situation, although they recognise that returning to English football is not currently the Argentina forward’s priority. The Gunners nevertheless believe they are among the few clubs outside Barcelona with a realistic chance of negotiating a deal that could appeal to Alvarez if his position changes.

Arsenal would also have the financial capacity to make a substantial investment should the forward indicate that he is open to joining them.

For now, Barcelona have turned their attention elsewhere and Arsenal must wait. However, the two clubs could both have reason to reassess Alvarez’s situation next year.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has renewed his call for tighter financial controls and greater transparency to protect football’s “integrity”, following reports that Manchester City were found guilty of 114 of 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said on Saturday that the club were innocent, in response to press reports about the findings.

The charges relate to accusations that Manchester City failed to provide accurate financial information, including details of payments made to players and coaches. The club were also accused of breaching financial sustainability regulations and failing to co-operate with an investigation.

“What has happened, again shows that economic controls, transparency and the same rules for all are essential to protect football's integrity and sustainability,” Tebas wrote in an extended social media post on Sunday.

He said he had been among those raising concerns about “financial doping” in 2017, referring to clubs such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain being able to draw on the considerable economic resources of Gulf countries to strengthen their sporting ambitions.

Tebas has frequently faced accusations that his position is intended to protect the financial advantage of Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona. According to Forbes and Deloitte, the two clubs are the richest in the world.

Roberto Carlos has revealed that he lost 99% of the money he earned during his football career after people emptied his bank account.

The former Real Madrid defender said he discovered the scale of the financial problem after receiving a collection of documents he knew nothing about.

“I had problems with people who emptied my bank account. I lost 99% of everything I earned from football,” he said at the Portugal Football Summit in Lisbon.

“I had a very serious family problem. On Thursday, I went to bed at midnight and on Friday, I received a pile of documents I knew nothing about. That’s when I realised I had lost my entire history.”

Carlos said his experience should serve as a warning to younger players, who can begin earning substantial sums soon after starting their professional careers.

“I made mistakes, and therefore, I ask younger players not to do the same. I always thought about future plans after my playing career,” he added.

Footballers can begin earning £100K+ a week shortly after turning 18, often before they have had time to develop the financial knowledge needed to manage their money. A playing career may last only 8-15 years and can be ended immediately by a serious injury.

The sudden arrival of wealth can also lead to spending habits that are difficult to sustain once a player’s income stops. Cars, watches, houses, entourages and nightlife can all become significant expenses, with some players spending millions a month despite having little or no income later in their careers.

A number of high-profile footballers, including Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Royston Drenthe and Carlton Cole, have faced financial difficulties.

Carlos said planning for life after football was important and that players should consider how to use their reputation beyond their playing days.

“It’s about building a history as a player and leveraging your image. When I decided to leave football, I already had my sporting director’s licence and was working with many brands,” he said.

Carlos retired in 2012 and now works as a football ambassador for Real Madrid. He also carries out ambassadorial work for FIFA, focusing on youth talent development and grassroots initiatives.

At 53, he remains active in football-related roles, 14 years after ending his playing career.

Arsenal have increased their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza as they consider a potential move for the highly rated 20-year-old.

TeamTalk, via Yahoo Sports, reports that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their pursuit of the Algeria international. Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa are also monitoring Maza’s progress.

Arsenal and Spurs have both watched the midfielder during the current season as they assess whether to make a formal approach.

Maza has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young attacking midfielders, having impressed with his technical ability, versatility and intelligence when in possession.

The Bayer Leverkusen player is particularly accomplished when operating in the half-spaces, where he can receive the ball, turn and drive at opposing defenders.

His awareness in advanced areas and his ability to connect play could make him an appealing target for Arsenal, who continue to identify young players capable of developing within Mikel Arteta’s system.

Gilberto Mora has become the youngest player to score for the Mexican National Team, adding another record to a remarkable rise that has attracted attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 17-year-old scored Mexico’s only goal in a friendly against Colombia this week. Mora drove into the penalty area, cut inside to wrong-foot two defenders and finished past the goalkeeper at the near post.

His goal saw him surpass the previous record held by Manuel Rosas, who was 18 years, 3 months and 2 days old when he scored for Mexico. Rosas’ mark had stood since the 1930 World Cup.

Mora has now set several historic milestones for his country. He is also Mexico’s youngest debutant, the youngest player in football history to win a senior international title after helping Mexico claim the 2025 Gold Cup, and the youngest Mexican to appear at a World Cup.

His progress has reportedly been monitored by Barcelona and Real Madrid for a number of months following his impressive debut at the 2026 World Cup. Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that both Spanish clubs were following the teenager’s development.

Reports suggest playing for Real Madrid is Mora’s dream. However, Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be prepared to make a bid.

Mora is currently with Club Tijuana and remains under contract until 2029. He has scored five goals in the league so far this season, making him Tijuana’s leading scorer.

With interest growing from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the next question is whether Barcelona or Real Madrid will make a formal move for the teenager.

Gilberto Mora has become the youngest player to score for the Mexican National Team, adding another record to a remarkable rise that has attracted attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 17-year-old scored Mexico’s only goal in a friendly against Colombia this week. Mora drove into the penalty area, cut inside to wrong-foot two defenders and finished past the goalkeeper at the near post.

His goal saw him surpass the previous record held by Manuel Rosas, who was 18 years, 3 months and 2 days old when he scored for Mexico. Rosas’ mark had stood since the 1930 World Cup.

Mora has now set several historic milestones for his country. He is also Mexico’s youngest debutant, the youngest player in football history to win a senior international title after helping Mexico claim the 2025 Gold Cup, and the youngest Mexican to appear at a World Cup.

His progress has reportedly been monitored by Barcelona and Real Madrid for a number of months following his impressive debut at the 2026 World Cup. Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that both Spanish clubs were following the teenager’s development.

Reports suggest playing for Real Madrid is Mora’s dream. However, Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be prepared to make a bid.

Mora is currently with Club Tijuana and remains under contract until 2029. He has scored five goals in the league so far this season, making him Tijuana’s leading scorer.

With interest growing from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the next question is whether Barcelona or Real Madrid will make a formal move for the teenager.

Gilberto Mora has become the youngest player to score for the Mexican National Team, adding another record to a remarkable rise that has attracted attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 17-year-old scored Mexico’s only goal in a friendly against Colombia this week. Mora drove into the penalty area, cut inside to wrong-foot two defenders and finished past the goalkeeper at the near post.

His goal saw him surpass the previous record held by Manuel Rosas, who was 18 years, 3 months and 2 days old when he scored for Mexico. Rosas’ mark had stood since the 1930 World Cup.

Mora has now set several historic milestones for his country. He is also Mexico’s youngest debutant, the youngest player in football history to win a senior international title after helping Mexico claim the 2025 Gold Cup, and the youngest Mexican to appear at a World Cup.

His progress has reportedly been monitored by Barcelona and Real Madrid for a number of months following his impressive debut at the 2026 World Cup. Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that both Spanish clubs were following the teenager’s development.

Reports suggest playing for Real Madrid is Mora’s dream. However, Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be prepared to make a bid.

Mora is currently with Club Tijuana and remains under contract until 2029. He has scored five goals in the league so far this season, making him Tijuana’s leading scorer.

With interest growing from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the next question is whether Barcelona or Real Madrid will make a formal move for the teenager.

Lamine Yamal scored inside two minutes and produced a standout display as Spain beat England at Wembley, marking his return to the scoresheet for his country after a lengthy wait.

The Rocafonda winger had not scored for Spain since their second World Cup match against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, but he needed only 120 seconds in London to make an immediate impact.

England attempted to build from the back when Marc Guehi received possession. Yamal pressed the defender, won the ball and then found the far corner with a low finish beyond James Trafford to put Spain 1-0 ahead.

The 19-year-old Barcelona player remained a constant threat for the rest of the match. His contribution extended beyond his attacking play, with Yamal also working hard to regain possession for Spain.

On one occasion, he won the ball back before Rodri produced a superb pass which Ferran Torres narrowly failed to turn into a second goal. Yamal later delighted the 90,000 spectators at Wembley with a backheel that almost released Dani Olmo.

His all-round performance earned him a Flashscore rating of 8.5.

Yamal said after the match that Spain manager’s demands for an aggressive press had played a key role in the opening goal.

“The manager puts a lot of pressure on us to press,” he told reporters in London. “I always say I want to help the team; sometimes I switch off, but sometimes I win the ball, find myself one-on-one and can score.”

The winger also explained how Spain approach matches when they do not have control of possession. Speaking to Teledeporte, he said the team were comfortable responding quickly once the ball was won back, even if they did not necessarily prefer to defend without it.

“It’s not that we feel comfortable, but we don’t mind the opposition having the ball,” Yamal said. “We’re quick, we don’t mind playing on the counterattack. You have to understand your role in each game and make the most of it.”

He acknowledged the difficulty of securing a result at Wembley, while stressing Spain’s determination not to be on the losing side.

“You can always lose, but we try not to be the ones who do,” he added. “It’s a very difficult stadium.”

Roy Keane has challenged Anthony Gordon to take the next step in his development after the Barcelona winger scored England’s equaliser against World Cup champions Spain.

Gordon finished well on Saturday night to cancel out the opening goal from Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal. The goal extended an impressive run of form for the 25-year-old, who has settled quickly since moving to Spain.

The winger joined FC Barcelona from Newcastle in summer 2026 on a five-year contract worth around £60M. Under manager Hansi Flick, he has made six La Liga appearances and provided four assists.

Flick has been relying on Gordon to create opportunities for the likes of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in attack, and the England international has responded with a series of influential performances.

His latest display against Spain was another indication of his growing confidence, but former Manchester United midfielder Keane believes Gordon must produce consistently at the highest level if he is to fulfil his potential with England.

“Anthony Gordon is certainly full of confidence,” Keane stated. “He is maturing, and his confidence must be sky-high. He was excellent tonight.

“What defines you as a top player, is your end product. The talent is all there, but he has to become a main man as a player.”

Keane’s comments acknowledge Gordon’s progress while placing emphasis on the responsibility that comes with becoming an established leading player. Despite scoring a well-taken equaliser, Gordon was told that contributing more regularly in decisive moments will be central to his continued development.

Overall, the performance against Spain was sharp and decisive, reinforcing the progress Gordon has made since his move to Barcelona. He is continuing to develop under both Flick at club level and Thomas Tuchel with England.

That improvement has increased expectations surrounding Gordon’s future for both Barcelona and the Three Lions. His ability to provide assists as well as finish chances has made him an important part of the attacking plans being built around him.

England’s next fixtures are against the Czech Republic and Croatia. Gordon is expected to feature again in those matches, although Tuchel could rotate his side.

Thomas Tuchel says England needed Jarell Quansah’s pace and defensive intelligence after selecting the Bayer Leverkusen player ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Quansah started in the 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley on Saturday night, with Alexander-Arnold left out of the side despite his experience with England and Real Madrid.

The decision was one of several significant selections made by Tuchel for his first England match since the team’s victory over France in the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off. James Trafford was also preferred to Jordan Pickford in goal.

Quansah’s inclusion initially raised questions, but the 23-year-old produced a performance that satisfied his manager, who explained why he had chosen him over Alexander-Arnold.

“We needed Jarell Quansah’s speed and ability to think as a central defender (in a three as Guehi moved into midfield),” journalist Henry Winter quoted Tuchel as saying.

“He (Quansah) was top class at the World Cup, he was top class in training this week, he was excellent in this game.”

Quansah was employed on the right side of England’s defence as Marc Guehi moved into midfield. His pace and understanding of playing as a central defender were viewed by Tuchel as important qualities for the system England used against the European and world champions.

The defender’s display was not without shortcomings. He misplaced possession 12 times, lost four of his seven duels and failed with both of his attempted dribbles.

However, he won all three of his tackles, giving him a 100% success rate in that area, and helped restrict Spain winger Nico Williams during the match. His contribution could strengthen his case to remain in the starting line-up.

Alexander-Arnold was also overlooked for the World Cup, and Saturday’s decision means he has yet to regain a regular place under Tuchel. England’s next fixtures could provide an opportunity for the Real Madrid player, particularly with the manager expected to rotate his squad.

England play the Czech Republic next before facing Croatia. Those matches will show whether Tuchel continues with Quansah at right-back or gives Alexander-Arnold the chance to compete for the position.

Kylian Mbappe has been diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee, Real Madrid have confirmed, although the France captain could be fit to face Barcelona later this month.

The forward sustained the injury while playing for France in Friday’s 1-0 victory over Turkey. He was withdrawn shortly after scoring the only goal of the match.

Real Madrid announced the diagnosis on Saturday following examinations by the club’s medical department.

“Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid's medical department on our player Kylian Mbappe, he has been diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee,” the Spanish club said in a statement.

New France coach Zinedine Zidane said Mbappe would not feature in the national team’s next three Nations League fixtures over the coming 10 days.

“We are not going to take any risks,” Zidane said.

France are due to travel to Belgium on Monday before hosting Italy and Belgium at the Stade de France on 2 October and 5 October respectively.

Mbappe’s club return could come against Villarreal on 10 October when LaLiga resumes, although that match may arrive too soon for him to play.

Spanish daily AS reported on Saturday that the forward is expected to be available for Real Madrid’s Clasico against Barcelona on 25 October.