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Arbeloa's calm leadership at Real Madrid seeks to restore harmony and rely on youth amid key absences in a Copa del Rey context.
Copa del Rey

Calm Mode Activated: Arbeloa's Quiet Plan to Steady Real Madrid

Alvaro Arbeloa starts his Real Madrid chapter with a calm-focused approach aimed at healing a divided dressing room. He signals a shift in how the coach handles Federico Valverde, one of Madrid's key performers under recent pressure. Marca reports Arbeloa won't persist with Valverde as a makeshift right-back when Dani Carvajal or Trent Alexander-Arnold are unavailable, favoring a more flexible setup. The plan leans on the academy to fill gaps and restore harmony after Xabi Alonso's departure, with a broader aim of steadying the squad.

Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON 2025 Iwobi hidden weapon
afcon

Hidden Weapon in the Morocco Camp: Nigeria's Star Poised to Disrupt AFCON Semifinals

Nigeria faces Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semifinal, relying on a star-studded lineup led by Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian camp stays confident and disciplined, with a tight daily routine at the Mohammed VI complex. Morocco, meanwhile, regards Alexander Iwobi as a potential game changer, dubbed the hidden weapon. Iwobi has delivered key plays in the knockout rounds and approaches his 96th international cap as the match kicks off.

Nigeria Morocco AFCON 2025 semi-final referee bias statement by Nigerian federation president
AFCON2025

World Is Watching: Nigeria’s Football Chief Breaks Silence on Refereeing Ahead of AFCON Semi with Morocco

Nigeria’s Football Federation president addresses rumors of refereeing bias ahead of the AFCON semi-final with Morocco. He stresses he does not share fears of biased officiating and notes global scrutiny of officials. He recalls a past Morocco visit and asserts fairness on the continent’s stage. The match is set for January 14, 2026, at 21:00 as both nations chase AFCON glory.

Benzema credits the Lyon scout who discovered him
transfert

Benzema credits the scout who lit his rise to stardom

Karim Benzema recalls the person who first spotted him at Lyon and credits that mentor for setting him on a path to superstardom. The story unfolds on LCI with Lyon’s former president in the mix, tracing his ascent from Lyon to Real Madrid and now Al-Ittihad. He emphasizes that his dream was made possible by early support, with a touch of warmth and light humor. A reminder that behind every great striker there’s often a keen-eyed scout with good timing.

Brahim Diaz Morocco AFCON 2026 image
AFCON

Brahim Diaz Sparks Morocco's AFCON Push as Nigeria Stands in the Way

Amid a Real Madrid managerial reshuffle, Morocco rely on Brahim Diaz’s hot streak as they head into a crucial AFCON semi-final versus Nigeria. Diaz has tallied five goals in five appearances, boosting Morocco’s quest for continental glory. A roaring home crowd and global viewers watch as the MADRID youngster continues to shine for the Atlas Lions. The match pits a rising Moroccan project against a formidable Nigerian side, with both teams chasing a historic final.

Arbeloa begins Real Madrid era with a Copa del Rey clash against Albacete, facing injuries and rest decisions that shape the opening chapter of his tenure.
Copa del Rey

Arbeloa’s Madrid Makeover Opens in a Copa del Rey Test Against Albacete

Álvaro Arbeloa starts his Real Madrid chapter with a Copa del Rey last-16 duel against Albacete, his first official test after replacing Xabi Alonso. Several stars are out injured or given rest, shaping a fresh approach from the new coach. The squad mix includes a blend of regulars and youngsters as Madrid seek a cup run. The fixture comes after a turbulent spell in the locker room, with Arbeloa charged with steadying the ship. Expect a precise, measured start with a dash of ambition as Madrid aim to advance.

Madison Keys Adelaide 2026 second round
Adelaide International 500

Keys Unstops in Adelaide: A Straight-Set Sprint to the Quarterfinals

Madison Keys overcame a shakier start to defeat Teresa Valentova 6-4, 6-1 in the Adelaide second round, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International 500 for the second consecutive year. She attributed the win to keeping cool and leaning on experience as the younger players brought energy and fearless ball-speed. Keys now faces rising teenager Victoria Mboko in a first-ever meeting that promises fireworks. Other second-round results featured Jacqueline Cristian storming past Daria Kasatkina and Emma Navarro cruising past Yulia Putintseva, among several notable outcomes.

Joao Cancelo signing with Barcelona 2025-26 Getty Images
transfert

Lunch Break That Sealed the Deal: How Barcelona Navigated Cancelo’s Transfer Delay

Barcelona faced a dramatic delay in finalizing Joao Cancelo’s move as Al Hilal demanded a tax residency certificate at the last moment. The hold-up prompted a pause in the ceremony and a media luncheon to ease tensions. Barcelona later confirmed Cancelo's arrival, though the signing was pushed back to late afternoon. The episode ended with Cancelo set to join the Blaugrana, after all documents were sorted and signatures completed.

Real Madrid Mourinho transfer rumors 2026
transfers

Perez's Bold Gambit: Could Mourinho Return to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez acts quickly to hire a new coach after Xabi Alonso's dismissal. Alvaro Arbeloa serves as interim, but the club plans a long-term appointment with a high-profile name. AS journalist Alfredo Relano suggests Perez's hidden plan centers on reintegrating Jose Mourinho, currently stirring things up at Benfica. The piece hints at a dramatic shake-up for Madrid, with potential echoes across the Liga and beyond.

Real Madrid's tactical puzzle: where should Jude Bellingham play under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa as Mbappé reshapes the frontline.
Real Madrid

Bellingham Sparks an Early Tactical Puzzle for Arbeloa at Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham is forcing Real Madrid’s new coach Álvaro Arbeloa to rethink positioning. The veteran Marca editor Alfredo Relaño explains the challenge of fitting the English forward into a lineup already shaped by Mbappé, Vinícius, and Kamavinga. The article explores potential roles for Bellingham, from a deeper midfielder to an advanced 10, each with trade-offs. Real Madrid must balance space, pace, and personality to unleash his attacking spark while keeping the team’s rhythm intact.

Al-Ittihad vs Damac 1-1 Saudi Pro League Getty Images
Saudi Pro League

5% Odds, Big Stakes: Shneif Says Al-Ittihad's Title Hopes Dim

Saudi pundit Khalid Al-Shneif argues that Al-Ittihad’s title hopes have dimmed after a 1-1 draw with Damac in round 15. The team sits 11 points behind the leaders with one round remaining, making the championship a tougher pursuit. He suggests the odds of defending the title are around 5%. The result followed a run of five straight wins, and the coach Sérgio Conceição voiced frustration in the post-match conference. The story highlights the fragile state of the title race in the Saudi Pro League.

Racing Santander vs Barcelona Copa del Rey 2025-2026 El Sardinero
Copa del Rey

Barça Quest: Can Barcelona Cool Racing Santander’s flame in the Copa del Rey Last-16 Showdown?

Barcelona heads to El Sardinero for a Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Racing Santander. The Blaugrana arrive riding high after claiming the Spanish Super Cup, aiming to keep their trophy streak alive. Racing Santander hope to exploit home advantage and pull off a surprise. The match offers clear TV and online viewing options for fans across the region, with streaming details and tips to watch from abroad.

Al-Shabab signs Mohammed Al-Thani from Al-Qadisiyah for two-and-a-half years
Saudi Pro League

Al-Shabab Necks First Winter Coup: Mohammed Al-Thani Arrives from Al-Qadisiyah

Al-Shabab secures its first winter signing by recruiting Mohammed Al-Thani from Al-Qadisiyah on a two-and-a-half-year deal. The right-back, who had a loan spell with Shabab earlier, is set to bolster the defense amid a shaky run of results. The move was announced via X, and adds depth to a squad aiming for a stronger run in the Roshen Saudi League. Last season he featured for the club on loan and return to the field could spark renewed momentum for the team.