Real Madrid election call, Mbappé benched amid Oviedo win
Jose Mourinho says Benfica sent a renewal offer he ‘didn’t want to see’ until after Sunday, and insists Real Madrid have made no approach, while expressing support for Alvaro Arbeloa amid Madrid’s turmoil.
Rodrygo, Militao, Guler, Mendy out; Valverde sidelined with head injury. Lunin and Huijsen minor doubts for Sunday at Sevilla. No suspensions as Madrid continue La Liga campaign.
Como expect Nico Paz to return to Real Madrid via a 10m buy-back, so they target Castilla’s Cesar Palacios as a replacement. Fabregas eyes more Madrid talents, with Jacobo Ramon already at Como.
A commercial court approves Real Madrid’s agreement in Anastia Gourmet Hostelería’s bankruptcy, ending the dispute and returning Bernabéu’s Sky Bar to club control for hospitality operations.
Adidas plan a 2027 remake of Real Madrid’s 2001-02 Champions League kit, echoing the white shirt with dark navy stripes and polo collar to mark the 25th anniversary of La Novena.
After Florentino Pérez said Madrid were ‘robbed’ of points and titles, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick replied: ‘I think this is something that does not deserve a response.’
Ranking puts Carlo Ancelotti top with 15 trophies, ahead of Miguel Muñoz and Zinedine Zidane. Mourinho, Capello, Del Bosque and others also feature for landmark successes.
Preview tips Sevilla 1-2 Real Madrid, noting Madrid’s 14-game unbeaten run vs Sevilla and a tough away test in the penultimate La Liga weekend. Livescore
After a training-ground altercation with Tchouaméni, speculation grows. Diario AS report Madrid would consider offers of €100-120m for Federico Valverde.
France call up Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni for 2026. Eduardo Camavinga misses out after a difficult season. Mbappe captains Les Bleus.
RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old Yan Diomande, linked to Liverpool and Real Madrid, says he has ‘a new dream every day’. Reported £85m fee could invite competition.
Florentino Pérez triggers elections. Businessmen Enrique Riquelme and Eugenio Martínez Bravo seek endorsements to challenge him as Real Madrid’s presidential race takes shape over the next 10 days.
Arbeloa benches Jude Bellingham and does not start Kylian Mbappe vs Oviedo. Attack led by Mastantuono, Brahim Díaz, Gonzalo García and Vinícius. Alaba and Asencio start in defence, Courtois in goal.
Mbappé, benched vs Oviedo, said Arbeloa made him fourth-choice behind Mastantuono, Vinícius and Gonzalo García. Arbeloa denied it. Mbappé set up Bellingham in a 2-0 win amid boos and a turbulent week.
At the Bernabeu, Real Madrid fans booed Kylian Mbappe when he came on, while ex-Arsenal and Real Oviedo midfielder Santi Cazorla received warm applause, highlighting tension around Mbappe in Madrid.
With Dani Carvajal’s role uncertain, Real Madrid shortlist Roma’s Wesley França for right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains main option. Roma would want 40m-plus, with Man City and Barcelona also keen.
