Mbappé fires Madrid top as Courtois hails unity
Madrid shut the winter window early. Arbeloa backs no signings, trusts squad and academy to fight for La Liga and Champions League after wins vs Villarreal and Monaco.
Rudiger and Alexander-Arnold train on grass as comebacks near. Rudiger could return within a week; Trent likely February and misses Lisbon. Arbeloa gains depth amid hectic schedule.
Madrid eye Bournemouth loanee Alex Jimenez for summer; ex-La Fabrica full-back covers both flanks. Club hold €10m clause via AC Milan, priority over others with Carvajal ageing.
Arsenal discuss move for 19-year-old Real Madrid centre-back Víctor Valdepeñas, who has a €50m clause and can play left-back. BBC Sport say no bid yet; Los Blancos may give him minutes after summer shake-up.
Courtois hails clean sheet at Villarreal, praises team unity and the threat of Mbappé and Vinícius: “They’re a nightmare for the defence.” Eyes Lisbon win to secure top-eight and rest before Rayo.
Liverpool contact ex-Real coach Xabi Alonso after his Bernabeu exit; he responds positively but won’t rush. Reds struggle under Slot heighten links to former Madrid boss.
Report claims Raúl Asencio is playing through a tibia fracture amid Real Madrid’s defensive crisis, delaying a 6–8 week layoff to continue starting after standout displays.
Arbeloa starts Valverde at right-back, Carreras left-back, Asencio-Huijsen CBs, Courtois in goal. Camavinga replaces suspended Tchouameni; Bellingham and Güler behind Mbappé, Vinícius and Mastantuono.
Mbappé strikes on 47’ and adds a late Panenka pen as Real Madrid beat Villarreal 2-0 to go top. Vinícius sets up the opener; Courtois keeps a clean sheet. Bellingham lively; Pedraza concedes stoppage pen.
Madrid set for €10m if ex-Castilla CB Mario Gila joins AC Milan from Lazio for €20m due to 50% rights. Academy clause pays off after his strong Serie A season.
