🥐 Barça top, Mbappé saga... 5️⃣ stories to kick off your Monday | OneFootball

We kick off a day marked by a changing of the guard at the top of our League. FC Barcelona has masterfully taken advantage of Real Madrid’s stumble to reclaim the lead, reinforcing Hansi Flick’s project and demonstrating a collective solidity that contrasts with the individual doubts now hovering over the Santiago Bernabéu. With the Champions League just around the corner, the form of the big stars and the tactics of the coaches have become the epicenter of a relentless football debate.

On the international stage, the Premier League delivers its verdict with an Arsenal flying high while their London neighbors sink deeper into a worrying crisis. All this on a day when nostalgia and self-criticism also have their place, courtesy of Ronaldinho, whose recent comments about the loss of flair in the modern game have sparked controversy among purists.

Barça regains command of LALIGA

FC Barcelona is once again looking down on everyone from the top. After a display of solidity against Levante, goals from Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermín secured three golden points. Hansi Flick’s side not only won, but convinced, perfectly capitalizing on Real Madrid’s unexpected slip in Pamplona to reclaim a leadership position that feels like a show of authority.

Doubts about Mbappé at Madrid

The “Mbappé File” is now a reality at Chamartín. Just 48 hours before a crucial Champions League match, the Frenchman is going through his worst spell physically and in terms of scoring. His lackluster performance at El Sadar has set off alarm bells; Madrid needs his best version now that the season is entering its decisive phase and the titles are up for grabs.

Simeone’s puzzle for Brugge

At Atlético de Madrid, Cholo Simeone faces a welcome problem. Names like Baena, Cardoso, and Sorloth are making a strong case for inclusion after their recent performances, complicating the lineup for the match against Brugge. The big question remains who will partner Koke in the engine room, a tactical decision that will shape the rojiblanco game plan.

Arsenal soar, Tottenham suffer

The Premier League speaks ‘Gunner’. Arsenal has made a statement thanks to braces from Eze and Gyökeres, extending their lead to five points. The other side of the coin is Tottenham; after a heavy defeat, the Spurs are sinking in the table and are now just four points above the relegation zone.

Ronaldinho and modern football

Finally, Ronaldinho has delivered one of those thought-provoking remarks. The Brazilian star confessed that he no longer enjoys watching full 90-minute matches, unless they are finals or derbies. The “number 10” admits he gets nervous seeing basic technical mistakes, a subtle yet pointed critique of the aesthetic evolution of today’s football.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 JOSEP LAGO - AFP or licensors