🥐 Champions shock, questions over Xabi... The 5️⃣ top stories this morning | OneFootball

European football has delivered its verdict, leaving the Spanish scene on high alert and deep reflection after a Champions League matchday that will be remembered for its frustration.

Thursday begins with the bitter taste of adverse results: neither FC Barcelona could get past a draw nor could Athletic Club and Villarreal CF avoid defeat, a continental setback that revives debates about the current level of LaLiga at the elite level.

This wave of negative results adds to the constant pressure surrounding Real Madrid, whose coach, Xabi Alonso, sees how doubts intensify after a performance that does not satisfy the demanding fans and management.

Despite the setback in the top competition, the focus of the moment is divided between the calmness of an emerging star and new continental hopes. Thus begins the day.

A night to forget for the Spaniards in the Champions

Spanish football has experienced a European matchday to forget. The Champions League night turned bleak, leaving a bitter taste among fans and setting off alarms in several LaLiga clubs. FC Barcelona could not get past a draw away in Bruges, a result that complicates their path in the group stage. Worse luck befell Athletic Club and Villarreal CF, who were defeated away from home, highlighting that the level of demand in the top continental competition is at its peak.

Lamine Yamal responds to his critics

This disappointing collective performance contrasts with the composure shown by Barça's young gem. Lamine Yamal addressed the criticism and boos with astonishing maturity. "If they boo me, it's because they know I do my job well on the field. I don't worry about that", declared the winger, distancing himself from media pressure and confirming his focus on sporting performance. An exemplary attitude for a player of his potential.

Xabi Alonso opens the can of uncertainty

Concern, however, settles in the capital. Real Madrid continues to generate doubts after their recent match, with the clash against Liverpool FC once again focusing on the management and future of Xabi Alonso on the bench. Recent results do not fully convince the management or the fans, opening a debate on whether the Basque coach is the right person to lead the transition and steer the team back to the path of victory and good play.

More Europe: Betis, Celta, and Rayo take the stage

While the Champions takes a break, the day's attention shifts to the Europa League and the Conference League, where other Spanish clubs seek redemption and continental glory. Real Betis and RC Celta de Vigo prepare to take the stage, needing to score to keep their European hopes alive. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano arrives with high spirits and the goal of securing another victory to strengthen their position in the Conference. The results of this matchday will be crucial for the Spanish coefficient.

New kits for the World Cup

Finally, the football world also pauses for fashion and identity. The national teams of Spain, Argentina, and Mexico take advantage of the day to officially present their new kits for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The eagerly awaited "armors" reveal designs, colors, and technologies that the teams will wear at the world event, generating debate and anticipation among the followers of the three footballing powers. A day full of action and news on the international scene.

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

📸 NICOLAS TUCAT - AFP or licensors