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• Player Ratings: Mbappé 8, Guler 7, and Bellingham 8, all impress as Madrid assume LaLiga summit after Villarreal win

  Real Madrid ascended to the top of the La Liga standings following a professional 2-0 victory against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Saturday. While the first half was a cagey affair marked by a lack of clinical edge, the visitors struck quickly after the interval when Kylian Mbappé capitalized on a blocked Vinícius Júnior cross to slot home the opener. Despite a scare when Gerard Moreno missed an unmarked opportunity to equalize, Los Blancos remained resilient, eventually sealing the three points in stoppage time. Mbappé, who reached a historic 415 career goals to move past legend Ronaldo Nazário earlier in the match, stepped up to convert a Panenka from the penalty spot after being brought down by Alfonso Pedraza. The win moves Álvaro Arbeloa’s side one point clear of Barcelona, who face Real Oviedo on Sunday.

  ​Player Ratings

  ​Thibaut Courtois (6/10): The Belgian goalkeeper enjoyed an exceptionally quiet evening, as he was rarely tested by the home side. Aside from gathering a few routine crosses, he had very little to do to earn his clean sheet. ​Federico Valverde (7/10): Filling in at right-back once again, the versatile midfielder remained professional despite his preference for more central roles. He was tidy in possession and effectively neutralized Villarreal’s wide threats. ​Raul Asencio (6/10): Despite carrying a lingering injury, the young defender provided a stable presence at the back. It was a much-needed composed performance following several erratic weeks for the academy graduate. ​Dean Huijsen (7/10): The center-back was dominant in the air and handled Villarreal’s long-ball approach with ease. He looked comfortable on the ball and even tested the keeper with a late strike after a surging run. ​Alvaro Carreras (7/10): A proactive performance from the left-back, who balanced his defensive duties with frequent overlapping runs. He made several vital interventions to stop Villarreal from developing play on his flank. ​Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): It was a game of two halves for the Frenchman, who struggled to find his rhythm in a disorganized first period. He significantly improved after the break, providing the ball progression and tackling required to control the midfield. ​Arda Güler (7/10): Operating in the pockets of space around the box, the Turkish playmaker was Madrid’s most creative outlet. He nearly opened the scoring in the first half after a brilliant solo run and remained a threat from set pieces. ​Jude Bellingham (8/10): The Englishman put in a shift defensively, winning back possession on several occasions, but he was unusually sloppy with his passing. It was a gritty, if slightly frustrated, performance from the star midfielder. ​Franco Mastantuono (7/10): The youngster displayed a high defensive work rate that assisted his teammates in maintaining their shape. He was elusive on the wing, constantly twisting away from defenders to keep the pressure on the hosts. ​Kylian Mbappé (8/10): The man of the match proved clinical when it mattered most. After a quiet opening 45 minutes, he reacted first to a rebound to score the opener and calmly dispatched a late penalty to secure his brace and a career milestone. ​Vinícius Júnior (7/10): The Brazilian was a constant nuisance for the Villarreal defense, drawing numerous fouls throughout the match. His skillful run and cross were instrumental in creating the scramble that led to the first goal.

• Marc Andre Ter Stegen close to joining Girona on loan

  Barcelona veteran Marc-André ter Stegen is reportedly close to finalizing a loan move to fellow La Liga side Girona for the remainder of the season, as the 33-year-old looks to secure regular playing time ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

  Following a period of recovery from back surgery, the German international has seen his starting position usurped by summer signing Joan García, whom Hansi Flick has designated as the club’s “first choice goalkeeper.”

  Sources indicate that Ter Stegen’s decision to move 100 km north was solidified after he was left on the bench during Thursday’s Copa del Rey victory over Racing Santander.

  While the two clubs are currently “ironing out the final terms” regarding salary distribution, the veteran shot-stopper—who has amassed 423 appearances and 17 trophies during his tenure at the Camp Nou—is said to have given the green light to the deal to ensure he remains in contention for the German national team.

• The Briefing: Pressure mount on Amorim, Dyche, Santo, while Arsenal couldn’t be happier

  Ruben Amorim has hinted at a power struggle with Manchester United’s leadership while Arsenal extended their Premier League lead following Manchester City’s dramatic late draw with Chelsea.  

  Ruben Amorim has signaled growing tension with the Manchester United hierarchy following a 1-1 draw at Leeds United.

  Despite being appointed as a “head coach” under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new sporting structure, Amorim pointedly asserted his desire “to be the manager of Manchester United” three times during post-match comments.

  The shift suggests a burgeoning power struggle over the club’s tactical direction, specifically regarding Amorim’s insistence on his signature 3-4-3 formation amidst a squad built for a back four.

  The dysfunction at Old Trafford contrasts with the clinical efficiency of Arsenal, who saw their Premier League lead extend to six points this weekend.

  Manchester City’s title defense stuttered after a 94th-minute Enzo Fernández equalizer earned managerless Chelsea a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.

  City appeared fatigued following a midweek stalemate against Sunderland, allowing Arsenal to capitalize on their rivals’ inconsistency as they prepare for a high-profile home clash against Liverpool this Thursday.

  Chelsea’s resilient performance under U21 coach Calum McFarlane provided a morale boost ahead of the expected appointment of Liam Rosenior.

  The incoming boss will be encouraged by the displays of Reece James and Josh Acheampong, who helped exploit City’s uncharacteristic sloppiness.

  Meanwhile, City boss Pep Guardiola must find solutions to his side’s sudden dip in form, having dropped four points in a week during the most congested period of the English football calendar.

  At the bottom of the table, West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo faces a precarious future.

  After suffering a 3-0 defeat to his former club Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nuno is at risk of becoming a statistical anomaly by struggling at two different clubs in a single season.

  Although the club insists his position is not under immediate threat, a looming “relegation six-pointer” against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday has placed the Portuguese coach under immense scrutiny.

  Nottingham Forest arrives at the London Stadium under the guidance of Sean Dyche, who is facing his own crisis after four consecutive defeats.

  The match represents a collision of two embattled managers at clubs currently mired in institutional turmoil.

  With Forest sitting just four points ahead of third-bottom West Ham, the result could dictate whether either board decides to implement further managerial changes before the January transfer window closes.

• Espanyol fans taunt Joan García in derby loss to Barcelona

  Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García was subjected to intense abuse and “traitor” imagery by Espanyol fans during his first return to the RCDE Stadium since his summer transfer.

  Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García faced a vitriolic reception on Saturday as he returned to the RCDE Stadium to face his former club, Espanyol.

  After completing a controversial cross-city transfer to the Blaugrana over the summer, the shot-stopper was greeted by a stadium transformed into a cauldron of resentment.

  The atmosphere was charged with tension even before the opening whistle, highlighting the deep-seated rivalry between the two Catalan institutions.

  The home supporters spared no effort in expressing their disdain for their former number one.

  Banners and flags throughout the stands depicted the Spaniard as a rat, signaling a complete breakdown in the relationship between the player and the fanbase.

  One prominent display carried the clear message, “No forgiveness for betrayal,” as the crowd made their feelings known through a relentless barrage of boos, whistles, and jeers that began during warm-ups.

  On the pitch, the hostility remained a constant backdrop as the match proceeded under intense pressure.

  Despite the psychological warfare from the stands, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 during the early stages of the fixture.

  García remained the primary target of the home faithful’s ire every time he touched the ball, marking one of the most contentious homecomings in recent La Liga history.

• No Lamine Yamal as Barcelona train for Espanyol clash

  Lamine Yamal missed Barcelona’s first training session of the year due to minor discomfort, but he is expected to be fit for Saturday’s derby against Espanyol alongside the returning Pedri and Dani Olmo.

  Barcelona’s preparations for Saturday’s derby against Espanyol were disrupted when star winger Lamine Yamal missed group training on Thursday.

  The 18-year-old forward reported to the Ciutat Esportiva but left shortly after due to “general discomfort.”

  Despite the early exit, club officials remain calm regarding his availability for the upcoming clash at the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat. Yamal is expected to return to the final session today to finalize Hansi Flick’s tactical plans.

  While Yamal’s status drew focus, Flick received significant boosts elsewhere in the squad.

  Pedri continues to train at a high level and is pushing for a competitive return, while Dani Olmo is making steady progress and is likely to be included on the bench.

  In a further positive development for the Blaugrana defense, Ronald Araujo has completed another full session with the group, though his inclusion in the matchday squad has not yet been confirmed.

  The Catalan giants are using these final sessions to fine-tune an approach for their first major test of 2026.

  With key players like Pedri and Olmo nearing full fitness, Barcelona enters the derby with growing momentum.

  The medical staff will monitor Yamal closely today, but there is a strong sense within the camp that their most influential attacker will be fit to lead the line in one of La Liga’s most demanding away fixtures.