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• Oliver Kahn wary of Bernabéu atmosphere ahead of Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid

  Former Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has cautioned the German giants about the intimidating atmosphere of the Santiago Bernabéu ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid. ​Oliver Kahn has warned Bayern Munich that the relentless environment in Madrid could prove decisive in their upcoming European showdown. Despite Real Madrid’s recent domestic struggles, Kahn believes the unique intensity of their home ground remains a significant hurdle. He noted that the newly installed roof only amplifies the pressure, stating: “90 minutes at the Bernabéu are more exhausting than anywhere else.” ​Bayern enters the tie following a dramatic win over Freiburg, but history in the Spanish capital is not on their side. The Rekordmeister has failed to win at the Bernabéu in their last four attempts. Emphasizing the psychological challenge, Kahn stressed: “The atmosphere can be intimidating. And now, with the roof, that’s even more reinforced,” as the two heavyweights prepare for another historic battle.

• Trent Alexander-Arnold dealt brutal verdict by Spanish media as Jurgen Klopp blamed

  Despite Real Madrid’s victory over Celta Vigo, the Spanish press has launched a scathing attack on Trent Alexander-Arnold, blaming his defensive frailties for the opposition’s goal and questioning his fit at the club.

  ​Trent Alexander-Arnold faced a barrage of criticism from Spanish outlets following Real Madrid’s narrow win in Vigo.

  Despite contributing to the buildup of the opening goal, his defensive positioning was slammed after Williot Swedberg outmaneuvered him to assist Celta’s equalizer.

  Mundo Deportivo labeled the former Liverpool star a “complete flop,” while Cadena SER commentator Antonio Romero described his performance at right-back as a “disaster.”

  ​The harsh assessments even targeted former manager Jurgen Klopp, with Marca suggesting the German failed to teach the defender basic discipline.

  Some outlets awarded him a measly three out of ten rating, noting he appears “sluggish” and lacking motivation.

  With a massive Champions League clash against Manchester City looming on Wednesday, concerns are mounting over whether the Englishman can handle elite-level defensive pressure.

• Victor Pereira leads Nottingham Forest to dominant victory in Istanbul

  New manager Vítor Pereira enjoyed a perfect debut as Nottingham Forest secured a commanding 3-0 away win against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League playoff first leg.

  ​Forest took control through goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and captain Morgan Gibbs-White, placing them firmly in the driver’s seat for the return leg.

  Pereira, the club’s fourth coach this season, replaced Sean Dyche only days ago.

  The victory provides a massive boost for the Premier League side, who currently sit 17th domestically and face a daunting clash against Liverpool this Sunday.

  ​Elsewhere in European action, Genk secured a 3-1 victory in Zagreb, while Bologna edged out Brann 1-0 thanks to a Santiago Castro winner.

  Premier League counterparts Crystal Palace struggled, managing only a 1-1 draw against Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League.

  These two-leg playoffs determine which sides will join the top eight teams in the prestigious round of 16 next month.

• Preview: Embattled Xabi Alonso faces crisis match against Alavés

  Under immense pressure after winning only two of his last eight matches, Xabi Alonso takes his injury-plagued Real Madrid side to face an in-form Deportivo Alavés in a match where defeat could cost him his job.

  Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faces intense scrutiny as his side travels to Deportivo Alavés, having won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions.

  Following an impressive start of ten wins in 11 matches, the team’s form has quickly unravelled since a November loss to Liverpool.

  A defeat at the Estadio de Mendizorrotza on Sunday is widely speculated to be the “final nail” in Alonso’s coaching coffin.

  The match presents an unusually difficult challenge for Real due to a severe injury crisis, especially in defense. Alonso was without eight defenders against Manchester City mid-week, and key players like Militão, Alexander-Arnold, Mendy, and Carvajal are confirmed absentees for the Alavés tie.

  Further complicating selection are suspensions for Endrick, Carreras, and Fran García, making a functional starting XI difficult to assemble.

  Meanwhile, 11th-placed Alavés are on a decent run of form, entering the match on a two-game winning streak following victories in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

  Their top scorer, Carlos Vicente, with six goals this season, poses a threat to Real Madrid’s decimated defense.

  While a narrow 2-1 win is predicted for Madrid, the result may not be enough to secure Alonso’s long-term future.

• Guardiola vs. Real Madrid: The shifting dynamics of Europe’s defining rivalry

  The continued epic rivalry between Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Real Madrid highlights the sustained European power of Real, even as the fixture increasingly becomes a battle between Guardiola and his managerial “disciples.”

  This 49th meeting between Pep Guardiola and his great rival Real Madrid underlines the truth about the Champions League power balance.

  Despite Man City’s 2023 title, it is Real who continue to hold the real power, which Guardiola “always calls Real ‘the kings of Europe’.” City remains yet to dominate as many predicted after their first European win.

  The context shifts with City now perhaps in the “second bracket” of favourites, while Real remains in the top tier despite Xabi Alonso’s “awkward start.”

  The match is now also a contest against Guardiola’s legacy, as the Champions League is populated by top managers—including Alonso—who are his former players or assistants.