Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa could not specify a recovery timeline for superstar forward Kylian Mbappé, only revealing that the Frenchman will be out for as long as it takes his “discomfort to disappear.” Mbappé was an unexpected absence for Los Blancos in their 2–1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of the Champions

Sam Tighe Close Sam Tighe ESPN Sam is a writer, broadcaster and podcaster for ESPN. He will write on the Premier League, scouting and transfers. ,  Mark Ogden Close Mark Ogden Senior Writer, ESPN FC ,  Julien Laurens ,  Gab Marcotti Close Gab Marcotti Senior Writer, ESPN FC Multiple Authors Feb 25, 2026, 08:24 PM

Now there are 16 teams left in the fight for the Uefa Champions League 2025/2026. The last four qualifiers from the round of 16 playoffs were determined this Wednesday (25). A day that began with Atalanta advancing in epic fashion. And ended with more insanity. Advertisement The round of 16 matches will be determined next

Since the reintroduction of the last-16 knockout round to Europe’s showpiece competition in 2003-04, there has always been at least one Italian representative. Not since 1987-88, when Napoli went out in the first round of the European Cup to Real Madrid, has Serie A had no teams in the last 16 of the competition –

Real Madrid handled business at the Bernabéu on Wednesday night, securing a 2–1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League knockout phase playoffs to book their place in the last 16. Things got off to a nervy start in the Spanish capital after Rafa Silva opened the scoring in the 14th

La Liga giants Real Madrid have on Wednesday been dealt a fresh blow on the personnel front. This comes owing to developments in the club’s meeting with Benfica. Los Blancos are of course currently locked in action on the continent, in a Champions League playoff 2nd-leg meeting with Benfica. Advertisement As things stand, Real are

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid was without Kylian Mbappé for Wednesday’s match against Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League playoffs. Mbappé was not included in the squad for the game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium because of a left knee injury he has been nursing for some time. The France star, who

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest’s star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, a known target for Manchester City, yet their new wage structure has the potential to hinder negotiations in this instance and for other players going forward. Gibbs-White is a player of obvious appeal. Blessed with a grizzled blend of industry and dexterity, the

Barcelona have managed to stand out as one of the best attacking teams, led by Lamine Yamal, who has driven the side to its highest level, registering 15 goals and 14 assists in 33 matches. However, the Blaugranas have struggled considerably at the defensive level, prompting them to look to reinforce the back line. In

Updated: Feb. 25, 2026, 11:02 a.m. |Published: Feb. 25, 2026, 11:02 a.m. Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Betis Sevilla in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Pablo Garcia)AP If you purchase a product through a link