Not for the first time in his career, the defender attracted controversy recently when he suggested there is a bias against Barcelona among officials EXCLUSIVE Former Liga referee Alfonso Perez Burrull has launched a stinging attack on Gerard Pique, accusing the Barcelona defender of inciting violence towards match officials. Pique found himself in the spotlight following the Catalans’ 2-1 defeat at the hands of Athletic in the Copa del Rey recently, suggesting there is a bias amongst referees against his team. Madrid crash to home defeat Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane takes centre stage as league leaders Liverpool…

The Welshman was a second-half substitute during El Clasico last time out and has been handed a start in the Copa del Rey this evening Gareth Bale has returned to the Real Madrid starting XI for the club’s Copa del Rey clash against Numancia. The Welshman was named in Zinedine Zidane’s squad ahead of the fixture, having overcome calf and hamstring issues. Bale damaged his calf in a Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund on September 26 – a match in which he scored a stunning goal – and consequently missed two months of action. Article continues below Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs…

A former Bianconeri star who is now a director at the Turin club admits that the Portuguese superstar has made a stunning impact in Italian football Cristiano Ronaldo has exceeded expectations at Juventus, admits Pavel Nedved, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner considered to be “much more than a player”. The Portuguese superstar completed a €100 million (£88m/$113m) move to Turin during the summer of 2018. After nine trophy-laden and record-breaking years at Real Madrid, Ronaldo was eager to make a fresh start and made Italy his preferred destination. Article continues below Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane takes…

The Catalans, who won the Copa del Rey and La Liga last season, face Levante in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday evening Ernesto Valverde rejected the suggestion that a run in the Copa del Rey could derail Barcelona’s La Liga title charge, saying his side are intent on winning both competitions. The Blaugrana face Levante in the first leg of their round of 16 tie on Thursday, four days after claiming a hard-fought 2-1 win at Getafe in the league. A home game against Eibar awaits Valverde’s men on Sunday but the coach played down the idea that the additional fixtures were a threat to his side’s…

The Uruguayan striker insisted Barca’s advantage is ‘minimal’ after his goal helped the Catalans edge the opening leg of their semi-final Barcelona star Luis Suarez warned the Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Valencia is far from over following Thursday’s 1-0 victory at Camp Nou. Ernesto Valverde’s Barca will take a slender lead to the Mestalla after Suarez’s second-half header edged Valencia in the opening leg. Barca dominated possession but they were unable to break through Valencia’s packed defence until Lionel Messi clicked into gear, providing the assist for Suarez in the 67th minute as the visitors’ resistance was finally broken. Article continues below Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping…

The 32-year-old midfielder was unable to complete Thursday’s game as he was replaced by Andre Gomes at half-time Andres Iniesta suffered a calf injury in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey victory over Real Sociedad. Barca confirmed after the first leg of the quarter-final tie that the midfielder had suffered the problem to his left calf and will undergo medical tests on Friday. Simeone praises Atletico precision Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane takes centre stage as league leaders Liverpool put on a five-star show Lukaku sends reminder that his Man Utd career is far from over Man City monitoring Barcelona…

Real Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Celta Vigo but their boss believes their second-leg performance meant they expected to go through Zinedine Zidane believes Real Madrid were beaten by the full-time whistle as they crashed out of the Copa del Rey at the hands of Celta Vigo. No treble and no Copa as injury crisis starts to bite Madrid A 2-2 draw at Balaidos on Wednesday saw Madrid lose 4-3 on aggregate, with Celta reaching the semi-finals for the second season in succession. Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane takes centre stage as league leaders…

Real are set to field several of their second-string players against Fuenlabrada in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, but some deserve a chance in La Liga Real Madrid’s squad was one of the main reasons behind their success in 2016-17. Los Blancos’ superior strength in depth helped them beat Barcelona in La Liga and also retain the Champions League title last term. This season, however, the young players are not getting much of a chance. Real Madrid 13/2 to win 5-0 Article continues below Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane takes centre stage as league leaders Liverpool put…

The defender has been in trouble for comments about referees this season but he wants VAR brought in to make their lives easier Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says it is essential video referees are introduced in La Liga to improve the standard of officiating. Xavi: Madrid star Kroos is like me The Spain international has caused controversy this season with comments about the performances of officials in Spain’s top flight. Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane takes centre stage as league leaders Liverpool put on a five-star show Lukaku sends reminder that his Man Utd career is far from…

Juan Luis Larrea wants video review brought into the Spanish top flight and is open to changing the Copa del Rey format There are plans to implement VAR in La Liga from the beginning of next season, according to acting Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Juan Luis Larrea. La Liga president Javier Tebas has claimed the technology is too expensive but Larrea says the RFEF are prepared to embrace a change. Real Madrid 6/4 for the title Article continues below Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane takes centre stage as league leaders Liverpool put on a five-star show…