Luis Enrique’s side will take a 2-1 lead back to Camp Nou for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, but Luis Suarez says nothing is settled Luis Suarez has warned Barcelona not to be complacent following their 2-1 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg win over Atletico Madrid. A brilliant solo run and finish from the Uruguay international and a fierce strike from Lionel Messi secured the victory at the Vicente Calderon for the holders, although Antoine Griezmann gave Atletico some hope with a second-half header. Barca brilliance trumps Atleti collective Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane…

The performances of the two Atletico Madrid debutantes pleased head coach their manager in the Copa del Rey first leg against Elche Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone praised debutants Sergio Gonzalez and Antonio Moya after his side’s Copa del Rey draw at Elche. Thomas Partey put Atletico ahead in the first leg of the last-32 tie at Elche, but the hosts levelled through a second-half Lolo Pla penalty. Atleti 8/15 to beat Villarreal 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 Lukaku sends reminder that…

The forward offered his support to his countryman and team-mate, whose future at the club remains uncertain Lautaro Martinez said he hopes Mauro Icardi returns soon as he lent his support to the former Inter captain. Icardi’s future at Inter is uncertain after he was stripped of the captaincy last week and replaced by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic. The 26-year-old, who has been linked with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barcelona, was absent for the Europa League clash against Rapid Vienna and the Serie A victory over Sampdoria. Article continues below Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa as Chelsea & Pedro impress in Spurs win Magnificent Mane takes centre stage…

The Barcelona boss believes a repeat of last season’s European clash between two La Liga heavyweights could be on the cards in the coming months The Copa del Rey semi-final may not Barcelona’s final knockout tie against Atletico Madrid this season, with Luis Enrique braced to draw Diego Simeone’s men in the latter stages of the Champions League. The Catalan giants saw their defence of the European crown ended by Atleti in the quarter-finals last term and the teams are now set to clash in the domestic cup competition, starting with the first leg at Vicente Calderon on Wednesday. Barca ref makes incredible report error Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for…

The Barcelona boss is happy for his forward to play on the edge of referees’ tolerance, even at the risk of a suspension Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde insists he will not ask Luis Suarez to curb his “aggression” despite the risk of a ban for the Copa del Rey final. The forward has earned eight yellow cards in all competitions this season and another in Thursday’s cup semi-final second leg against Valencia would see him suspended for the final in April. Suarez was banned for last year’s final win over Deportivo Alaves, too, after being sent off in the last-four win over Atletico Madrid. Article continues below Editors' Picks…

The Man City boss believes that his former Barcelona team-mate will be given another chance to prove his quality as a manager Pep Guardiola is confident that Julen Lopetegui will get another opportunity to impress at a big club despite his Real Madrid tenure ending after just 14 games. A 5-1 humbling at the hands of fierce rivals Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clasico proved the final straw for Madrid president Florentino Perez. Lopetegui’s departure was confirmed on Monday with the club saying the “great disproportion between the quality of the squad and the results” were to blame for his exit. Article continues below Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping Kepa…

Real’s Basque rivals Athletic were among those to pay tribute to the midfielder following confirmation that he was receiving hospital treatment Clubs from across Spanish football have rallied round Real Sociedad’s Luca Sangalli after the club confirmed the youngster had been hospitalised due to a “mild stroke”.  Sangalli, 23, has been one of the high points in a mixed start to the season for the Basque side.  The player has appeared in six Liga games since making his debut on August 31, scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-1 victory over regional rivals Athletic at San Mames to cap a brilliant performance.  Article continues below Editors' Picks Sarri…

The Brazilian defender claims he was always confident that the Blancos would reach the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey despite being given a scare Marcelo insists Real Madrid never feared a shock Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Sevilla despite their unbeaten run almost coming to an end in thrilling fashion at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Thursday. Jorge Sampaoli’s side, trailing 3-0 from the first leg, were 3-1 up with 13 minutes to play before a Sergio Ramos penalty and a last-gasp Karim Benzema strike sealed a 3-3 draw and 6-3 aggregate win for the visitors. Real break Barcelona record Editors' Picks Sarri vindicated for dropping…

Declan Rice’s decision to play for England instead of the Republic of Ireland has presented Gareth Southgate with the sort of welcome conundrum every manager dreams of. The 20-year-old explained his decision to play for the country he was born and raised in via a heartfelt statement on Wednesday, describing it as an ‘extremely difficult decision’. The West Ham United has gone being withdrawn at half time at Anfield on the opening day, to bullying seasoned Premier League midfielders in the space of just six months. Rice’s decision to switch international allegiances has drawn criticism from both fans and pundits alike. According to Dean Saunders, the versatile star should NOT…

Yerry Mina and Philippe Coutinho have already arrived this window, but the Blaugrana coach believes more new names could follow Ernesto Valverde is open to making more Barcelona signings during the January transfer window. Philippe Coutinho’s arrival from Liverpool broke the club’s transfer record, while Yerry Mina was brought in from Palmeiras to boost Barca’s defensive options. With Arda Turan and Javier Mascherano leaving Camp Nou for Istanbul Basaksehir and Hebei China Fortune respectively, the club have made two signings to replace two outgoings. 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…