Gareth Bale set up Real Madrid's opener in the Super Cup With Cristiano Ronaldo gone, the path is clear for Gareth Bale to become Real Madrid's main man. But can he deliver consistently? Peter Smith takes a look... This wasn't how the new Real Madrid era was supposed to begin. Defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in their first major fixture without Cristiano Ronaldo has...Full Story »

Julen Lopetegui says losing to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup does not mean Real Madrid will decide to sign new players. The former Spain head coach saw his new club downed 4-2 in Tallinn on Wednesday, Diego Costa's double and extra-time goals from Saul Niguez and Koke securing Atletico a famous win over their Madrid rivals. Champions League winners Madrid have lost talisman Cristiano...Full Story »

Germany star Toni Kroos has hit out at former international team-mate Mesut Ozil, suggesting his claims of racism within the team and German federation are "nonsense." Ozil stepped away from Germany duty last month at age 29 , citing racism as the main culprit after a controversial pre-World Cup photo session with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The criticism Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan ...Full Story »

JOSE MOURINHO and Paul Pogba's relationship hit a new low after an extraordinary bust-up. The Manchester United boss warned him not to air his grievances in the media and said if he wants to quit the club "again" he should ask for a transfer. Pogba hit back by telling Mourinho if he plans to speak to him formally again he should go through his agent Mino Raiola. Mourinho delivered his no-no...Full Story »

Luka Modric and Christian Eriksen could be involved in the transfer window (Image: GETTY) CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN could reportedly determine whether Real Madrid let Luka Modric leave. Modric has been touted with a move to Inter Milan and the 32-year-old World Cup finalist is ready to spread his wings and pit himself against the best in Serie A. Although he was included in the match day squad for Re...Full Story »

Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos won four Champions League together at Real Madrid Getty Sergio Ramos insisted that Real Madrid have "always felt like a family" after former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said that his new club Juventus is "different, everyone is very friendly," adding that he was sure the European champions would continue to be successful even after losing such an "important and...Full Story »

Unai Emery is known for his high-energy style of play (Image: GETTY) UNAI EMERY has told his Arsenal players they are carrying too much fat and are not running far enough in matches as he attempts to turn the Gunners back into a Champions League outfit. The former Sevilla and PSG coach has built his reputation on a high-energy style of play and has set rigorous targets for his performance team...Full Story »

The 27-year-old is a doubt for Sunday's home game against Huddersfield Manchester City have confirmed midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has injured his right knee in training and sources close to the player understand he could be out for between two to four months. Sky sources understand the injury, which is believed to be a twisted knee, was sustained during a training session on Wednesday morning. ...Full Story »

Lionel Messi and new boy Malcom were among the goals as Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 win over Boca Juniors to win the Joan Gamper Trophy. Having lifted the Supercopa de Espana thanks to a slender 2-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday, Barca again looked in good shape ahead of their title defence in LaLiga, which begins on Saturday against Deportivo Alaves, sweeping a feisty Boca aside with minimal fus...Full Story »

Julen Lopetegui stressed Real Madrid “have to improve in all facets” after their first competitive match under his management saw them suffer a 4-2 extra-time defeat to bitter rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.Atleti’s Saul Niguez and Koke struck in quick succession in the additional period at Tallinn’s A. Le Coq Arena following a 2-2 draw in normal time.Real h...Full Story »