By: Casey Rhine
Ohhhh El Clásico, where to begin. One of soccer's most heated, yet most deeply cherished rivalries.Few of you readers get to experience El Clasico, in Barcelona, while it's happening. This was my mission on December 23rd and should be your mission on May 6th if you are not lucky enough to go to the game in the Camp Nou.
Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory vs. Valencia on Friday was so chaotic that a video of Jude Bellingham emptying and tossing a water bottle at the opposing goalkeeper went unnoticed until Saturday.
Friday’s madness saw a late comeback from Real Madrid and a Vinícius Jr. red card in the 79th minute following a VAR review. The sending off came after the Brazilian forward got into a skirmish with Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
Jan 4 (Reuters) - Barcelona's Dani Olmo and Pau Victor will be unable to play for the LaLiga side in the second half of the season, Spanish football authorities said on Saturday, rejecting the club's latest attempt to extend their registration.
Midfielder Olmo, 26, who helped Spain to European Championship glory last year, has been an integral part of Barcelona's team this season, while forward Victor, 23, has been largely restricted to substitute appearances.
Late strikes from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham earned 10-man Real Madrid a 2-1 comeback win at relegation-threatened Valencia on Friday as the visitors moved top of the LaLiga standings.
Carlo Ancelotti's side were then reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute when Vinicius Jr was shown a straight red card for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
Vinicius red card vs Valencia
The 2024 Ballon d’Or was awarded to Rodri in October and is still being hotly discussed months later. The star Manchester City and Spain defender recently responded to Cristiano Ronaldo who argued that Vinícius Jr. deserved to win the award.
On Dec. 27 Ronaldo spoke during the Globe Soccer Awards and claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or was unfair.
The NCAA has just provided another talent to a top European league.
Álvaro García Pascual, a 22-year-old Spanish attacker currently playing for Sevilla in LaLiga, is the most recent case of the American collegiate soccer system sending one of their talents to a league outside of Major League Soccer. Most specifically, Europe.
FROM THE SUN BELT CONFERENCE TO LA LIGA
Ronaldo had a lot to say about everything in the soccer world, especially on the outcome of the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on the highly controversial 2024 Ballon d'Or debate, expressing his belief that it was unjust for Vinícius Jr. to miss out on the prestigious award.
The Brazilian winger, who had an outstanding season with Real Madrid, was expected by many to be among the top contenders for the coveted honor. However, Manchester City and Spain’s Rodri ultimately claimed the trophy, sparking controversy in the soccer community.
It was only a matter of time, folks.
Kylian Mbappé had yet another standout for performance for Real Madrid in their 4-2 LaLiga home win over Sevilla on Sunday, scoring the game-opener with an absolute screamer from outside the box.
Watch: Mbappé goal vs. Sevilla
The recently-turned 26-year-old received the ball from outside the box, looked up towards goal and hit a bullet at Álvaro Fernández’s goal to make it 1-0 just 10 minutes into the match.
Simeone always finds a way.
FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid had an exciting LaLiga title-race match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday, with Diego Simeone’s men getting an enormous win to officially take the lead as league-leaders.
Watch: Pedri goal vs. Atletico Madrid
Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe.
From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues.
C’mon, you yanks!
USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe
Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)