Álvaro Arbeloa steps in as Real Madrid’s head coach after Xabi Alonso’s sacking, bringing years of La Liga experience as a former player.
Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, defeated Real Madrid 4-2 with a last-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, securing a playoff spot and knocking Madrid out of direct qualification for the last 16. The match was dramatic, with Trubin scoring in stoppage time, and Madrid now faces a long route in the knockout phase.
Supporters at a Spain-Egypt friendly in Barcelona chanted racist slogans, including a derogatory chant about Muslims. The incident prompted police investigations, official condemnations, and renewed calls to combat racism in Spanish football and society. The event highlights ongoing issues with xenophobia and structural racism in Spain.