Our Real Madrid writers guide you through the biggest talking points at the Spanish club, in a new weekly series

MADRID — Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has praised the maturity of teenager newcomer Franco Mastantuono and downplayed the player's choice of former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi as the world's best player.

Since being promoted to La Liga in 2019, Osasuna have been so consistent with six-straight finishes inside the top 11 and they were Copa del Rey runners up in 2023. Croatian striker Ante Budimir is their star as he scored 21 goals in La Liga last season and the veteran leads the line superbly.

Real Madrid issued a statement on Tuesday opposing La Liga's plans to move Barcelona's match at Villarreal to the U.S. in December, arguing the decision would compromise the competitive integrity of Spain's top flight.

Meanwhile, Harry Winks is being linked with a move back to the Premier League - with Sunderland the latest club reportedly interested in the midfielder. (Sunderland Echo)

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe scored 31 La Liga goals in the 2024-25 La Liga season, but did not register a goal against two teams.

After finishing third in La Liga for the third time in four seasons, Atletico Madrid begins its latest campaign away to Espanyol on Sunday.

FC Barcelona began their La Liga campaign with a 3-0 victory over nine-man Mallorca away at Estadi Son Moix on Saturday.The match had its fair share of controversial moments, especially in the first