Xabi Alonso appointed as new Real Madrid manager

Real Madrid have appointed their former midfielder Xabi Alonso as manager on a three-year deal. Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Real Madrid as a player, announced earlier this month that he would leave his role as Bayer Leverkusen boss at the end of the season. Former Liverpool and Spain midfielder Alonso, who has signed a deal running until 30 June 2028, succeeds Carlo Ancelotti.

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Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as new Brazil coach

Carlo Ancelotti has been confirmed as the new manager of Brazil’s men’s national team, the first foreign national to take sole charge of the world’s most successful side since 1925. After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that the 65-year-old Italian is to leave Real Madrid at the end of the Spanish domestic season to take up what will be his first international coaching role. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) revealed the news in a statement on Monday, welcoming Ancelotti, a man they described as a “legend” of the game.

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Atletico Madrid strike at the death to stun Barcelona

Alexander Sørloth struck deep in stoppage time to hand Atletico Madrid a 2-1 comeback win at Barcelona on Saturday that moved them top of LaLiga with their 12th consecutive victory across all competitions. Pedri had given the host a first half lead before Rodrigo De Paul drew Atleti level early in the second half teeing up an exciting finale that was decided by Sørloth.

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Barcelona turn on the style to rout Madrid in El Clásico

Robert Lewandowski scored twice in three minutes as La Liga leaders Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid in El Clasico to move six points clear of their rivals. A devastating second-half display saw the Polish international score a quick brace while teen sensation Lamine Yamal scored an historic third before Raphinha added a superb fourth to round out a resounding victory for the Catalan giants.

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Thiago Alcantara retires from football aged 33

Thiago Alcantara has retired from football after leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract. The former Spain midfielder, 33, was restricted to just one appearance during the 2023-24 season because of injury. Thiago had hip surgery towards the end of the 2022-23 season but was unable to return until February 2024, when he came on as a late substitute in a defeat at Arsenal and suffered another injury.

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