Real Madrid and Barcelona will look to move past the fallout from last weekend’s heated Clasico clash as both clubs return to La Liga action this weekend.
Madrid may have triumphed 2–1 over their arch-rivals, but the match exposed underlying tensions — particularly between coach Xabi Alonso and Brazilian star Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius, who reacted angrily after being substituted in the 72nd minute, apologised to fans, teammates, and club officials on Wednesday.
“Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico… I have also apologised in person to my teammates, club, and president,” said the 25-year-old, notably omitting Alonso from his statement.
The incident comes amid ongoing contract negotiations, though Vinicius’ current deal runs until 2027.
Despite his five league goals this season, the Brazilian has been overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe, who has netted 16 times in 13 appearances in all competitions.
Madrid, sitting five points clear at the top of La Liga, will hope to maintain momentum when they host struggling Valencia on Saturday before heading to Liverpool for Champions League action.
Meanwhile, Barcelona must regroup after suffering two losses in their last three domestic games, including the Clasico defeat and a Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Hansi Flick faces a growing injury crisis, with Pedri sidelined for several weeks following a thigh tear and suspension. The Catalans are also without Marc ter Stegen, Gavi, Raphinha, and Joan García, though Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to training.
Elsewhere in La Liga, third-placed Villarreal host Rayo Vallecano, while unbeaten Atletico Madrid take on Sevilla.
Real Sociedad, hovering above the relegation zone, face Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby.
Weekend Fixtures (GMT):
Friday: Getafe v Girona (20:00)
Saturday: Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano (13:00), Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (15:15), Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (17:30), Real Madrid v Valencia (20:00)
Sunday: Levante v Celta Vigo (13:00), Alaves v Espanyol (15:15), Barcelona v Elche (17:30), Real Betis v Mallorca (20:00)
Monday: Real Oviedo v Osasuna (20:00)
About the author
White House says China agrees to postpone Trump Beijing trip
The White House says China has agreed to postpone United States President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, which was originally scheduled to take place in about two weeks . White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington is now working with Beijing to secure a new date for the trip as soon as possible . Trump had earlier announced that he would delay his Asia tour because of the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, saying he expected to make the trip in about five or six weeks but without giving a firm date . In a response to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations . The embassy said China and the United States will continue to maintain communication on President […]
Pete Edochie says his prayers helped six politicians win elections
Veteran actor Pete Edochie says his prayers contributed to the electoral victories of six Nigerian politicians in the last election cycle . He made the remark while hosting streamer Peller at his residence in Enugu, where he recalled how the politicians visited him before the polls to seek his blessings . Edochie said that two years ago, six people running for political offices came to his house with a big ram and kolanuts, and that he prayed for them . According to him, all six later went on to win their respective elections, which he believes was a result of divine favour . The Nollywood legend said his requests to God are usually granted and maintained that those he has prayed for tend to record success .
Benin Queen palace officials risk removal over Peller’s unauthorised visit
The Benin Traditional Council has warned that a palace queen and some officials may face removal and other sanctions over streamer Peller’s unauthorised visit to the Oba of Benin’s palace . In a statement signed by BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, the council described the incident as a serious breach of palace protocol and a desecration of the sacred precincts of the royal court . Peller, whose real name is Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, reportedly visited the palace on March 6 during a nationwide tour and was received by some palace staff and chiefs . The council said he entered the premises without the required permission and that his conduct and that of his entourage caused embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds . It stressed that the Oba’s palace is not a public thoroughfare or a venue […]
Spyro says God changed his story after 16 years in music
Afrobeats singer Spyro says 16 years of struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, crediting God for changing his story and lifting his career . In a post shared on social media, he recalled going through a period of deep disappointment and hardship just before his breakthrough came . He explained that it was at his lowest point that things began to turn around, which he believes was a clear sign of divine intervention . Spyro now uses his experience to encourage others who feel stuck or are thinking of giving up on their dreams . He urged them to stay committed, keep working and trust that their own turnaround can still happen no matter how long they have been struggling . The singer said he has been pushing his music for 16 years and never […]
Spyro says God changed his story after 16 years in music
Afrobeats singer Spyro says 16 years of struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, crediting God for changing his story and lifting his career . In a post shared on social media, he recalled going through a period of deep disappointment and hardship just before his breakthrough came . He explained that it was at his lowest point that things began to turn around, which he believes was a clear sign of divine intervention . Spyro now uses his experience to encourage others who feel stuck or are thinking of giving up on their dreams . He urged them to stay committed, keep working and trust that their own turnaround can still happen no matter how long they have been struggling . The singer said he has been pushing his music for 16 years and never […]
Enzo Fernandez unsure over Chelsea future after Champions League exit
Enzo Fernandez has hinted he could leave Chelsea at the end of the season after the club were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain . Chelsea lost 3 0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, completing an 8 3 aggregate defeat in their last 16 tie against the French champions . The world club champions are currently sixth in the Premier League and risk missing out on Champions League qualification for next season . Fernandez captained Chelsea in the second leg in the absence of injured skipper Reece James but did little to end speculation about his future when speaking after the game . Asked by ESPN if he would still be at Stamford Bridge next season, the 25 year old Argentina midfielder replied that there are eight league matches and the FA Cup still to play, […]
Related
Enzo Fernandez unsure over Chelsea future after Champions League exit
Enzo Fernandez has hinted he could leave Chelsea at the end of the season after the club were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain . Chelsea lost 3 0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, completing an 8 3 aggregate defeat in their last 16 tie against the French champions . The world club champions are currently sixth in the Premier League and risk missing out on Champions League qualification for next season . Fernandez captained Chelsea in the second leg in the absence of injured skipper Reece James but did little to end speculation about his future when speaking after the game . Asked by ESPN if he would still be at Stamford Bridge next season, the 25 year old Argentina midfielder replied that there are eight league matches and the FA Cup still to play, […]
Chelle drops Osimhen Nwabali as he unveils Super Eagles squad for friendlies
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman in a 23 man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Turkey . The matches, originally scheduled for Amman, were moved to Antalya following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East, according to a statement by Nigeria Football Federation Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire . Nigeria will face Iran on March 27 in Antalya at 4 p.m. and then play Jordan on March 31 at 8 p.m. as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures . Chelle also handed call ups to Maduka Okoye, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu, among others . Debut invitations went to Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor, while goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo returned to the […]
Senegal fans brand AFCON title loss to Morocco a disgrace for Africa
Senegalese football fans have condemned the decision to strip their country of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco, calling the move a disgrace for Africa . Many supporters in Dakar said they were shocked to wake up to the news that the Confederation of African Football had overturned Senegal’s victory in the final played in Rabat on January 18 . CAF ruled late on Tuesday that Senegal had forfeited the match after several of their players walked off the pitch in stoppage time to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco, before later returning to continue the game . Morocco missed the penalty and Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure a 1 0 win, but CAF’s appeals committee later applied competition rules stating that any team that refuses to play or leaves […]
Morocco awarded AFCON 2025 after CAF ruling
Morocco have officially been crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the initial result of the final against Senegal. The match, played on 18 January, originally ended in a 1–0 victory for Senegal. However, it was marked by controversy when Senegalese players temporarily refused to continue play after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco while the score was still level. After a delay of approximately 17 minutes, the game resumed. Morocco’s penalty, taken by Brahim Díaz, was saved, and Senegal later secured victory through an extra-time goal from Pape Gueye. Following a formal appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), CAF’s appeal board reviewed the incident and ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a breach of tournament regulations. As a result, Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the match, which […]
Lagos to host 2026 youth swimming talent trials
Lagos State will host the 2026 Swimming Trials for young athletes on March 22, 2026, at the Rowe Park Sports Complex in Yaba . The event will bring together emerging talents from across the state as the Lagos State Sports Commission works to identify swimmers who can represent Lagos in future national and international competitions . The trials are open to active male and female swimmers aged 16 and under, with entries expected from clubs, schools and training centres across Lagos . According to the Commission, the programme is part of a wider plan to deepen grassroots sports development and strengthen the talent pipeline in aquatic sports . Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the trials reflect the state’s commitment to building a strong foundation for sports through structured competitions and systematic athlete identification . […]
Iran in talks with FIFA to move US World Cup games to Mexico
Iran’s football federation says it is in talks with FIFA about moving the national team’s World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico because of the war in the Middle East and security concerns . Iran are due to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle at this summer’s tournament, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico . However, Iran’s embassy in Mexico said on Monday that officials are now “negotiating” with FIFA to have Iran’s matches held in Mexico instead of the United States . Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian football federation, was quoted on the embassy’s X account as saying that when US President Donald Trump has openly said he cannot guarantee the security of the Iranian team, the squad will certainly not travel to America […]