Man City to face Real in CL quarter-finals while Arsenal draw Bayern

Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final while Arsenal were drawn against Bayern Munich.

Arsenal will host Bayern in the first leg as former Tottenham star Harry Kane returns to north London.

Holders City must overcome Real once again to defend their crown after trouncing the 14-time winners last season in the semi-final en route to claiming the treble.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Familiar foe! Watch all of Harry Kane’s Bundesliga goals this season ahead of his return to north London to face Arsenal

Familiar foe Kane a big threat to Arsenal

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

“Bayern Munich may not be as strong as in previous years but another meeting with Harry Kane is probably not something Arsenal will relish.

“The 30-year-old has an outstanding record against the Gunners, scoring 14 goals in 17 north London derbies during his time at Tottenham.

“He will face them again in the midst of one of the best goalscoring seasons of his career, having netted 36 times in only 34 appearances in all competitions so far.”

Barcelona will take on Paris Saint-Germain while Borussia Dortmund play against Atletico Madrid in the other quarter-final ties.

Arsenal and Man City will face each other in the semi-finals if they progress.

When are the Champions League quarter-final and semi-final ties?

The first legs of the quarter-final ties will be played on April 9 and 10, with the return fixtures on April 16 and 17.

Arsenal and Manchester City are both playing April 9 and on April 17.

Arsenal host Bayern on April 9, with City travelling to Madrid that Tuesday. Arsenal are away on Wednesday April 17, the same night that City host Real Madrid at the Etihad.

The semi-finals will be on April 30 and May 1, with the second legs on May 7 and 8.

The Champions League final is on June 1 at Wembley Stadium.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane is the top scorer in North London Derby history with 14 goals, here are all seven of his goals from open play in the fixture

Bayern fans banned from the Emirates

There will be no Bayern Munich fans at Arsenal for the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Bayern were handed a ban from attending the away leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie because their supporters threw fireworks onto the pitch during their 3-1 win at Lazio earlier this month.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arsenal sporting director Edu says Arsenal are excited by the challenge Bayern Munich will present in their Champions League quarter-final

Champions League quarter-final draw

  • Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
  • Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
  • Real Madrid vs Man City
  • PSG vs Barcelona

Champions League semi-final draw

  • Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund vs PSG/Barcelona
  • Arsenal/Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid/Man City

Man City (a) – Premier League – Sunday March 31

Luton Town (h) – Premier League – Wednesday April 3

Brighton (a) – Premier League – Saturday April 6

Bayern Munich (h) – Champions League – Tuesday April 9

Aston Villa (h) – Premier League – Sunday April 14

Bayern Munich (a) – Champions League – Wednesday April 17

Wolves (a) – Premier League – Saturday April 20

* All fixture dates are subject to change

Newcastle (h) – FA Cup – Saturday March 16

Arsenal (h) – Premier League – Sunday March 31

Aston Villa (h) – Premier League – Wednesday April 3

Crystal Palace (a) – Premier League – Saturday April 6

Real Madrid (a) – Champions League – Tuesda April 9

Luton Town (h) – Premier League – Saturday April 13

Real Madrid (h) – Champions League – Wednesday April 17

Tottenham (h) – Premier League – Saturday April 20

* All fixture dates are subject to change; FA Cup semi-finals to be played on weekend of April 20-21

Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!

Sky Sports WhatsApp channel

You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!

Find out more here…

Adblock test

Barca beat Napoli to move into Champions League quarter-final

Barcelona progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 home victory over Napoli to secure a 4-2 aggregate win.

Two goals early in the game from Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo put Xavi Hernandez’s side in total control but Barca had to survive a scare against the Italian champions in the middle part of the match.

Amir Rrahmani pulled one back before the break and Jesper Lindstrom missed the target with a header from point-blank range late in the game that would have levelled the tie. Instead, Robert Lewandowski finished off a fine team move to seal it.

Neither side has been able to mount a defence of their domestic crowns this season but it is Barcelona who can still dream of ending their European campaign on a high.

How Barca held off Napoli fightback

Barcelona started brightly, reflecting their improved form since Xavi announced his decision to leave at the end of the season. They came into this game unbeaten in eight since the midfield legend ended any debate about his long-term future as coach.

Picking a team packed with youngsters, it was Lopez and Lamine Yamal to the fore from the outset, while Pau Cubarsi, aged just 17 and tasked with marking Victor Osimhen, took to the job with gusto. Cubarsi’s long pass almost brought Lopez the opener.

He did not have to wait long, netting with a low finish that seemed to send Barca’s confidence into overdrive. Within a couple of minutes, they had doubled their lead. Raphinha hit the post and Cancelo strode onto the rebound to fire home.

Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg, match played between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic on March 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. AFP7 12/03/2024 (Europa Press via AP)
Image:
Joao Cancelo celebrates scoring the second goal for Barcelona against Napoli

Napoli looked vulnerable, all shrugs and bowed heads, but they found a response just when Barca seemed to have taken the tie away from them. A slick move down the right found the finish it deserved with defender Rrahmani converting neatly with his left foot.

That altered the mood in an instant and it was a fraught second half for the home side as they were unable to retain possession of the ball. Napoli felt aggrieved to be denied a penalty when Cubarsi appeared to make contact with Osimhen inside the box.

But the real moment of regret for Napoli will be Lindstrom’s header. He was under little pressure when the cross came in from the left and appeared to pick out his spot only to see the ball drift wide of the near post. Lewandowski made him pay.

It was a beautiful goal too, reminiscent of Barca at their best. Ilkay Gundogan’s typically clever pass found the run of Sergi Roberto and his unselfishness was rewarded as he found Lewandowski in the middle. The expert marksman did the rest.

Barca’s win in stats

  • Barcelona have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2019-20, with them also knocking Napoli out of the last 16 that season 4-2 on aggregate.
  • Barca have won all four of their home games in this season’s Champions League, the first time they have won their first four home matches of a campaign in the competition since 2017-18.
  • Napoli have been eliminated at the last-16 stage of the Champions League in four of the five times they have reached this round.
  • Robert Lewandowski has scored 13 goals in his last 13 knockout stage games in the Champions League.
  • Since the start of 2020-21, Joao Cancelo is the only defender to register 10+ goal involvements in the competition (14 – 5 goals, 9 assists).
  • In Lamine Yamal (16y 243d) and Pau Cubarsi (17y 50d), Barcelona were the first side in UEFA Champions League history to start two players aged 17 or below in a knockout game.

Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!

Sky Sports WhatsApp channel

You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!

Find out more here.

Adblock test

Osimhen earns Napoli CL last-16 first-leg draw with Barcelona

Victor Osimhen rescued Napoli a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in his first appearance for the club since December.

Osimhen, who had served a ban in Napoli’s previous game after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty for runners-up Nigeria, stole clear in the penalty area with 15 minutes remaining to fire home an equaliser.

Barcelona had taken a deserved lead on the hour-mark through Robert Lewandowski’s 93rd Champions League goal.

It was Napoli’s first game since they sacked head coach Walter Mazzarri after three months in charge and replaced him with Francesco Calzona, while Barca were playing their first Champions League knockout match for three years.

Last year’s Spanish and Italian champions, both struggling this season, played out a poor match in which both sides were toothless and lacking attacking flair.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates after putting Barcelona ahead
Image:
Robert Lewandowski celebrates after putting Barcelona ahead

Third in the LaLiga standings and eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, Barcelona dominated the first half against a disorganised Napoli who barely managed to get out of their own half.

Napoli were frustrated by Barca’s high pressing, missing simple passes and gifting the ball to the visitors who also looked short of ideas in possession.

Poland striker Lewandowski put Barca ahead in the 60th minute after receiving a pass from Pedri just inside the box and he made space to unleash a bullet strike into the bottom corner of the net.

Victor Osimhen scores Napoli's equaliser
Image:
Victor Osimhen scores Napoli’s equaliser

That woke Napoli up and Osimhen equalised 15 minutes later with a fine strike from inside the box to leave the tie evenly poised.

“It is not a good result for the return leg,” Barca manager Xavi Hernandez told Movistar Plus.

“We were better in all aspects of the game, we had to control and we struggled, we weren’t effective up front, it was a summary of our season.”

What’s next?

The return leg is on Tuesday March 12 at the Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic, kicking off at 8pm.

Adblock test

Swedish teen Bergvall chooses Spurs over Barcelona ahead of summer move

Swedish teenager Lucas Bergvall has chosen to join Tottenham over Barcelona ahead of a summer move to the Premier League club.

The 17-year-old Djurgarden midfielder is scheduled to undergo a medical on Friday.

Spurs do not have to complete his signing before the 11pm deadline on Thursday as he will join them in the summer.

Bergvall turns 18 on Friday, which is when he can agree a senior deal with Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have faced stiff competition from Barcelona for the teenager and want to complete an agreement as soon as possible.

Bergvall has made 29 appearances for Djurgarden and made his debut for Sweden in January.

‘Bergvall wanted by all top clubs in Europe’

Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge:

“He is wanted by all the top clubs in Europe and it came down to Spurs and Barcelona, and he has chosen Tottenham.

“There’s going to be a medical [on Friday] and a five-year deal will be signed.

“This is a deal for the summer, but this 17-year-old is a sensation. He’s already had a cap for Sweden.”

Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!

You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!

Find out more here.

Adblock test

‘Angry’ Arteta dismisses links to Barcelona job

Mikel Arteta has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Barcelona this summer, reiterating his commitment to Arsenal.

Reports in Spain have suggested the Gunners boss intends to leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season, with a number of outlets in Spain linking him to the Barcelona job after Xavi announced he would be stepping down as head coach at the Nou Camp in the summer.

Spanish publication Diario Sport reported the Spaniard had informed his entourage that he was open to exiting the Emirates following the conclusion of the current campaign, amid ongoing links to the post at Barcelona.

However, Sky Sports News reported Arteta had no plans to leave the club and, speaking at his press conference on Monday, he insisted he is in the “right place” ahead of his side’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports’ Gary Cotterill speaks to The Mirror’s Chief Football Writer, John Cross, about Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s reaction to speculation over whether the manager would leave the club in the summer for Barcelona.

When asked if he was leaving Arsenal in the summer, Arteta replied: “No. That’s totally fake news,

“I don’t know where it is coming from, it’s totally untrue and I’m very upset about it.

“I could not believe it. It has no sources. You have to be cautious when you write things in the way it was yesterday.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Arsenal’s win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League

He added: “I’m in the right place and I feel good about it. I’m embracing a journey with this club and there’s a long way still to go. I have a strong relationship with the board.

“Things come in a natural way. When the time is right we will have those [contract] discussions and find the best way to deal with it.

“I’m cautious when I talk publicly about my personal things. I don’t think anyone deserves to hear that in news like that. I have always been straight and said the opposite. I’m so happy where I am now.”

Arteta is contracted to Arsenal until the summer of 2025 but the Spaniard admitted no talks have taken place over a new deal in north London.

Mikel Arteta celebrates Arsenal's stoppage time winner
Image:
Arteta is under contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2025

“I’ve got a strong relationship with the board, with Edu, the team, with ownership,” he said. “Things come in a natural way and we’ve always done it that way and it’s been done really well.

“When the time is right we’ll have those discussions and I’ll think about the best way to do that.

When asked directly if any discussions over a new deal have taken place, he added:No, we haven’t, but this is something that would happen naturally when it has to happen, if it has to happen, and that’s it.”

Could Arteta manage another English club?

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on whether he could ever see himself managing another Premier League club:

“Today, no! But I don’t know. I played for two great clubs in this country, I moved around in different things, I’m extremely young and I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

‘Still work to do at Arsenal’

Leandro Trossard is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring Arsenal's third goal against Crystal Palace
Image:
Leandro Trossard is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring for Arsenal against Crystal Palace

Arteta, 41, replaced Unai Emery at Arsenal, taking a senior managerial role for the first time in his career.

Before taking the job, Arteta had been working as a member of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City, a role he took up upon retiring from playing in the summer of 2016.

In September 2020, having guided Arsenal to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League and an FA Cup win in the previous season, Arteta was made first-team manager of the north London club having previously gone by the title as head coach.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

A look back at some of the most unusual metaphors Arteta has used to describe his Arsenal team

As a player, he won the FA Cup twice in a five-year career with the Gunners. The former midfielder made 150 appearances for Arsenal between 2011 and 2016 and captained the side.

As a manager to date, he has won 124 of his 210 matches as Arsenal boss and he insists there is still a lot of work to do at the club.

“There is a lot to do here and we all share that ambition,” he said.

“We want more, we aren’t satisfied and the club wants another push to go to another level. We have everyone on board to achieve it.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, David Ornstein says it will remain a quiet transfer window for Arsenal given they are close to their FFP limit, but a striker in the summer may well be in Arteta’s plans

“I always felt it was my team because when you take a decision to coach or manage a club you have to make those calls and maximise everything.

“My job became more normal after the Covid situation and I’m enjoying it a lot.

“We are on the right track but we are very far from my vision of where this club needs to be. We navigated some difficult moments through Covid and my belief is that created a really strong attachment and belief that we are the right people to take the club forward. We used it in the right way.”

Partey not in Arsenal squad to face Forest | Arteta ‘hopeful’ on Rice fitness

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on injury news ahead of trip to Nottingham Forest:

“We have some late decisions to make.

“Thomas [Partey] won’t be one of those. Thomas will not be in the squad.

“We had some issues at the end of the last game so we will assess those players. You want everyone in the squad.

“[Declan] Rice is one of those players. He has done some work but he has missed some work as well. Hopefully he will be ok. Gabriel [Magalhaes] is another one.”

Follow the January transfer window

The winter transfer window is open and will close at 11pm in England and 11.30pm in Scotland on Thursday February 1.

To ensure harmonisation with the major leagues in Europe, the closing dates were set following discussions with the EFL, DFL, Serie A, LaLiga, and LFP, who will all close their summer and winter windows on September 1 and February 1 respectively.

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms, while you can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News, including daily transfer shows, and listen to our Transfer Talk podcast.

Adblock test

Xavi to step down as Barcelona boss when season ends

Xavi will step down as Barcelona head coach at the end of the season.

He announced the decision after Barcelona lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal, conceding twice in added time at the Nou Camp.

The result which leaves them 10 points off LaLiga leaders Real Madrid. Girona are also ahead of them in second, currently on 52 points.

“I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barca,” Xavi said.

“I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.”

Xavi added that he made the decision ‘several days ago,’ and although the hard defeat to Villarreal set the scene for him to announce the decision, he ‘would have made’ it soon enough.

He said he hoped this decision will decrease the stress and tension his team is enduring.

Spanish football expert and Sky Sports News guest Semra Hunter said of Xavi’s departure on X: “It’s honestly a bit bonkers to think how a coach that won a league + a Super Cup in 2.5 years with a mediocre squad at a club in financial ruin and instituonal disarray can be driven from his post because of the immense pressure, scrutiny, and demands to be competitive and win.”

Xavi will bring an end to his tenure after less than three years, having been appointed as manager of his former club – where he won 25 major trophies – in November 2021.

The legendary midfielder replaced Ronald Koeman with his only experience a stint in Qatar with Al Sadd. He had a contract through until the end of next season.

Last season, Xavi led Barcelona to the Supercopa de Espana and LaLiga titles in his first full season and the first trophies since Lionel Messi’s departure for PSG.

But Barcelona have struggled this season and have shown signs of suffering a collapse this month. They were beaten 4-1 by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago.

Barcelona players, left, react after Villarreal's Jose Luis Morales scoring his side's fifth goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Villarreal at the Olimpic Lluis Companys stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Image:
Barcelona suffered a dramatic late defeat to Villarreal

Barcelona crashed out of the Copa del Rey with a 4-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in their quarter-final on Thursday night.

Villarreal scored twice in stoppage time at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys to heap further pressure on Xavi after his side had fought back from 2-0 down.

“Practically, I don’t remember a match as cruel as today’s,” said Xavi, whose contract was set to run until 2025.

“This match has been unfortunate and it is a time to change this dynamic.”

The former Spain international, a 2010 World Cup winner, helped Barcelona to eight LaLiga titles and four Champions League victories during his time as a player.

“I am not moved by economic matters, but by the heart,” Xavi said. “I think it is the best for the club. I don’t want to be a problem for the club of my heart.

“I don’t want to be a problem, but a solution, and I think that between now and June I can still be a solution.”

Barcelona will recommence their Champions League campaign in February when they face Napoli in the last 16, which is the first time Barcelona have reached that stage of the competition in three seasons.

Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move in the January window?

Opening on January 1 and closing at 11pm on February 1 in England and midnight in Scotland, keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms.

You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News, including daily transfer shows, and listen to our dedicated Transfer Talk podcast.

Adblock test

Barca and Atletico join Juve, Newcastle in chase for Man City’s Phillips

La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have joined Juventus and a host of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace are the Premier League sides interested in signing the England international.

City boss Pep Guardiola admitted in December that Phillips can leave in order to play regular football, having made only four Premier League appearances this term.

It’s understood that City would prefer to sell, but a loan move away may also be an option.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz explains what the Premier League’s profit & sustainability rules are and how they affect clubs’ ability to spend.

Juventus have held initial talks with City, although Newcastle have been tipped as a credible destination as they are looking for a loan player to cover the suspended Sandro Tonali.

Phillips is thought to be high on their list.

However, both chief executive Darren Eales and manager Eddie Howe warned last week that they are at the apex of spending within profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR).

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Crystal Palace head coach Roy Hodgson insists the club would be interested in a move for Kalvin Phillips on loan, should the player be available and regular game time could help his international ambitions.

West Ham also have a long-standing interest in Phillips but it is thought his wages may prove a stumbling block for any potential deal.

Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move in the January window?

Opening on January 1 and closing at 11pm on February 1 in England and midnight in Scotland, keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms.

You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News, including daily transfer shows, and listen to our dedicated Transfer Talk podcast.

Adblock test

Vinicius Jr scores hat-trick as Real thump Barca to win Spanish Super Cup

Vinicius Junior scored a first-half hat-trick as Real Madrid were crowned Spanish Super Cup champions after a 4-1 demolition of rivals Barcelona in Saudi Arabia.

The Brazilian twice exploited Barcelona’s lackadaisical high line to put Real 2-0 up within the first 10 minutes before Robert Lewandowski halved the deficit just after the half-hour mark.

But Vinicius completed his hat-trick from the spot in the 39th minute, having been hauled down in the area by Ronald Araujo, before Rodrygo completed a one-sided win after the interval.

To compound a miserable evening in Riyadh for Barcelona, Araujo was dismissed in the 71st minute for another foul on Vinicius.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring at Barcelona during the Spanish Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Al Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo)
Image:
Vinicius Junior scored a first-half hat-trick for Real Madrid

How Real marched to Super Cup glory

Real, who trailed 3-2 with just five minutes remaining against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final on Wednesday before triumphing 5-3 after extra-time, continued their recent dominance over their rivals.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side prevailed in October’s El Clasico meeting and are seven points ahead of Barcelona at the halfway point of the LaLiga campaign.

This latest encounter marked a chance for Barcelona to land a blow of their own but Xavi’s decision to employ a risky high defensive line backfired spectacularly as Real hit the front after seven minutes.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, right, in action during the Spanish Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo)
Image:
Jude Bellingham set up Vinicius’ opening goal in the seventh minute

Jude Bellingham – who at the final whistle celebrated winning his first trophy with Real – split the defence with a sublime pass that allowed Vinicius to round Inaki Pena and slot into an empty net.

Real and Vinicius capitalised again on plenty of space being left in behind as the 23-year-old slid in to convert Rodrygo’s cross.

Barcelona responded well to the double blow as Ferran Torres’ snapshot cannoned against the bar before both he and Lewandowski forced Andriy Lunin into important saves to keep Real two ahead.

Lewandowski’s thunderous volley from the edge of the area after 33 minutes dragged Barcelona back into the contest but the Catalans were the architects of their own downfall moments later.

Araujo paid the price for having his arm around the neck of Vinicius, who went down which saw a penalty awarded and the Barcelona defender booked.

Vinicius made no mistake from 12 yards to re-establish Real’s two-goal lead at half-time.

Real Madrid's Brazilian forward #07 Vinicius Junior congratulates teammate Brazilian forward #11 Rodrygo after the latter scored their fourth goal during the Spanish Super Cup final football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, on January 14, 2024. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
Image:
Vinicius congratulates team-mate Rodrygo after scoring Real’s fourth goal

Xavi made a triple substitution as Joao Felix, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal were introduced just after the hour mark but it did not have the required impact as Real went further ahead in the 64th minute.

Vinicius was involved again as his poor cross was tamely cut out by Jules Kounde straight into the path of Rodrygo, who drilled beyond Pena from inside the area.

Matters worsened for Barcelona as Araujo missed an attempted clearance and instead brought down Vinicius, with the Uruguayan having to trudge off the pitch for a second bookable offence.

Ancelotti was able to withdraw Vinicius and Bellingham in the closing stages with the job done and attention fast turning to Thursday’s Copa del Rey showdown against Atletico.

Spanish match referee Juan Martinez Munuera speaks with Barcelona's Uruguayan defender #04 Ronald Araujo and Dutch midfielder #21 Frenkie de Jong during the Spanish Super Cup final football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, on January 14, 2024. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)
Image:
Ronald Araujo was sent off for Barcelona in the 71st minute

What’s next?

Real Madrid are back in action on Thursday when they make the trip to city rivals Atletico Madrid in the fourth round of the Copa del Rey; kick-off 8.30pm. Carlo Ancelotti’s side then host Almeria in LaLiga on Sunday; kick-off 3.15pm.

Barcelona are also in Copa del Rey action on Thursday when they travel to Unionistas in the fourth round; kick-off 6.30pm. They then make the trip to Real Betis in LaLiga on Sunday; kick-off 5.30pm.

Adblock test