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Rayo Vallecano and Mainz among the teams through to the Conference League round of sixteen
Rayo Vallecano and Mainz joined Strasbourg and other qualifiers in sealing direct passage to the UEFA Conference League round of sixteen, while the remaining contenders head into February’s play off ties and Universitatea Craiova suffered late heartbreak to miss out on qualification.
The El Khannouss problem at Stuttgart
It is the Africa Cup rather than the Bundesliga for Bilal El Khannouss now. The ambition and hunger for success of the Morocco international also have drawbacks for VfB Stuttgart.
Argentina faces Spain in the run-up to the World Cup on historic ground
Argentina and Spain will meet in the run-up to the World Cup as part of the Finalissima. The match will take place on March 27 in Qatar, a special location for the world champions.
Giménez and Baena, in their countdown
Baena and José María Giménez completed individual ball work at Cerro del Espino as they enter the final phase of their recoveries, set to miss Girona but aiming to return for Real Sociedad and reach peak form for the Saudi Super Cup.
FC Porto is backing Pal after Farioli: This is a crisis of confidence
FC Porto has issued a statement about the quality of refereeing in Portugal. Earlier, head coach Francesco Farioli strongly criticised the referee in the match between FC Porto and Famalicão. Porto fully supports his view and believes there is a bigger problem.
Davide Ancelotti leaves Botafogo after one season
Botafogo confirm Davide Ancelotti’s departure after one season, with reports linking the split to a dispute over fitness staff changes and injury concerns during the 2025 season.
This is how Mainz will go straight into the round of 16 on Thursday
Mainz 05 have already secured a place in the Conference League play-offs ahead of the final matchday of the league phase. But the Bundesliga bottom side would like to avoid the extra round and knows what scenarios would make that possible.
Reijnders opens his account at the Etihad Stadium
Tijjani Reijnders played an important role on Saturday in Manchester City’s home win over West Ham United and scored his first goal at the Etihad Stadium. The Netherlands international was in high spirits after the match, although his manager Pep Guardiola added a note of caution.
Barcelona win away at Guadalajara and advance in the Copa del Rey
Barcelona needed a late breakthrough to beat third tier Guadalajara 2–0 in the Copa del Rey, with Christensen and Rashford scoring after a De Jong assist, as other ties saw late drama and notable upsets.
De Jong marks return to Barcelona starting line-up with crucial win over Villarreal
Barcelona recorded an important victory over Villarreal on Sunday as Frenkie de Jong returned to the starting line-up. The La Liga leaders were rarely troubled at the Estadio de la Cerámica.