Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his Al Nassr deal until June 2027, with the Portuguese icon signing a historic two-year contract following weeks of speculation.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Al Nassr contract details revealed

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Real Madrid arrived in Lisbon knowing what was at stake. Progress was within reach. Control was possible. Instead, Benfica played with sharper intent and clearer purpose, pushing Madrid into uncomfortable spaces from the first whistle.

The 4-2 scoreline told only part of the story. Benfica chased loose balls, pressed higher, and stayed alert until the final seconds. That late goal from Anatoliy Trubin sealed Madrid&rsquo;s fate and flipped the group standings on goal difference. It was a brutal way to miss automatic qualification. Silence followed the final whistle.

<h2>Mbappe&rsquo;s Thought On Performance</h2>

Mbappe, who found the net twice, refused to hide behind tactics or formations. His message landed hard. The issue, he said, was desire. Benfica wanted it more. Madrid did not show the edge expected of reigning champions.

That Kylian Mbappe criticism echoed around the dressing room. Quality wasn&rsquo;t questioned but the effort was.

Consistency, or the lack of it, remains the bigger concern. Strong displays have come and gone all season, never quite sticking.

<h2>Pressure Builds Before Rayo Clash</h2>

This Champions League defeat lands at a tricky moment. The season has already seen managerial change, a shock Copa del Rey exit, and uneven league form. Under Alvaro Arbeloa, progress seemed steady, but the team lacked consistency.

Sunday&rsquo;s trip to Rayo Vallecano now feels heavier. Third place in LaLiga offers little comfort when standards slip on Europe&rsquo;s biggest stage.

Madrid move on, but the questions stay. And so does the noise around Kylian Mbappe criticism, loud enough that no one at the Bernabeu can ignore it.

Catch all the key moments and goals from the UEFA <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/shows/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/2102">Champions League</a> 2025/26 in HD quality.&nbsp;

Kylian Mbappe questions Real Madrid’s desire after a costly Champions  League defeat to Benfica that leaves serious concerns ahead.

Real Madrid Face Reality Check as Mbappe Voices Frustration

Anfield had barely settled when Liverpool struck. They pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and pushed Qarabag into rushed clearances. Alexis Mac Allister got free to head in the opening goal. Soon after, Florian Wirtz sent a low shot into the net as confidence grew.

The crowd sensed blood. Qarabag tried to slow the tempo, but space kept opening. Every forward run felt dangerous. By the break, the outcome already looked decided.

<h2>Second-Half Surge Ends the Contest</h2>

Liverpool returned sharper. <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/salah-back-liverpool-squad-afcon-marseille-champions-league/3164-5-0">Mohamed Salah</a> curled a free-kick routine with precision, and Hugo Ekitike sprinted clear on the counter to add another. The goals came fast, the resistance faded.

Mac Allister struck again with calm assurance. Federico Chiesa, still settling in, capped the night with a late finish that summed up the imbalance.

This Liverpool Champions League win carried weight beyond the scoreline. Control. Purpose. Smiles on the bench.

<h3>What It Means Going Forward</h3>

The victory confirmed a <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/183/1">Champions League</a> last 16 place and third spot in the group on 18 points. Momentum matters at this stage. The performance suggested a side rediscovering its edge when it counts.

For Qarabag, defeat hurt but did not derail everything. The visitors stayed in playoff positions on 10 points, still alive in Europe.

Slot praised the early goals and tempo, though he pointed to sharper work in both boxes ahead. On nights like this, Liverpool looked every inch a knockout threat again.

Liverpool tore through Qarabag at Anfield. They got a last-16 Champions League spot with a ruthless 6-0 win that felt one-sided from the start.

Liverpool Seal Champions League Last 16 Place with Qarabag Win

Arsenal started aggressively, pressing high and forcing mistakes. One error proved decisive, ending in an own goal that gave the hosts an early lead. The noise swelled and confidence flowed. Yet United refused to fold, and their response arrived before the break, sharp and ruthless, punishing a loose pass and draining the momentum from the stands.

The second half twisted again, as United struck with a thunderous effort from distance, a goal that froze the crowd. Arsenal pushed back, throwing numbers forward, chasing control that kept slipping away. A late equaliser reignited belief, but tension hung heavy.&nbsp;

<h2>Cunha Delivers The Final Word</h2>

Then came the moment that decided everything. Space opened and the ball rolled kindly. Cunha did the rest, driving a shot beyond reach and into the corner. For Arsenal, it was disbelief, and for United, it was history, their first league win at this ground in years.

The defeat snaps Arsenal&rsquo;s long unbeaten stretch and trims their cushion at the top. Manchester United, still under interim leadership, added another major result to their rise. It was only one match, but the outcome of United versus Arsenal could carry lasting weight in the Premier League title race.

Manchester United rocked Arsenal with a late winner at the Emirates, a result that rattles the Premier League title race.

Manchester United Shock Arsenal as Emirates Thriller Shakes Title Picture

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is confident that his team can outclass table-toppers Arsenal in the upcoming clash on Sunday. He acknowledged the challenge, but added that the team is in good shape after defeating Manchester City last weekend.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a good week. It was a big result, a big performance and a big uplift, you know, with the feeling inside the stadium. It&rsquo;s getting that balance between taking the encouragement and the confidence from the game itself and the performance and keeping level-headed and the feet on the ground.&rdquo; said Manchester United head coach, Michael Carrick.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve got another big game coming up and one game doesn&rsquo;t make you a great team, it gives us a great foundation to build on.&rdquo; added Michael Carrick.

He said the team is confident to take on Arsenal, as the players have belief in their plans and skills.. They know what&rsquo;s coming, so they are ready for it by elevating their passion for the big match.

&ldquo;There&rsquo;s a lot of confidence, a lot of good feeling within the group but measured with that, and we know what&rsquo;s coming and we&rsquo;ve got to be ready for it.&rdquo; said Michael Carrick.

Talking about Arsenal, Carrick acknowledged that they are a very good team with plenty of high-profile players. He added that Arsenal are currently at the top of the table because of their consistent performances in the tournament.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m looking forward to the game. It&rsquo;s a big challenge. They&rsquo;re a very good team. It&rsquo;s pretty obvious to say that. They&rsquo;ve got so many strong points to their game, and to their squad.&rdquo; said Michael Carrick.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a big challenge, they are where they are for a reason and where they are in the Champions League for a reason, so we&rsquo;re fully aware of that and not taking that lightly at all.&rdquo; concluded Michael Carrick.

Michael Carrick is confident that Manchester United will defeat Arsenal in the upcoming clash. He said the team is in good shape after defeating Man City last weekend.

Carrick Confident Ahead of Manchester United's Clash With Arsenal

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed he plans to visit Pakistan soon, signaling renewed engagement with the country as football governance begins to stabilise.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Infantino said he has already shared his plans with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Though brief, the exchange carried a clear intent. It placed Pakistan back into FIFA&rsquo;s active conversation, not as a problem file, but as a project with promise.

&ldquo;I will come to Pakistan very soon. I promised the prime minister,&rdquo; Infantino said, striking an assured tone.

<h2>Confidence Grows After Federation Reset</h2>

Infantino acknowledged Pakistan football&rsquo;s troubled past, marked by disputes, suspensions, and repeated interventions. However, he focused on where things stand now.

He praised the newly appointed leadership of the Pakistan Football Federation, calling it a stabilising presence after years of internal turmoil. According to Infantino, the change has shifted the focus from crisis control to real progress.

&ldquo;We now have a new president of the federation who is doing a fantastic job,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That makes a difference.&rdquo;

For Pakistan football development, credibility from Zurich opens doors that had stayed shut for too long.

With <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/fifa-world-cup-2026-schedule-groups-venues-and-historic-expansion/2802-7-0">World Cup 2026</a> preparations underway globally, FIFA&rsquo;s renewed engagement signals that Pakistan is no longer being viewed in isolation, but as part of football&rsquo;s next growth phase.

<h2>What The Visit Could Unlock</h2>

Officials expect Gianni Infantino Pakistan visit to go beyond formalities. Discussions are likely to focus on grassroots development, youth pathways, and long-delayed structural reforms. Infrastructure, coach education, and stronger governance systems are also expected to be key topics.

Infantino was clear about ambition. &ldquo;Pakistan is a great football country,&rdquo; he said, adding that FIFA wants to see it competing near the top of Asia.

For a sport that has lived on the margins locally, this renewed attention could shift direction. If handled carefully, Pakistan&rsquo;s football development may finally gain momentum, backed by stability rather than slogans.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms a Pakistan visit after talks with PM Shehbaz Sharif, underlining renewed focus on football reform.

Gianni Infantino Plans Pakistan Visit to Push Football Forward

Real Madrid remains top of football&rsquo;s rich list, and this time the gap says plenty. According to the latest Deloitte Money League, the Spanish club generated close to &euro;1.2 billion in the 2024&ndash;25 season, despite winning no major trophies.

Much of that growth came from the revamped Santiago Bernab&eacute;u, now a year-round venue for concerts and events. Commercial revenue alone topped &euro;594 million, a figure that would place Madrid among Europe&rsquo;s elite even without matchday or broadcast income.

That balance is why Madrid stayed ahead while others scrambled.

<h2>Liverpool Set the English Pace</h2>

The most striking movement came from Merseyside. Liverpool climbed above their domestic rivals for the first time, leading the English contingent after a season that clicked both on and off the pitch. So did a return to the Champions League and another Premier League title run.

Revenue hit 836 million euros, nudging them into the top tier of the Deloitte Money League table. Manchester City slipped to sixth following an early European exit, while Manchester United fell even further after missing out on <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/183/1">Champions League</a> football altogether.

Arsenal, meanwhile, edged past United, underlining how quickly financial order can shift when results dry up.

<h2>Europe&rsquo;s Elite and the Bigger Picture</h2>

Barcelona climbed back to second place despite playing the entire season away from Camp Nou during its redevelopment. Bayern Munich finished third, helped by their Champions League success and the expanded Club World Cup, with Paris Saint-Germain close behind.

Across Europe, the top 20 clubs reported combined revenues of &euro;12.4 billion, up 11 percent year on year. Broadcast income has stabilised, but clubs with strong global brands and modern stadiums continue to unlock new revenue streams.

That is why the football rich list keeps favoring those who think beyond matchday gates. Hotels, restaurants, breweries, and entertainment zones are now part of the blueprint. Real Madrid mastered that shift early.&nbsp;

Real Madrid remain football’s richest club as Liverpool surge, Barcelona rebound, and Premier League power reshapes Europe’s revenue rankings.

Real Madrid Lead Global Football Rich List as European Revenues Surge

Matchday momentum has changed the mood across Europe. At the top, Arsenal have been ruthless, six wins from six, leaving no room for debate. Bayern Munich follow closely, efficient and calm, while Paris Saint-Germain continue to score freely without slipping.

Manchester City, Atalanta, Inter, and Real Madrid remain well placed, yet nothing feels settled. One dropped result could slide a team from comfort into calculation. Suddenly, goal difference matters again.&nbsp;

This is where <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/183/1">UEFA</a> Champions League qualification scenarios begin to dominate dressing room conversations.

<h2>Giants Feeling the Heat</h2>

Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Tottenham sit just outside the automatic round-of-16 cut. They are winning, but not breathing easy. Newcastle and Chelsea hover nearby, watching, waiting, knowing help from elsewhere might be required.

Barcelona&rsquo;s position raises eyebrows, and the Catalans are clinging to the playoff zone, far from the authority usually expected. Juventus and Benfica are in similar territory, competitive yet exposed. One poor night, one loose pass, and elimination becomes real.

The Champions League table 2025-26 does not flatter reputations. It rewards sharp finishing and punishes hesitation.

<h2>The Thin Line Between Hope and Exit</h2>

Below the playoff line, the margins shrink fast. Napoli, PSV, and Galatasaray still have paths forward, but they need results and favors. Clubs like Ajax, Villarreal, and Slavia Prague are already staring uphill, calculators out, nerves tight.

For those slipping toward the bottom, the verdict is close. A single loss could shut the door entirely.&nbsp;

The final slots promise chaos, with eight spots for direct qualification. Eight for seeded playoffs and eight unseeded. This Champions League season 2025-26 is no longer about form alone; it is about survival.

The Champions League table is heating up as qualification scenarios sharpen. Big clubs push forward while others stare at sudden exits.

UEFA Champions League Qualification Scenarios: What Happens Next

For Sadio Mane, the Africa Cup of Nations has always been more than just another tournament. It&rsquo;s been a stage for defining moments, immense pressure, and the chance to lift a nation&rsquo;s spirits. The Senegalese forward, who will turn 34 in April, is preparing to lead the Lions of Teranga against hosts Morocco in the 2026 AFCON final in Rabat, a match he has confirmed will be his last at the tournament.

<h2>A Career of Triumphs, Trials, and AFCON Glory</h2>

Mane&rsquo;s international journey began in 2012 against Morocco, shortly after his 20th birthday, and over the last 14 years, he has become Senegal&rsquo;s talisman with more than 120 caps. The pinnacle of his career came in February 2022 when he converted the decisive penalty against Egypt to give Senegal their first-ever AFCON trophy.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Before I won the Africa Cup, sometimes I played badly because of the pressure,&rdquo; Mane reflected on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. &ldquo;Senegal is a country where the national team carries enormous expectations, so winning was vital.&rdquo;

There have been setbacks along the way. Mane experienced heartbreak in the 2019 AFCON final loss to Algeria and missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury. Yet, he has consistently risen to the occasion, most recently scoring the winner against Mohamed Salah&rsquo;s Egypt in Wednesday&rsquo;s semi-final. That strike set the stage for what could be the most emotional chapter of his international career.

Now at Al-Nassr, where he plays alongside <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/cristiano-ronaldos-new-al-nassr-contract-details-revealed/722-7-0">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, Mane remains at the top of his game. Despite being heavily marked in Morocco, he has scored 11 AFCON goals over his career, joining a rare group of African players to reach double figures in the competition. His leadership extends beyond scoring, as he guides a team that includes stars like goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, skipper Kalidou Koulibaly, and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Coach Pape Thiaw, who took over from Aliou Cisse in late 2024, is fully aware of Mane&rsquo;s influence. &ldquo;A player like him doesn&rsquo;t come along every day. We need to make the most of him,&rdquo; Thiaw said after Senegal&rsquo;s semi-final win. With young talents like Everton&rsquo;s Iliman Ndiaye and PSG&rsquo;s Ibrahim Mbaye stepping up, Mane&rsquo;s legacy is secure, even as he prepares to step away from the AFCON stage.

Sunday&rsquo;s final is a potential crowning moment for Mane, a chance to bring a second title to Senegal in three editions, and to solidify his place among Africa&rsquo;s footballing immortals. For fans, it&rsquo;s a final that promises passion, skill, and a fitting farewell for one of the continent&rsquo;s finest.

Senegal star Sadio Mane eyes a historic second Africa Cup of Nations title as he faces hosts Morocco in the 2026 final, marking his AFCON farewell.

Sadio Mane Leads Senegal in AFCON 2026 Final Against Morocco

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick addressed Xabi Alonso&rsquo;s exit from Real Madrid on Wednesday, insisting that the former midfielder remains a top-level coach with a promising future ahead of him.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona&rsquo;s Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Racing Santander, Hansi Flick Barcelona reflected on Alonso&rsquo;s sudden departure and stressed that such developments are part of the game.

Flick&rsquo;s Barcelona had defeated Alonso&rsquo;s Xabi Alonso Real Madrid side in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday. The next day, Madrid announced the departure of Alonso and replaced him with &Aacute;lvaro Arbeloa. Although the situation was uncharacteristic, Flick made it a point to highlight Alonso&rsquo;s positive qualities, even though Alonso had to leave the club.

&ldquo;We have to continue, we have to think about what we can do better, but he&rsquo;s a fantastic coach and also has a great future,&rdquo; Flick said during the press conference.

The period of Alonso at <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/real-madrid-new-head-coach-alvaro-arbeloa-profile/3047-5-0">Madrid</a> was less than eight months. He came in with significant momentum as he had guided Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title without defeat in 2024. Flick believes the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich player will not be out of work for long.

&ldquo;This is football, and it&rsquo;s not my business, but what I can say is that I have a very good relationship with Xabi,&rdquo; Flick explained.

&ldquo;I met him at Leverkusen, when I was the (German) national coach, and I always stayed in contact with him. He&rsquo;s a fantastic coach.&rdquo;

Flick acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football management and offered his best wishes to Alonso for the next phase of his career.

&ldquo;This is football, we have to accept these things. I wish him all the best, and I think he will get a new one, a big project for him and his team.&rdquo;

As for Barcelona, Flick ensured that the loaned Joao Cancelo was fit to play in the following cup game. He highlighted the attacking qualities of Cancelo and said the Portuguese full-back may prove an important asset for the rest of the season.

&ldquo;Joao is a fantastic football player, with a lot of quality in attack and this is what we need,&rdquo; Flick added.

&ldquo;When the opponent is (deep in their own territory), we have to (overcome) them, and we need quality, and he&rsquo;s a good option for that.&rdquo;

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick speaks about Xabi Alonso’s exit from Real Madrid, praising his coaching ability and backing him to land another major project soon.

Hansi Flick Supports Xabi Alonso After Real Madrid Departure

From the first whistle, this never felt like a controlled contest. Every pass carried weight, as Barcelona leaned on possession, while Real Madrid waited, patient and sharp, ready to burst forward at speed.

The deadlock finally broke late in the first half. Raphinha, who had barely been involved, kept his shot low and found the corner past Thibaut Courtois. Barcelona had its moment, and it did not last.

Vin&iacute;cius J&uacute;nior hit back almost at once. He cut in from the left, skipped past his defender, and guided the ball into the net. The noise inside King Abdullah Sports City told the story.

<h2>Goals, Replies, And No Breathing Room</h2>

Just before the interval, Robert Lewandowski added another twist. Pedri spotted the run, and the pass arrived perfectly. The finish floated delicately over Courtois, and Barcelona were back in front, again.

Still, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/real-madrid-mbappe-knee-injury-laliga-title-race-update/2881-7-0">Madrid</a> refused to trail for long, while deep into stoppage time, Gonzalo Garc&iacute;a reacted quickest after a header rattled the bar. Players jogged off at 2&ndash;2, shaking heads, barely believing the scoreline.

The second half slowed the tempo but not the tension. Space vanished as the midfield clogged, and then came the moment that tipped it.

Raphinha let fly from distance, as the strike clipped a defender, changed direction, and left Courtois stranded. Barcelona surged ahead for the third time.&nbsp;

<h2>Late Drama Seals The Night</h2>

Real Madrid pushed, as <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/real-madrid-mbappe-doubt-for-manchester-city-champions-league-clash/2616-7-0">Kylian Mbapp&eacute;</a>, carrying a knee issue, entered late and drew immediate attention. Frenkie de Jong&rsquo;s mistimed lunge earned a red card, turning the closing minutes frantic.

Madrid pressed with numbers, while Barcelona clung on with shape and stubborn legs. Chances appeared at both ends, as Marcus Rashford missed a clear opening. On the other side, a late header flew straight at the keeper.

Right after the win, Barcelona players collapsed in celebration. This marked their 16th Spanish Super Cup crown and another Clasico victory. For Xabi Alonso, still waiting for silverware, the questions grow louder, but on this night it was Barcelona who owned the moment.&nbsp;

Raphinha’s brace and Lewandowski’s touch guide Barcelona past Real Madrid in a gripping Spanish Super Cup final packed with drama.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Al Nassr contract details revealed

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Al Nassr contract details revealed