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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Barcelona see off Madrid in thrilling El Clásico to close on title

Raphinha scored twice as FC Barcelona overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a crucial 4-3 home victory against rivals Real Madrid in a pulsating Clasico on Sunday, edging them closer to the La Liga title. Los Blancos had raced into an early two goal lead courtesy of Kylian Mbappe who completed his hat-trick in the second half but it was not enough as Barca battled back to record a crucial victory.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms Liverpool departure

England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Premier League champions Liverpool at the end of the season. The 26-year-old, who has been at the club since he was six, is out of contract on 30 June and is expected to join Real Madrid. The Liverpool-born defender has made 352 appearances, scored 23 goals and provided 86 assists for the club since making his debut in 2016.

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Koundé strikes late as Barcelona down Madrid to claim Copa Del Rey

Jules Kounde lashed in an extra-time screamer as Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey in a remarkable Clasico in Seville. After a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes and with penalties appearing inevitable, the Barcelona defender took possession of the ball 22 yards out and drilled a fine effort into the bottom corner. Barca had been by far the better side in the first half and led through Pedri’s fantastic first-time strike from outside the box but found themselves trailing Madrid in the final ten minutes after a dramatic second half turn around.

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