🥐 Joy for Barça, Real in turmoil... 5️⃣ stories to start your day

Friday’s matchday leaves us with a vibrant scene where knockout competition and strategic boardroom moves steal the spotlight.

While FC Barcelona breathes a sigh of relief after sealing their qualification at El Sardinero, Real Madrid is going through an unprecedented institutional and sporting crisis following their recent Copa elimination, now worsened by physical doubts surrounding their biggest star.

Beyond the pitch, managing young talent has become the top priority for major clubs. From the historic contract extension for Giuliano Simeone at the Metropolitano to the interest of European giants in gems developed at Valdebebas, the winter transfer market is beginning to reveal its most ambitious cards.

Barça delivers in Santander and Valencia doesn’t slip up

FC Barcelona are now in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey after overcoming a tough test against Racing de Santander. Goals from Fermín López and Lamine Yamal were enough to overcome a combative Cantabrian side that came close to equalizing in the final moments. Alongside the Catalans, Valencia also secured their spot in the next round after convincingly defeating Burgos, thus completing a quarterfinal draw that will be held this Monday.

Mbappé a serious doubt against Levante after Albacete chaos

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The situation at Real Madrid is extremely tense. After the humiliating Copa exit against Albacete, it has been confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is likely to miss this Saturday’s league clash against Levante. The French star, who already missed the Copa disaster, continues to struggle with physical issues, further heating up the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu, where a loud protest is being prepared against the squad and team management following recent results.

Historic contract extension for Giuliano Simeone until 2030

Atlético de Madrid has made a statement in their sporting plans by announcing the renewal of Giuliano Simeone. The “cholito” is now tied to the rojiblanco club until 2030 and, most notably, under a €500 million release clause. With this move, the Madrid club secures the continuity of one of its most in-form players, consolidating him as a fundamental pillar of the project in both the short and long term.

Inter Milan sets sights on Nico Paz

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One of the transfer market bombshells comes from Italy: Inter Milan wants to sign Nico Paz. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Oaktree group has identified the young talent—currently shining at Como but under Real Madrid’s watchful eye—as their main target. The Nerazzurri’s offer could range between €50 and €60 million, including a buy-back clause for Real Madrid, an operation aimed at securing one of Serie A’s most promising prospects.

LaLiga seeks to certify the quality of its academies

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In a pioneering move to protect domestic talent, LaLiga has reached a strategic agreement with AENOR. The goal is to create a quality seal certifying which are the best academies in Spain based on objective training and management parameters. This initiative aims to set the Spanish model apart from the rest of Europe, highlighting the work of “La Fábrica,” “La Masía,” and the rest of the country’s youth football schools.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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