Real Sociedad and Nigerian international attacker, Umar Sadiq, is a man balancing immense professional pressure with a simple love for home.

In a chat with SuperSport, Sadiq speaks candidly about the sacrifices required to play in the world’s best league, his determination to revive Real Sociedad’s season, and why he has to keep his favourite Nigerian delicacies at bay.

For Sadiq, dedication to his Spanish club demands a serious lifestyle commitment, which sometimes means avoiding the things he loves most—like the rich flavours of Nigerian cuisine.

“The truth is, most Nigerian foods are quite heavy, which isn't ideal for peak performance during a demanding football season,” Sadiq explains to SuperSport.

“So, while I absolutely love it, I barely eat it—I only indulge once in a while. And when I do satisfy that craving, I always prefer to cook something Nigerian at home.”

“To be honest, I don’t go to restaurants much here; I much prefer going directly to the local shops to buy the fresh ingredients, and then I cook the dishes myself at home.”

Real Sociedad attacker Umar Sadiq chats to SuperSport about the immense discipline required to compete in LaLiga. 

This discipline reflects a deeper commitment to his career, though he admits the distance from his homeland can be tough.

“Naturally, of course I miss my home—the family, the culture, the atmosphere.”

“But at the end of the day, this is my career that I chose, and to compete at the highest level requires sacrifice.”

“The good news is that I always make sure I have time to go back home when I am able to, and that connection remains strong, which is great.”

Sadiq currently plies his trade at Real Sociedad, a club with high ambitions that has endured a tough start to the LaLiga season.

The team sits in 14th place in the highly competitive Spanish top flight, recording three wins, three draws, and five losses so far.

However, last weekend’s thrilling 3-2 derby victory over Athletic Club may prove to be the spark they needed.

Real Sociedad attacker Umar Sadiq chats to SuperSport about the immense discipline required to compete in LaLiga. Credit: Getty Images.

Sadiq concedes the start has been difficult, but emphasises the unity that will fuel their comeback.

"It's undeniable; everybody knows that we haven’t started the season in a good way.”

“However, the strength of our team lies in our unity. We are strong and stand together as a team," he insists.

"Crucially, we’ve been having intensive internal discussions, talking to each other daily to see how we can collectively help each other and improve our performance.”

“The mentality shift is already visible; in our last two games, we went into those matches with a significantly stronger, more determined mentality.”

“That’s the exact trajectory we must follow and what we will keep doing consistently.”

“Our commitment is simple: we need to bring the club back to where it deserves to be.”

Real Sociedad attacker Umar Sadiq chats to SuperSport about the immense discipline required to compete in LaLiga. Credit: Getty Images.

For the Nigerian international, playing in Spain remains the ultimate prize, despite the challenges.

"For me, playing in the LaLiga is truly a dream, and everyone knows that. This league is the pinnacle.”

“While football always has its ups and downs—its good moments and its bad moments—I've experienced the full spectrum of emotions here.”

“Right now, I'm fully focused on continuing to learn from every game, trying to enjoy the high-level competition, and most importantly, striving to always be myself on the pitch.”

Looking to his own future, Sadiq is clear about his immediate personal objectives.

"On a personal level, my primary goal is simple: I want to get more playing time.”

“This consistent time on the pitch is essential so that I can demonstrate my talent and what I have to offer the team, the fans, and the league.”

“Once that consistency is established, we will see from there how high we can push both our team's success and my individual achievements.”

He concluded the interview with a powerful message for young African footballers dreaming of following in his footsteps.

“My advice to any young African player is straightforward: they should keep dreaming and absolutely never give up.”

“It is my firm belief that the LaLiga is the best league in the world. The evidence is clear—you just have to look at the continuous success of Spanish teams in all the major European tournaments and see how dominant they consistently are.”

‘These youngsters need to believe in their ability and truly keep dreaming because reaching this level is achievable.”

Xabi Alonso said he landed the job as Real Madrid boss thanks in part to Florian Wirtz and has "no doubts" the German international will soon start delivering for Liverpool.

Together Alonso and Wirtz ended Bayern Munich's stranglehold on the Bundesliga at Bayer Leverkusen, winning a German league and Cup double in 2023/24 without losing a single game.

That success made Alonso the prime candidate to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu when Carlo Ancelotti departed earlier this year.

Wirtz rebuffed the attention of Bayern to move to Liverpool in a £100 million move in June.

However, the 22-year-old has struggled to adjust to the physical rigours of the Premier League.

Wirtz is yet to score for the Reds and has been dropped to the bench for three of Liverpool's last four league games.

Alonso and Wirtz will be reunited on opposite sides for the first time since leaving Germany when Madrid travel to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I have no doubts it could be just a matter of time," said Alonso, who himself played for Liverpool for five years between 2004 and 2009.

"It is a big change for him to come here after so many years in Germany, he needs to adapt, but he is a really special player.

"He has the quality, the personality, he's competitive...I have no doubts with Flo.

"He was so special and one of the reasons I am here. I am thankful to him and, hopefully not tomorrow, but we are looking forward to him showing his quality and his class."

Trent Alexander-Arnold has also made a slow start following his move to Madrid from Liverpool.

The England international has not featured for the 15-time European champions for nearly two months due to a hamstring injury and Alonso's preference for Federico Valverde at right-back since Alexander-Arnold's return to fitness.

"He has great qualities," added Alonso. "It is a new stage for him on a sporting level but also physically and mentally.

"We need to help him to perform at his best level because he is an exceptional player."

Madrid are among five sides with a perfect record from their opening three Champions League games, while Liverpool sit 10th in the 36-team table, three points behind the leaders.

Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford struck for Barcelona as they earned a 3-1 win over Elche in LaLiga on Sunday to bounce back from last weekend's Clasico defeat.

Ferran Torres was also on target for the Catalan giants, who moved back into second place to trail leaders Real Madrid by five points.

Barca continued to struggle in defence and Elche had chances to cause an upset, scoring through Rafa Mir, with the striker also twice hitting the woodwork.

Hansi Flick's Barca have failed to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive league games, in the midst of an injury crisis.

The champions were missing Pedri, Gavi, and Joan Garcia among others, but were able to bring on Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo following spells out of action.

FT: #BarçaElcheCF 3-1

🫡Impecable performance from Hansi Flick's team. #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/6cZUWNheOA

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) November 2, 2025

Teenage star Yamal underwhelmed in last week's defeat by Real Madrid after coming back from a groin issue, but looked more spritely against Elche.

"We found our spirit and intensity," Torres told DAZN.

"I think we're finding last year's Barca, from the first minute to last we gave everything, and we'll keep doing that."

Coached by Eder Sarabia, a former Barcelona assistant coach under Quique Setien, the ninth-placed visitors came to play and impressed.

Barca took the lead after nine minutes when Alejandro Balde drove forward and fed Yamal in the area.

The winger took a touch to set himself and then whipped a clinical finish past former Barca goalkeeper Inaki Pena, a teammate of his last season.

Three minutes later Torres doubled the hosts' advantage, tapping home after Fermin Lopez broke into space down the left and provided an inch-perfect cross.

The striker revealed a t-shirt paying tribute to Valencia, his home region, a year on from the deadly flooding which hit Spain's east coast.

Lopez and Rashford fired narrowly off-target while Pena saved from Torres as Barca squandered some presentable chances.

Mir, who in October was indicted for sexual assault allegations dating back to 2024, pulled a goal back shortly before halftime.

Barca tried to catch the forward offside but he was in his own half when he was played in. Mir bent a shot past Ronald Araujo and Barca goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and in at the far post.

Torres might have scored again before the interval but Pena produced a superb save to tip his strike to safety.

'OUR IDENTITY'

Early in the second half Mir clipped the top of the crossbar with a curling effort as Elche battled well.

Rashford sealed Barca's victory with a superb finish after Lopez picked him out with a cross, for his second league goal of the campaign.

Veteran goalkeeper Szczesny pushed a Mir effort onto the post to save Barca sweating over their advantage in the final stages.

"We have our identity and we show it against all teams. That work has taken us to here and giving that up wouldn't be good," said Elche defender Alvaro Nunez, explaining his side's attacking gameplan.

"We were ourselves and the fans are proud of how we played," said Elche coach Sarabia.

"We know that it's normal that they score goals against us, but we could have got some too."

Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid romped to a 4-0 win over Valencia on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carreras also scored for the rampant hosts as they racked up an easy victory ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash at Liverpool.

Champions Barcelona host Elche on Sunday, looking to reduce the gap back down to five points.

Vinicius started on the left of Madrid's attack after he apologised for his high-profile sulk following his substitution in the Clasico win over Barcelona last weekend.

🏁 FT: @RealMadridEN 4-0 @valenciacf_en
⚽️ 19' @KMbappe (p)
⚽️ 31' @KMbappe
⚽️ 44' @BellinghamJude
⚽️ 82' Carreras
👉 @emirates pic.twitter.com/ft3z9NnR80

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 1, 2025

Madrid coach Xabi Alonso went with arguably his strongest side, despite his team's advantage in the table and the impending visit to Anfield.

Valencia, now winless in six league games and down in 18th, set up to defend and in the opening stages it seemed to be working.

However Madrid were awarded a penalty after a VAR review when Eder Militao's header hit Cesar Tarrega on the hand.

Mbappe missed from the spot against Barcelona last week but the French superstar coolly sent Valencia goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala the wrong way to put his team ahead.

It was his 12th league goal of the season, extending his reign at the head of the Spanish scoring chart.

Mbappe's 13th was soon to follow, with Arda Guler spotting Mbappe's dart into space at the back post and crossing for the forward to volley home.

At the start of the game Mbappe presented his Golden Boot to the fans, which was given this week after finishing as the top European league scorer last season.

Vinicius should have killed the game off before halftime but his poor penalty down the middle was saved by Agirrezabala.

Thierry Correia clumsily felled Carreras and Vinicius appeared to ask Mbappe to take the penalty, which he wasted.

Instead that job was left to Bellingham, who brilliantly found the bottom corner with a powerful drive from distance.

The England international has been in sparkling form over the past fortnight, with goals against Juventus and Barcelona.

Madrid cruised through a second half without great incident until Carreras smashed home the fourth in the 82nd minute.

The Portuguese left-back rifled into the top right corner from just inside the area to score the goal of the night.

Alonso withdrew Vinicius for Rodrygo a few minutes earlier, without complaint this time.

Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra threatened Thibaut Courtois' clean sheet late on but crashed a shot against the far post as Madrid claimed a convincing triumph.

Villarreal continued their strong start to the LaLiga season by thrashing Rayo Vallecano 4-0 to climb above Barcelona into second place provisionally on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid earned a comfortable 3-0 win over Sevilla to tighten their grip on fourth and pull level on points with Barca.

Champions Barcelona host Elche on Sunday and LaLiga leaders Real Madrid welcome Valencia to the Santiago Bernabeu later Saturday.

Marcelino Garcia Toral's Villarreal moved within four points of Madrid with their emphatic home win over Rayo.

Villarreal's key man was playmaker Alberto Moleiro, who joined from Las Palmas in the summer. He scored a fine individual goal and set up another at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

"I'm very happy, I'm finding my form more and more, and my teammates make things easy for me," Moleiro told DAZN.

"We knew that (we could go second), we have to keep focusing on our next game."

El Villarreal brilla, el Villarreal gana. ¡Tres puntos más! 💛#VillarrealRayo pic.twitter.com/VKp4KlARg7

— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) November 1, 2025

Veteran striker Gerard Moreno opened the scoring after 22 minutes, netting for the second consecutive game.

The 33-year-old forward escaped Pep Chavarria in the box with some clever footwork and fired into the far corner.

Moleiro added a superb second after the break, driving forward from his own half, and as Rayo stood off him, he slotted home from outside the area.

The midfielder teed up Santi Comesana for the third two minutes later.

Ayoze Perez grabbed his first goal of the season for Villarreal's fourth, as he begins to find form after injury.

"We were not good in our defending, marking, it's a game where we can keep learning," said Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.

"We can't go crazy because of a bad afternoon, that's what today was and we have to continue."

Atletico Madrid cruised to victory against Sevilla at the Metropolitano stadium with goals from Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada and Antoine Griezmann. They pulled level with Barcelona on 22 points.

Three goals, three points ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/44mLwaPiAV

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 1, 2025

Diego Simeone's side grew into the game but could not find a way past Odysseas Vlachodimos in the first half, while Nico Gonzalez also struck the post.

Atletico found the breakthrough when Tanguy Nianzou fouled Jose Gimenez in the area and Alvarez dispatched the resulting penalty.

Almada tucked away the second after good work by Giuliano Simeone and Griezmann stroked home a fine third late on. It was the French forward's 200th goal in the Spanish top flight.

Atletico extended their unbeaten league run to 10 matches and kept a third consecutive LaLiga clean sheet.

"The team have done good work in these last three games," said Atletico captain Koke.

"We kept a clean sheet, which is very important for us and this part of our identity will help us fight for big things."

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Saturday he will "protect" teenage star Lamine Yamal after recent criticism.

The 18-year-old winger struggled in the Clasico last weekend as champions Barca fell to a defeat that left them five points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Yamal was also in the spotlight for comments before the game insinuating Madrid "steal (and) complain" which riled Los Blancos fans and a big part of the Spanish media.

"We speak with him... we are very honest together, he with me and I with him and this is the best way," Flick told a news conference ahead of Barca's match against Elche on Sunday in La Liga.

"I will always protect him and support him. He's a fantastic player, fantastic guy, he's very young and we will go on this way."

Yamal has been struggling with a groin injury for a few weeks and although he started the Clasico, he put in a subdued performance and still seems affected by the issue.

"Lamine is good. I just spoke with him and he's doing good," continued Flick.

"Of course he has some days where he feels some pain but now he really works hard, he improve a lot about these things. He's on a good evolution so this is what we can say."

The German coach said Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo were available again after injury, while Barca are still without Pedri Gonzalez, Gavi and Joan Garcia among others.

Flick explained veteran striker Lewandowski and playmaker Olmo's returns had helped raise the quality in training.

"What I can see now with Dani and also with Lewy back, the last two training (sessions) were very good," added Flick.

"It's not just that they increase the level and quality, but that the others are increasing their level, also the young players. It's nice to see and hopefully we can show it tomorrow."

The Catlans host Elche at the Olympic Stadium, with the promoted side coached by Eder Sarabia, who was a former Barca assistant coach under Quique Setien.

Elche are in mid-table after a strong start to the season, having suffered only two defeats, and Flick said they play "fantastic football".

After two years in exile as the Camp Nou was renovated, Barcelona will return to the stadium for a public training session on 7 November, the club announced on Friday.

Capacity for the event will be limited to 23 000, less than a quarter of the 105 000 the stadium is expected to hold once the heavily-delayed construction is completed.

"The FC Barcelona men's football first team will officially return to the Spotify Camp Nou next Friday, November 7, to hold an open training session in front of the Barca fan," the club said on its website.

Tickets will cost five euros for club members and €10 for the general public, with proceeds going to a club charity for sick children, said Barcelona.

The Spotify Camp Nou from above 🏟 pic.twitter.com/kxszo6nYi5

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) October 31, 2025

More than two years since the start of renovation works, the famous stadium is still not ready to host matches, even with a reduced capacity.

"This session will also serve as a technical and operational test to ensure the proper functioning of systems, access points, various aspects of the facility, as part of the stadium's gradual reopening process," said the club.

The city's fire department has raised concerns over evacuation routes, among other safety issues.

Barcelona originally hoped to reopen the ground last November but works have been hit by a series of delays.

The city council has only been prepared to approve a capacity of 27 000 spectators, which has prompted the club to continue playing at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic until they can return to Camp Nou in front of at least 45 000 people.

The delay in the work represents a huge financial loss for the club, which needs the revenue generated by its stadium to regain stability.

Financially troubled Barcelona are estimated to be spending €1.5 billion on the rebuild.

Vinicius Junior will face no disciplinary action for his Clasico substitution outburst, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso revealed on Friday.

The Brazilian remonstrated with Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after he was hauled off in the 72nd minute in last weekend's tense 2-1 win over Madrid's arch-rivals Barcelona.

The 25-year-old player issued an apology to Real fans, his teammates, the club and president Florentino Perez – but pointedly not to Alonso – in midweek.

But the Real manager assured Vinicius the affair was "over".

He told a press conference on the eve of Valencia's visit in LaLiga, "On Wednesday, we had a meeting with all the staff, players, and Vinicius gave an impeccable speech.

"He spoke sincerely, from the heart. For me, this matter has been closed since Wednesday."

Alonso said there would be no "reprisals" against the Brazilian forward.

He added: "We are all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction.

"I think the whole team is focused on the field, which is the most important thing.

"We are competitors, all players want to be on the pitch, and that's a good thing. Now, we want to keep moving forward towards our goals, one match at a time."

The Vinicius flashpoint comes with negotiations ongoing over a new contract, although his current deal does not expire until 2027.

He has weighed in with five goals this season in LaLiga, although he has been replaced as the main man in the Real squad by Kylian Mbappe with the Frenchman on 16 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions so far – after scoring 44 in all competitions in his first season at the club.

Real sit top of LaLiga on 27 points, five clear of Barca, and host struggling Valencia on Saturday.

Real Madrid may have beaten Barcelona in last weekend's Clasico but the game exposed problems in both camps, from the difficulties in dealing with Vinicius to the concerning recent form of the Catalans.

Madrid's Brazil superstar Vinicius finally issued an apology on Wednesday, three days after his team defeated arch-rivals Barca 2-1, following his huff at being substituted at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He remonstrated with coach Xabi Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after being hauled off in the 72nd minute and replaced with Rodrygo.

"Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, club and president," said the 25-year-old, who did not mention Alonso.

The flashpoint comes with negotiations ongoing over a new contract, although his current deal does not expire until 2027.

Vinicius has weighed in with five goals this season in LaLiga, although he has been replaced as the main man in the Real squad by Kylian Mbappe with the Frenchman on 16 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions so far – after scoring 44 in all competitions in his first season at the club.

Real fans will be hoping Alonso and Vinicius can go some way towards repairing their relationship in time for Saturday's home meeting with struggling Valencia, who are in the relegation zone.

After that Madrid, who are five points clear of Barcelona at the summit of LaLiga, head to Liverpool on Champions League duty.

Hansi Flick's Barca must bounce back at home to Elche on Sunday after suffering a second defeat in their last three domestic outings, a run that has followed a defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

However, the reigning champions are dealing with something of an injury crisis just now – playmaker Pedri, who was sent off in the Clasico, has now been ruled out for several weeks with a thigh muscle tear.

He joins goalkeepers Joan García and Marc Ter Stegen, as well as Gavi and Raphinha in the treatment room, while Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have at least returned to training.

Elsewhere in LaLiga this weekend, third-placed Villarreal entertain Rayo Vallecano while fourth-placed Atletico Madrid – unbeaten in LaLiga since losing on the opening weekend – take on Sevilla.

Real Sociedad, who are languishing just above the drop zone, host Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby in San Sebastian.

FIXTURES (times GMT)

Friday

Getafe v Girona (8pm)

Saturday

Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano (1pm), Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (3:15pm), Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (5:30pm), Real Madrid v Valencia (8pm)

Sunday

Levante v Celta Vigo (1pm), Alaves v Espanyol (3:15pm), Barcelona v Elche (5:30pm), Real Betis v Mallorca (8pm)

Monday

Real Oviedo v Osasuna (8pm)

Barcelona will look to recover from their 2-1 El Clasico defeat by Real Madrid when they host Elche in LaLiga on Sunday, but they will do so without midfielder Pedri, who is set to miss several weeks due to a leg muscle injury.

The Catalan club, second in the standings and trailing leaders Real Madrid by five points, have been hit hard by injuries this season.

Manager Hansi Flick faces a mounting challenge as Pedri's absence adds to a lengthy list of sidelined players, including Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Teenager Lamine Yamal, who recently returned from rehabilitation, is also struggling with a lingering groin issue, while other key players like Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Fermin Lopez have faced injury setbacks.

Barcelona have had 15 players unavailable since the campaign began.

Elche, eighth in the standings with 14 points from 10 matches, are coming off a three-match winless streak but remain one of the season's surprise packages. They are two points off the European qualification spots and could capitalise on Barcelona's injury crisis.

Real Madrid, under manager Xabi Alonso, will host struggling Valencia on Saturday. Real have enjoyed an excellent run, winning 12 of their 13 matches across all competitions this season.

However, tensions have arisen following Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr's visible frustration at being substituted during last week's El Clasico. The player issued an apology on Wednesday but notably omitted any mention of Alonso, fuelling speculation about a rift.

Alonso addressed the matter, stating, "These are things we will handle internally."

With a Champions League clash against Liverpool scheduled for Tuesday, Alonso may rotate his squad for the weekend fixture.

Valencia, 18th in LaLiga with nine points, are winless in nearly six weeks and are already in a fight to avoid relegation.

Elsewhere, third-placed Villarreal host Rayo Vallecano, while fourth-placed Atletico Madrid welcome Sevilla to the Metropolitano Stadium. Both teams will look to close the gap on the top two.

Real Madrid and Super League promoters are seeking more than $4 billion in damages from UEFA, which they accuse of unfairly torpedoing the breakaway competition, a source told AFP on Thursday.

A Spanish court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal from UEFA relating to the league.

Proposed in 2021 by 12 elite European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Super League project quickly collapsed due to fierce opposition from English clubs' fans and threats from UEFA and FIFA.

The European Court of Justice ruled in December 2023 that the ban on the Super League was contrary to European law.

Last year, a Spanish judge said FIFA and UEFA had "prevented free competition" by opposing the Super League, ruling they were practising anti-competitive behaviour and abusing their dominant position.

The court in Madrid on Wednesday also rejected appeals filed by LaLiga and the Spanish football federation.

Real Madrid will seek "substantial" compensation from UEFA after a Spanish court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal from European football's governing body relating to the breakaway Super League.

Proposed in 2021 by 12 elite European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Super League project quickly collapsed due to fierce opposition from English clubs' fans and threats from UEFA and FIFA.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in December 2023 that the ban on the Super League was contrary to European law.

Last year, a Spanish judge said FIFA and UEFA had "prevented free competition" by opposing the Super League, ruling they were practising anti-competitive behaviour and abusing their dominant position.

The court in Madrid on Wednesday also rejected appeals filed by LaLiga and the Spanish football federation.

The scope of the court's decision is uncertain, however, as it tackles regulations that have been completely rewritten in the interim period.

Real Madrid said they were "delighted" by the ruling, "confirming that UEFA, in the matter of the Super League, seriously infringed the European Union's free competition rules... by abusing its dominant position".

"The club announces that it will continue to work for the good of global football and fans, while claiming substantial damages from UEFA," Real Madrid said in a statement.

The project's promoter A22 Sports Management said it regretted that UEFA has "refused any path of compromise" and "reforms" despite several months of discussions, and claimed to have "no other choice" but "to initiate proceedings to obtain compensation for the damages suffered".

Brazilian forward Vinicius has issued a public apology to Real Madrid after his angered reaction to being substituted during a tense 2-1 win over arch-rival Barcelona at the weekend.

Vinicius remonstrated with coach Xabi Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after he was hauled off in the 72nd minute and replaced with Rodrygo.

🚨 Vinicius is fuming as Xabi Alonso subs him off after his amazing performance, kicks the bottles away and walks straight down the tunnel.

xabi is disgraceful.

pic.twitter.com/eUoBKi5sBr

— Earth_Wanderer (@earth_tracker) October 26, 2025

Vinicius did not mention the Real Madrid coach in his apology.

"Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done it in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, club and president," said the 25-year-old.

"Sometimes passion gets the better of me by always wanting to win and help my team. My competitive nature is born from the love I feel for this club and for everything it represents. I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one," Vinícius said.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Vini Jr statement. 🤍🇧🇷

“Today I want to apologize to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clásico.

Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologize again to my teammates, the club, and the… pic.twitter.com/S2c2w2cwVh

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 29, 2025

The player did return to the pitch-side to see out the match, and was one of the players embroiled in a stand off with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.

Alonso said after the game that the matter of Vinicius's huff would be dealt with in the dressing room.

Atletico Madrid earned a solid 2-0 win at Real Betis on Monday to move fourth in La Liga and bounce back from their Champions League thrashing by Arsenal.

Diego Simeone's side lost 4-0 last week in north London but put that defeat behind them with a strong display at La Cartuja stadium, where Betis are playing on a temporary basis.

They were able to record only their second clean sheet in their last nine games across all competitions and their first away win of the season.

The coach's son, Giuliano Simeone, opened the scoring with Alex Baena netting the second before half-time.

"This is an important win, hard-fought, and I'm happy," Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told Movistar.

"I hope we continue like this, away from home, not just at home... it was a great game from the whole team and a big effort."

Giuliano Simeone fired the visitors ahead in the opening stages with a neat finish from the edge of the box.

Star summer signing Baena curled home his first goal for the club before half-time to double the Rojiblancos' lead.

Real Betis were the better team in the second half and hit the crossbar from Abde Ezzalzouli's free-kick, but Atletico's defence held firm.

Atletico trail La Liga leaders Real Madrid by eight points, although they are the only team to inflict defeat on their city rivals.

Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis, sixth, are now three points behind Atletico.

"Today we were lacking in the final third, we had to be a little sharper in front of goal," Betis playmaker Giovani Lo Celso told Movistar.

"The team worked hard and tried until the end, for the fans who filled the stadium on a rainy Monday and didn't stop backing us. We have to turn the page and continue."

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will undergo surgery on his right knee, dealing another blow to the defender who has battled persistent injury problems over the past year.

"Following tests carried out on our captain, Dani Carvajal, by Real Madrid's medical services, he has been diagnosed with a loose body in his right knee. Carvajal will undergo arthroscopic surgery," the LaLiga leaders said in a short statement on Monday.

According to club sources, the veteran defender could be sidelined for up to 10 weeks as he recovers from yet another operation on his troublesome right knee. The latest setback means Carvajal is likely to miss the remainder of 2025.

The news came a day after Carvajal played 19 minutes as a substitute in Real's dramatic 2-1 El Clasico victory over bitter rivals Barcelona.

That fiery encounter extended Real's lead atop the LaLiga standings to five points, with the club sitting on 27 points to Barcelona's 22.

Carvajal's injury woes stretch back over a year, when he ruptured two ligaments and a tendon in a LaLiga match against Villarreal in early October 2024, forcing the 33-year-old defender to miss a large part of the previous season.

While he returned to action during July's Club World Cup semifinals, he has since struggled to string together consistent appearances due to minor muscle problems.

The latest surgery represents another frustrating setback for a player whose experience and leadership have been crucial to Real Madrid's success.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso hailed Clasico match-winner Jude Bellingham on Sunday after a week in which his goals were vital for the club, proving he is back to his best after returning from shoulder surgery.

Bellingham netted Madrid's second goal in their 2-1 LaLiga win over Barcelona and set up the first for Kylian Mbappe, after scoring the winner as Los Blancos beat Juventus 1-0 on Wednesday in the Champions League.

The midfielder missed several weeks at the start of the season after having the surgery to resolve a long-standing shoulder problem, and was not called up for England duty by coach Thomas Tuchel for matches earlier in October.

"We saw it against Juventus, and today, and against Getafe (last weekend), in the last week he's had three very good games," Alonso told reporters.

The first #ElClasico of the season falls the way of Real Madrid 👏⚪#SSLaLiga pic.twitter.com/KKQdSHrHm3

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 26, 2025

"At first you need a bit of time, some minutes to get in gear, and it's gone even better than we expected after the last international break, when he was here and not with the national team.

"Jude is a player who is about feelings, on communicating and connecting, and that's why he has played some very good matches."

Nosotros 🫶 Jude pic.twitter.com/hkg58SSIX2

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 26, 2025

Bellingham's goal against Juventus was his first at the Santiago Bernabeu since April.

Madrid stretched their lead on champions Barcelona to five points at the top of the table thanks to Bellingham's winner, after Mbappe opened the scoring and Fermin Lopez equalised for the visitors.

Talk before the game was dominated by comments made by Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal suggesting Madrid "steal" and "complain", but Alonso said his team did not need the extra incentive to beat Barca, after four Clasico defeats last season.

💪 LÍDERES 💪 pic.twitter.com/So1x4FUBh2

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 26, 2025

"The team was very motivated, we had been talking about how important the game was beforehand, not just for the three points," explained Alonso.

"(But instead) for where (we) came from, for having a good game, deserving to win, and I am very happy for the boys above all because they needed this feeling of being able to win a big game, like Clasicos are."

Madrid had three goals disallowed for offside and outplayed the Catalans in Alonso's first Clasico.

Winger Vinicius Junior impressed for Madrid but raised eyebrows when he complained vociferously when he was substituted.

"I don't want to lose focus on what is really important here... Vini brought a lot, like the other players," added Alonso.

"It's an important win and it could even have been bigger.

Lamine Yamal's words before the Clasico caused more of a stir than his subdued performance on the pitch as Barcelona fell to defeat, and the 18-year-old star can take some valuable lessons moving forward.

For the first time the teenager became the main focus of an entire stadium's ire after comments he made before Real Madrid's 2-1 victory on Sunday became the focus of heavy criticism in the capital.

Joking on a social media stream appearance Yamal suggested Real Madrid "steal" and "complain", and he was harangued by the Santiago Bernabeu crowd as a result during Los Blancos's triumph that sent them five points clear of Barca at the top of LaLiga.

Madrid players, led by captain Dani Carvajal, headed towards Yamal to remonstrate with him, as the ill-tempered ending to the game boiled over after the final whistle.

Yamal will learn that if he says anything remotely controversial it will always be blown up by Madrid media outlets, as is true on the other side of the rivalry.

Barcelona's assistant coach, Marcus Sorg, filling in for the suspended Hansi Flick, said the atmosphere might have affected Yamal's flat display.

"It could be (that), probably a little bit, because he is also learning to deal with the crowd, the shouting and whistles from spectators," said Sorg.

"It's normal. Normally he's very motivated and plays well. Today it was not so easy for him."

Yamal has also now learned that sometimes he will get his comeuppance, which in his fledgling career he has not experienced much of.

He lifted Euro 2024 with Spain last year and went on to win a domestic treble with Barcelona, as well as finishing second in the Ballon d'Or award voting.

The forward has been quick to fire out jibes on social media, and last season said Real Madrid players can speak "when they beat me".

However in a rivalry as intense and storied as the Clasico there will always be swings of dominance, highs and lows.

Barcelona won all four Clasico matches last season and Madrid players had that sentiment in mind as they sought out the teenager.

"Talk is cheap," wrote Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid's match-winner, on an Instagram post in a thinly-veiled retort to Yamal.

'MAKE A SCENE'

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong criticised Carvajal, 33, for arguing with Yamal in public.

"If Carvajal wanted to speak to Lamine, he could do so in private," said De Jong.

"If he thinks he shouldn't do things like (those comments) he could call him. They're teammates (with Spain), they know each other. Why do you have to make a scene on the pitch?"

On the other hand Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni said Yamal's comments were not particularly upsetting.

"They're just words, and there's no bad intention. It motivates us a bit more, but if Lamine wants to talk, he can do so, there's no problem," Tchouameni told reporters.

"When I was little, I remember the exchanges between Barca and Real players before matches, and we liked that. In the end, the match is played on the pitch."

Yamal's performance was unusually gray, with the winger seemingly still affected by a groin injury he has been working to recover from.

He rarely tried to beat his opponents one-on-one, in part thanks to Madrid's attentive defending.

"He came from an injury and he needs rhythm, more games at the highest level," said Sorg, who also noted the teenager was getting extra attention from Barca's opposition this season.

"The opponents try everything to defend very well, they adapt this season," continued Flick's assistant.

"They often play two against one against him... he's young and he has to improve and we will help him."

It would be a shame for Yamal to lose some of the spike which makes him interesting both on and off the pitch, but his disappointing afternoon will give him plenty to think about in the weeks and months ahead.

Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham earned Real Madrid a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a spiky El Clasico on Sunday that snapped a four-match losing streak against their rivals and extended their lead atop the LaLiga standings.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a close-range finish after a perfectly timed through ball from Bellingham.

However, Barcelona capitalised on a mistake by Arda Guler to equalise in the 38th minute through Fermin Lopez.

Real regained the lead five minutes later when Bellingham tapped in from inside the six-yard box following an inspired run and cross by Vinicius Jr.

Real had several chances but were denied by an excellent display from Barca keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who kept out Mbappe's penalty early in the second half.

Barcelona barely threatened Real keeper Thibaut Courtois after the break and finished the match with 10 men after midfielder Pedri earned a second yellow card for a sliding tackle from behind on Aurelien Tchouameni in added time.

The closing stages were marked by drama as Vinicius Jr reacted angrily to being substituted by manager Alonso, storming down the tunnel before returning to the bench.

The Brazilian was later involved in a heated exchange between players from both sides, prompting Spanish police to intervene and prevent a full-scale brawl.

A dramatic end to the #ElClasico at the Bernabéu 🤯🟥#SSLaLiga pic.twitter.com/XnrZqV7cFj

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 26, 2025

Real moved to 27 points at the top of the LaLiga standings, five ahead of Barcelona in second.

After four consecutive defeats to Barcelona across three competitions, Real Madrid entered the match like a team that was desperately in need of a statement win to validate the project of new manager Xabi Alonso.

"I'm very happy for the lads. They needed this feeling of winning a big match," Alonso told reporters.

"We know it's still October and it's early days, that we have a lot of work to do. But we wanted to feel good about ourselves, and that's how it's been. We need a lot of what we've seen today."

PENALTY OVERTURNED

Real applied a relentless high press from the get-go and, roared on by a sold-out Santiago Bernabeu crowd, they cornered Barcelona in a match that started with controversy as referee Cesar Soto Grado overturned a penalty for Real Madrid after a VAR review.

The official ruled that Vinicius Jr had kicked Lamine Yamal's leg while attempting a shot, reversing his initial decision.

But it wasn’t the first call that left the Real Madrid players and coach fuming at the referee and a few minutes later Mbappe had a stunning long-range strike ruled out for offside, despite replays suggesting Barcelona's Lopez may have been the last to touch the ball.

Real Madrid kept piling on the pressure, dominating proceedings with over 75% of possession in the first half-hour but they were frustrated by Szczesny who made some remarkable saves to deny Mbappe, Dean Huijsen and Vinicius Jr from close range.

Their persistence paid off when Mbappe latched onto Bellingham's through ball and slotted home to break the deadlock, but Barcelona equalised against the run of play following Guler's mistake.

VAR can't stop this one 😤🎯

Kylian Mbappé has the first say at the Bernabéu 🗣️

Watch #ElClasico live on SuperSport in one of three language options 🎙️

📺 Stream on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/NXPNKPsbc1

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 26, 2025

Real then responded emphatically, with Vinicius Jr tormenting Barcelona's defence.

The Brazilian winger created Real's second goal, breezing past Frenkie De Jong and Jules Kounde on the left wing before delivering a cross that Eder Militao headed back into the path of Bellingham, who tapped into an empty net in the 43rd minute.

Real Madrid have a response for Barcelona's equaliser 😤

The goals keep coming at the Bernabéu ⚽⚽⚽

📺 Stream #ElClasico on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQWD1K pic.twitter.com/sfvDKtw6JZ

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 26, 2025

Real had several chances to extend their lead early in the second half, including a penalty awarded for Eric Garcia's handball.

However, Szczesny, Barcelona's standout performer, denied Mbappe with a superb one-handed save, adding to his string of crucial interventions that kept the visitors in the game.

Despite enjoying more possession in the final 30 minutes, Barcelona lacked creativity in attack and failed to trouble Courtois while their frustrations were compounded when Pedri received a second yellow card.

"In the first half, we weren't quite sharp enough with the ball, and that's where they're very dangerous," De Jong told DAZN.

"In the second half, we controlled the game, but we struggled to create dangerous chances."

Villarreal earned a 2-0 derby win at Valencia on Saturday to move into third place and keep the pressure on Real Madrid and Barcelona ahead of the Clasico.

On Sunday, leaders Madrid host champions Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Gerard Moreno and Santi Comesana netted for Villarreal in an east coast derby clash at Valencia's Mestalla stadium to keep the top two in their sights.

Madrid lead Barcelona by two points and Villarreal by four heading into the Clasico.

Both clubs and the fans at Mestalla paid tribute before kick-off to the victims of the deadly flooding which hit the Valencia region a year ago.

Veteran striker Moreno won and converted a penalty on his 300th appearance for the club before halftime to put Villarreal in front at the interval of an even battle. It was his first goal since January.

Comesana converted from close range as the visitors stepped up a gear in the second half, with Valencia unable to hurt Marcelino Garcia Toral's side.

"The team did great work and this was a deserved victory," Moreno told Movistar.

Espanyol climbed provisionally fourth in LaLiga with a 1-0 win over promoted Elche, to celebrate their 125th anniversary in style.

Carlos Romero's second-half goal earned a second consecutive victory for Manolo Gonzalez's team, who have started the season strongly after finishing 14th last season.

Espanyol, founded on October 28, 1900, opened a special fan zone outside the stadium with music and food to mark their anniversary.

Borja Mayoral's second-half goal earned Getafe a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao, while Real Oviedo rescued a 3-3 draw at Girona in a battle between the bottom two sides.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said his team are arriving at Sunday's LaLiga Clasico in better shape after correcting mistakes made in their derby thrashing by Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos suffered a humiliating 5-2 beating by rivals Atletico in their only defeat of the season after 12 games across all competitions.

Alonso's side hold a two-point lead on Barcelona at the top of the table as they prepare to host the champions this weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Without doubt, a few weeks have passed in which we have been correcting things, doing things better," Alonso told a news conference Saturday.

"For tomorrow, we are arriving in a good moment, both in terms of morale, in a footballing sense, our competitive level – it's a good moment."

Alonso's side were hammered 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals this summer and the Clasico offers them another chance to prove they can handle the biggest occasions.

"These are important games, and I don't just like to evaluate based on result, but on the process, right?" said Alonso.

"In this process of 12 games there has been growth. There's still room to improve but we're just (about to reach) November.

"No trophies have been given out, no medals have been won. There is a long way to go this season, but right now the most important thing is tomorrow. We only have tomorrow's Clasico in our heads."

ADVANTAGE BARCA

Last season, Barcelona beat Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid in both league Clasicos as well as in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals.

"There could be similar situations (in this game) so we have analysed them, but the moment is different for them and for us," said Alonso, who took charge in June.

"Our project is different, it's starting, we're working on things daily and for tomorrow we will try and bring forward our strengths and have a good game."

Alonso confirmed he would have virtually all players available for the game, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen expected to be fit after injury problems.