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Nico Paz explains why he stayed at Como instead of rejoining Real Madrid

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Nico Paz -Real Madrid U-21 Team
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Nico Paz has opened up about his decision to reject a return to Real Madrid this summer, insisting that staying at Como was the best choice for his development.

Nico Paz Reveals Why He Turned Down Real Madrid Return: “I Made the Right Decision”

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder became a hot topic in the Spanish capital ahead of the summer transfer window.

Following an outstanding season in Serie A with Como, widespread reports suggested that Real Madrid were prepared to activate their buyback clause to bring the Argentine back to the Santiago Bernabéu.

However, the saga concluded with Paz remaining in Italy, signing a new big-money agreement with the Serie A club.

Now, the young playmaker has provided insight into the key factor behind his decision to snub the Spanish heavyweights.

Speaking to the media after playing a starring role in Como’s first-ever Champions League victory on Thursday night, Paz explained his reasoning.

“I thought this was where I would grow the most,” he stated. “I think I made the right decision and I’m glad I did.”

Paz’s performance in Europe’s elite competition underscored his immense potential, validating his choice to prioritize regular playing time and continued development at Como over an early return to Madrid.

While Real Madrid certainly possesses immense allure, the 22-year-old recognized that consistent minutes in a competitive league would accelerate his growth more effectively than a bit-part role at the Bernabéu.

His decision demonstrates remarkable maturity and a clear understanding of his career trajectory.

By committing to Como, Paz has bet on himself and his ability to develop into a top-tier talent.

For now, the Argentine international focuses on making history with his current club, proving that sometimes, the path to greatness requires forging your own way rather than following the expected route.

Real Madrid lock down goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with new contract

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Thibaut Courtois reveals team he will support after Belgium exit
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Belgian goalkeeper commits to extended stay at the Bernabeu after breakthrough in talks.

Real Madrid Seal New Deal With Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Thibaut Courtois to extend his contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The veteran goalkeeper will stay at the Bernabeu for at least one more season, with his current terms set to run out at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

The deal caps a productive week for Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho’s team opened its 2026-27 Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan.

Off the pitch, club officials also secured a commitment from Arda Guler, who will extend his stay until 2032.

Midfielder Jude Bellingham is also negotiating a renewal, as Real Madrid works to lock down two important first-team figures.

Courtois has served Real Madrid with distinction since joining from Chelsea in 2018.

The Belgian international has made 338 appearances across all competitions, and he will add to that tally before he leaves.

He has openly expressed a desire to retire in Madrid, and his continued excellence gives the club little reason to look elsewhere for now.

Real Madrid has not yet secured a long-term successor for Courtois. That decision will come later, when the moment suits both sides.

For now, the club can celebrate keeping an experienced leader and one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

The agreement underlines Real Madrid’s plan to blend stability with youth.

With Guler and Bellingham tied down or close to it, and Courtois staying, the Spanish giants are building a squad capable of competing on all fronts.

Fans will now wait for official confirmation, but Romano’s report suggests the goalkeeper’s future is settled. Courtois will remain at the Bernabeu until at least the summer of 2028.

Jose Mourinho predicts Vini Jr will decide matches again after Inter win

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Carlo Ancelotti hails Vinicius Jr after scoring in Madrid derby clash
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Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has thrown his full support behind Vinicius Junior, predicting the Brazilian forward will soon rediscover his match-winning form despite facing criticism from fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mourinho Tells Real Madrid Fans: Vinicius Junior Will Return to His Best

The Spanish giants opened their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday night.

First-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde gave Los Blancos a commanding lead before Carlos Augusto’s late strike set up a nervy finish.

Thibaut Courtois delivered an outstanding performance between the posts to secure the three points.

Mourinho acknowledged the match could have finished 6-6 and questioned why his Belgian goalkeeper missed out on the Man of the Match award.

However, the Portuguese coach reserved his strongest words for Vinicius Junior, who received boos from sections of the crowd after being substituted with three minutes remaining.

“I’m not criticizing the fans; I’m speaking as a coach and about my relationship with him,” Mourinho said on RMFC Website.

“He deserves all my respect. He’s not at his best, and we all see that.

He’s the first to know it and is working very hard to be the player who decides matches.”

The 25-year-old has contributed one goal and two assists in four La Liga appearances this season, ranking joint-second for key passes per game.

His three clear-cut chances created trail only Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler.

Vinicius earned a spot on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Tuesday.

Despite his slow start under Mourinho, the manager remains confident: “The time will come when he decides matches.”

Thibaut Courtois admits Real Madrid got lucky against Inter Milan

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Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois names his greatest all-time save

Thibaut Courtois has offered a brutally honest verdict on Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory against Inter Milan, admitting the scoreline could have easily finished 4-4 at the Bernabeu.

“It Could Have Been 4-4!” – Courtois Issues Stark Warning After Real Madrid Survive Inter Scare

The Belgian goalkeeper was the hero for Los Blancos on Tuesday night, producing a series of crucial saves as Jose Mourinho’s men narrowly secured three points in their league phase opener.

Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde found the net for the home side, but Inter created enough chances to feel aggrieved by the result.

“We played against a great rival, one of the best teams in Europe,” Courtois told Movistar after the match.

“The match could have been 4-4. We took advantage of their mistakes and we had to close the game earlier, we didn’t and we suffered until the end.”

The shot-stopper didn’t hold back when analyzing his team’s performance, pointing out areas that require immediate improvement.

“Sometimes we lacked a little bit of control, a little bit of possession and a bit of calm. The game was too crazy at the end of the second half, it’s something to improve,” he added.

Real Madrid’s wastefulness in front of goal nearly proved costly, with Courtois forced into action on multiple occasions to preserve the lead.

The 32-year-old singled out one particular save from Hakan Calhanoglu’s powerful free-kick as a highlight of his display.

Courtois revealed that past experiences have shaped his approach to such situations.

“Rashford scored at my near post in El Clasico last season because I moved a little.

In the World Cup, when Lamine Yamal took a free kick, I stayed on my side of the goal and saved it,” he explained.

“I did the same today. If he scores and puts it over the wall, you have to applaud it, but I will not be moving from my side of the goal again.”

The victory keeps Real Madrid’s momentum building, but Courtois’s candid assessment suggests the Spanish giants still have work to do before they can consider themselves genuine contenders on all fronts.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan in Champions League opener with history on the line

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Real Madrid vs Inter Milan Prediction
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Inter Milan travel to the Santiago Bernabéu for their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League opener burdened by a historical record they desperately want to overturn.

Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: European Heavyweights Collide in Blockbuster Opening Fixture

The Nerazzurri have not beaten Real Madrid in European competition this century, a drought stretching back nearly three decades.

Their last victory over the Spanish giants came in 1998 at San Siro. Luigi Simoni’s Inter defeated Guus Hiddink’s Madrid 3-1 in the group stage, with Roberto Baggio scoring twice and Ivan Zamorano adding the third.

Since that memorable night, the balance has tilted firmly in Real Madrid’s favour.

Inter have faced the 15-time European champions four times this millennium and failed to win any encounter, whether on home soil or at the Bernabéu.

The scale of this drought becomes even more striking when considering that Inter have changed their club crest twice since that last European victory over Madrid, yet another triumph remains elusive.

The meetings during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Champions League campaigns offered Inter further opportunities to break the hoodoo, but neither produced the breakthrough they desperately sought.

However, this rivalry carries a much older chapter that provides Inter with a very different memory.

In 1964, Helenio Herrera’s legendary Inter defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in the European Cup final in Vienna. That victory remains one of the defining moments in the Italian club’s illustrious history.

Real Madrid delivered their own response two years later. They won the first leg of the 1966 European Cup semi-final 1-0 before securing qualification with a draw at San Siro.

Los Blancos subsequently lifted the trophy by beating Partizan in the final.

Overall, considering only UEFA Champions League encounters, Real Madrid hold the edge with seven wins to Inter’s five, with just one draw between these two European heavyweights.

Inter remain one of only three clubs, alongside Benfica and Liverpool, to have defeated Real Madrid in a European Cup final.

Simone Inzaghi’s men will hope to finally rewrite history and end their Bernabéu misery when they step onto the pitch for this season’s group stage opener.

Real Madrid ready to sell Endrick in January Transfer Window

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Real Madrid are prepared to let Brazilian forward Endrick leave the club when the January transfer window opens, handing Arsenal a fresh opportunity to land a long-term attacking target.

Real Madrid Open Door for Endrick Exit as Arsenal Circle for January Deal

The 20-year-old has struggled to establish himself under Jose Mourinho since returning from a productive loan spell at Lyon, where his performances earned him a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite Real Madrid’s belief in his long-term potential, Endrick’s limited opportunities under the Portuguese manager have prompted the Spanish giants to consider a departure rather than allow the situation to stagnate.

Mourinho had previously blocked summer exit attempts and assured the young striker he would feature in his plans.

However, with Real Madrid’s attacking department packed with established stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, regular minutes remain difficult to guarantee.

Endrick is currently recovering from a muscle injury and has yet to make his mark this season, adding further uncertainty to his position.

Arsenal have shown persistent interest in Endrick across multiple transfer windows. The Gunners made approaches during the summer market and remain keen on finally securing his signature.

Reports from Fichajes suggest that a January exit is now a realistic possibility, which would represent a major boost for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The North London club view Endrick as a highly talented attacker who could add significant firepower to their squad.

Having tracked the Brazilian since his Palmeiras days, Arsenal are now waiting to see if Real Madrid formally green-light a mid-season departure.

Much will depend on Endrick’s playing time over the coming months. If his situation does not improve, the forward is expected to reassess his future in January.

For Arsenal, that could finally be the opening they have been waiting for to bring one of South America’s most exciting young talents to the Emirates.

Jose Mourinho slams refereeing standards after Mbappe penalty miss

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France football president gives Kylian Mbappe injury update
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Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has launched a blistering attack on the officiating criteria following his side’s shock 1-0 defeat to Real Betis at the Estadio de la Cartuja.

Jose Mourinho left fuming over referee’s first-half call

Troy Parrott struck in the 81st minute to put the hosts ahead before Kylian Mbappe squandered a golden opportunity to salvage a point, seeing his stoppage-time penalty saved brilliantly by Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles.

The defeat leaves Madrid stuck on nine points, missing the chance to leapfrog Barcelona at the summit of La Liga.

Mourinho, who received a yellow card during the tense encounter, made his frustrations clear when questioned about the refereeing performance.

“I don’t know why he gave me a yellow card, but it’s okay, I accept it,” the Portuguese manager said.

“I stood up because a Betis player looked like he was dead right in front of the bench.”

The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss pointed to what he perceived as inconsistent disciplinary standards during the first half.

“Betis reached half-time without a single card, and poor Arda, who only knows how to play, ended up with a yellow,” Mourinho added.

“I didn’t like that, but after losing a match, I’m not going to say now that it was because of a yellow card that we won or lost.”

Despite dominating possession throughout the contest, Madrid struggled to break down a resilient Betis defence.

Both Vinicius Jr and Mbappe struck the woodwork as frustration grew among the visitors.

Tensions boiled over in the closing stages when Carlos Espi had a spectacular acrobatic finish ruled out for offside moments before the decisive penalty incident.

Mourinho admitted his coaching staff were left furious after reviewing footage on the touchline tablet.

“The penalty situation, the retaken penalty, Espi’s goalI don’t know, I can’t say,” the Madrid boss explained.

“I saw a lot of frustration on the bench from people watching the plays on the tablet. I haven’t seen them, so I can’t comment.”

The defeat represents a significant setback for Madrid’s title aspirations as they now face mounting pressure to respond in their upcoming fixtures.

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio fined and banned for drink-driving

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La Liga President Javier Tebas feels Real Madrid deserved more against Man City

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been convicted of drink-driving after failing a breathalyzer test in Gran Canaria, resulting in a €14,400 fine and an eight-month driving ban.

Real Madrid Defender Faces Eight-Month Driving Ban

The 23-year-old footballer was stopped at a routine traffic checkpoint in southern Gran Canaria on August 16 at approximately 6:30 AM local time while driving his Porsche Macan GTS, according to Spanish news agency EFE.

Police officers administered two breathalyzer tests after stopping the vehicle.

The first recorded an alcohol level of 0.90 milligrams per liter of exhaled air, while the second showed 0.88 mg/l—both significantly exceeding Spain’s legal limit of 0.25 mg/l for professional drivers.

Asencio admitted the offense during an expedited trial held just three days later in San Bartolome de Tirajana.

He accepted the sentence proposed by prosecutors, which included a daily fine of €120 for four months, totaling €14,400, alongside the license suspension.

The defender is currently unavailable for selection after suffering a muscle injury to his right thigh on July 30.

Real Madrid has confirmed that medical staff are monitoring his recovery, with reports suggesting he could return to action by mid-September.

Asencio faces a separate legal battle regarding allegations of unauthorized sharing of sexually explicit videos involving two women, one of whom was a minor at the time.

Prosecutors claim Asencio distributed material recorded by others without obtaining consent, though evidence in the case does not suggest he participated in creating the recordings.

The player has denied violating the rights of either woman, and he awaits trial in that matter.

Real Madrid has not issued an official statement regarding the drink-driving conviction, but the club is reportedly aware of the situation.

This marks a troubling off-field period for the young defender, who has been working to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad.

Jose Mourinho places Bellingham alongside Mbappe in Ballon d’Or race

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Jude Bellingham 'unlikely' to receive ban for celebration gesture

José Mourinho has declared that Jude Bellingham belongs among the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following another match-winning display for Real Madrid.

Mourinho: Bellingham is ‘absolutely incredible’ and firmly in Ballon d’Or race

The Real Madrid head coach watched his side cruise to a 4-0 victory over Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, with the England midfielder at the heart of everything positive about the performance.

Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a stunning solo run, collecting the ball 35 yards out before dribbling past three defenders and finishing between the goalkeeper’s legs.

Seven minutes later, he forced an own goal from Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero after heading towards goal from close range.

The 23-year-old has now contributed two goals and two assists in Real Madrid’s opening three La Liga matches, helping Mourinho’s side maintain a perfect start to the season.

Speaking after the match, Mourinho did not hold back in his assessment of the midfielder’s credentials for football’s most prestigious individual honour.

“He is in the Ballon d’Or race,” the Portuguese coach told reporters.

“What he does as a midfielder is absolutely incredible.”

Mourinho also revealed that he has given Bellingham greater tactical freedom this season, moving away from the defensive responsibilities that limited his impact previously.

“I agreed with him that I didn’t want to see him as a second left-back defending,” Mourinho explained.

“We’ve organized the team differently; he knows what he has to do, and he feels comfortable.”

Bellingham’s resurgence has been striking after last season’s injury disruptions, when he missed around 100 days with shoulder and thigh problems. The change in his role under Mourinho has clearly paid dividends.

The Portuguese coach also acknowledged that Real Madrid possess more than one Ballon d’Or candidate, with Kylian Mbappé who scored his fourth league goal of the season against Málaga also firmly in the conversation.

“At Real Madrid there’s more than one player who can win the Ballon d’Or, but there’s Jude,” Mourinho said.

“Of course, there’s one who made history at the World Cup. But Jude, in midfield, is incredible.”

Yan Diomande snubs Liverpool and PSG to make Real Madrid dream a reality

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Real Madrid’s newest signing Yan Diomandé rejected offers from both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain this summer before committing his future to the Spanish capital, the teenager’s agent has confirmed.

“He Had No Doubts” – Agent Reveals Why Diomandé Rejected Premier League and Ligue 1 Giants

The 19-year-old Ivorian winger completed his blockbuster move to the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month, joining from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £120 million (€140 million).

Diomandé put pen to paper on a seven-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2033.

However, Real Madrid were far from the only European powerhouse chasing the Bundesliga Young Player of the Season.

Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, Nathan Campbell the attacker’s agent revealed that the youngster had his pick of some of the continent’s leading destinations.

“He had offers from Liverpool and PSG, but he chose Real Madrid,” Campbell stated.

“He had no doubts. It was his dream”.

Liverpool had submitted an initial bid of £69 million for Diomandé back in June as they searched for a replacement for Mohamed Salah.

PSG, meanwhile, emerged as frontrunners for the teenager and saw a £102.5 million offer rejected before ultimately pulling out of the race.

But when Real Madrid came calling, Diomandé needed no second invitation.

The Ivorian enjoyed a sensational breakthrough campaign in Germany, registering 13 goals and 10 assists across all competitions for Leipzig.

He also impressed at the World Cup, featuring in all four of Ivory Coast’s matches.

His explosive pace, dribbling ability and versatility across both wings convinced Real Madrid to make him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history.

The move represents a remarkable rise for a player who was still plying his trade at an academy in Florida as recently as 2024.

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