European Leagues

Girona slump at Mallorca to lose ground in La Liga title chase

Girona’s surprising Spanish title challenge continued to subside as they lost 1-0 at Mallorca on Sunday.

Girona remained second in La Liga but the defeat meant their Catalan rivals Barcelona had a chance to overtake them when they faced Bilbao in the day’s final game.

Girona have won only once in their last five league games but they entered Sunday’s match in Palma with a chance to regain some ground after leaders Real Madrid drew 2-2 at Valencia on Saturday.

That game ended in controversy as Real’s Jude Bellingham, who thought he had just scored the winner, was sent off for protesting after his strike was ruled out because the referee had blown the final whistle.

Instead, Girona ended the weekend seven points off first place.

Mallorca, fresh from reaching the Copa del Rey final by winning a semi-final against Real Sociedad on penalties, scored the only goal after 33 minutes.

Following a corner, the ball rebounded off Mallorca’s Cyle Larin and fell to Jose-Manuel Copete in space less than 10 metres out. The defender smashed a shot in off the underside of the bar.

Girona claimed the ball hit Larin’s hand but replays were inconclusive.

Girona enjoyed a slight edge in possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances as they failed to score for the third time in five games.

The victory pulled Mallorca up to 15th, eight points clear of the relegation places.

– Atletico stay fourth –

Earlier, Atletico Madrid ended a run of three winless games as they edged Real Betis 2-1 to tighten their grip on fourth place.

Atletico took the lead after eight minutes with help from the visitors.

Memphis Depay drove a cross toward Alvaro Morata, lurking at the far post, but the ball never reached the Spain striker as three Betis players combined to put the ball into their own net.

Hector Bellerin scuffed the ball onto team-mate German Pezzella who deflected it toward the line where goalkeeper Rui Silva could only parry it into his own goal.

Rui Silva brought down Morata to concede a 27th minute penalty but the goalkeeper saved the spot kick and two follow-up attempts by Morata.

Morata found the target in the 43rd minute, nodding in a rebound from close range after Rui Silva saved a shot by Rodrigo de Paul.

William Carvalho pulled one back for Betis with a long-range blast after 62 minutes.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak pushed a shot from Guido Rodriguez onto the post as Atletico absorbed late Betis pressure.

In the day’s opening game, Alexander Sorloth scored a hat-trick as Villarreal crushed struggling Granada 5-1.

Premier League

Dream Move Off: Manchester United Not Pursuing Victor Osimhen, Says David Ornstein

Victor-Osimhen || Sports market international

The Long-Standing Speculation Linking Victor Osimhen With A High-Profile Move To Manchester United Has Come To An End—At Least For Now.
Trusted Journalist David Ornstein Has Firmly Dismissed The Rumours, Stating That The Super Eagles Striker Is Not Part Of The Red Devils’ Summer Transfer Plans.

Despite Earlier Reports Suggesting That United Had Reached An “Agreement In Principle” And Were Preparing To Activate Osimhen’s €75 Million (£64.2M) Release Clause, The Club Appears To Have Shifted Its Focus Elsewhere.
Instead, They Are Expected To Rely On Internal Options Like Young Danish Striker Rasmus Højlund Or Explore Alternative Targets.

No Old Trafford Dream For Osimhen

Osimhen, Currently On Loan At Galatasaray From Napoli, Has Had A Sensational Season, Netting 30 Goals In 34 Appearances.
His Prolific Form Ignited Excitement Among Fans And Pundits, With Many Touting Him As The Ideal Solution To Manchester United’s Attacking Struggles.

However, Ornstein’s Recent Comments—Shared In A Video On Social Media—Have Poured Cold Water On Those Hopes.

David Ornstein -Sports Market International

“He Is Not On Manchester United’s Agenda,” Ornstein Clarified.
“If They Are To Look At Other Options, It Certainly Won’t Be Osimhen.”

United Shifting Gears Amid Uncertainty

The Red Devils’ Cautious Stance May Be Influenced By Their Uncertain Prospects For European Competition Next Season.
With Financial Considerations In Mind, The Club Seems Reluctant To Commit To Major Deals Or High-Wage Signings.

Højlund, Who Has Managed Just Three Goals In The Premier League And Eight Across All Competitions This Season, Still Remains Central To United’s Long-Term Plans.
There’s Also Talk Of Internal Promotions Rather Than Marquee Signings.

A Summer Of Change For Nigerian Stars

While A Move To Old Trafford Is Off The Table, Osimhen’s Future Remains One Of The Most Watched Stories This Transfer Window.
He Leads The List Of Super Eagles Players Expected To Secure Major Transfers This Summer.

Fellow Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi Is Also Reportedly Set To Leave Leicester City And Join Osimhen In Turkey.

For Now, Manchester United Will Look Elsewhere As They Aim To Reshape Their Frontline Ahead Of The 2025/26 Season.
And While Osimhen May Not Be Old Trafford-Bound, His Stock Continues To Rise Across Europe

LaLiga

Mbappé Set To Return For Real Madrid After Serving La Liga Suspension

Real-Madrid-to-unveil-Kylian-Mbapppe-just-after-UEFA-Champions-league- Sports Market International

Real Madrid Forward Kylian Mbappé Is Set To Make His Return To The Pitch After Serving A One-Match Suspension In La Liga. The French Star Was Sidelined During Los Blancos’ Last League Outing Due To An Automatic Ban Following The Accumulation Of Yellow Cards.

The Suspension Came As A Frustration For Both The Club And Its Supporters, Given Mbappé’s Electric Form In Recent Weeks. However, The 26-Year-Old Has Now Completed His Ban And Is Set To Re-Join Full Training With The Squad At Valdebebas Ahead Of Real Madrid’s Upcoming Fixture Against Jetafe.

Speaking Ahead Of The Match, Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti Expressed Confidence In Mbappé’s Readiness:

Kylian Has Trained Well And Is Mentally Sharp. He’s Eager To Be Back And Contribute. His Presence Gives Us An Extra Edge Going Into This Important Match.

Real Madrid Are Currently 2nd In The La Liga Standings And Remain Firmly In The Hunt For The Title. With Crucial Matches Ahead, Mbappé’s Return Is Expected To Be A Major Boost As The Season Heads Into Its Final Stretch.
Fans Will Be Watching Closely As Mbappé Aims To Continue His Standout Debut Season In Spain, Where He’s Already Netted 35 Goals This Season Across All Competition.

LaLiga

La Liga’s Financial Comeback: A New Era of Growth and Opportunity || Sports Market International

With Attendance Soaring and Revenue Rebounding, Spanish Football Eyes a Bright Future

After years of financial turbulence triggered by the pandemic, La Liga is making a powerful comeback—and the numbers speak for themselves. With projections suggesting that stadium attendance could surpass 18 million fans in the upcoming 2025/26 season, the league is bouncing back stronger than ever.

According to recent reports, La Liga is set to break its pre-pandemic recurring revenue record of €5.065 billion, marking a monumental shift in its financial trajectory. This signals not just a recovery, but a reawakening of the Spanish football economy.

What’s Fueling the Recovery?

Several key factors are driving this resurgence:

Improved fan engagement: Clubs have doubled down on digital transformation, creating immersive experiences and drawing fans back to the stadiums.

Smart broadcasting deals: Strategic global media partnerships have expanded viewership and commercial influence beyond Europe.

Financial reforms: New regulations on salary caps and spending are encouraging responsible growth and long-term sustainability.

Growing international appeal: Players like Jude Bellingham, João Félix, and rising stars from South America continue to make La Liga a global attraction.

The Business of Football is Thriving Again

This financial recovery isn’t just good news for clubs—it’s a big win for brands, investors, and the sports market at large. Increased fan interest means greater opportunities in:

Sponsorship and advertising

Merchandising and licensing

Athlete endorsements

Event and hospitality services

Why It Matters for Sports Market Stakeholders

At Sports Market International, we see La Liga’s resurgence as more than a headline—it’s a case study in strategic sports business. As the league recovers, the entire ecosystem, from talent scouts to sports tech companies, benefits from the ripple effects.

For investors, marketers, and stakeholders in global football, now is the time to tune in, align with emerging trends, and seize new opportunities.

Conclusion:

La Liga’s rebound isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a testament to the resilience and innovation of modern football. As we gear up for an exciting 2025/26 season, the Spanish league is no longer playing catch-up—it’s setting the pace.

Stay with Sports Market International for in-depth analysis, data-driven insights, and the latest trends shaping the future of global sports.