LaLiga

Barcelona Stumbled In La Liga Title Race

Barcelona were stunned by struggling Las Palmas on Saturday afternoon, going a third successive La Liga game without a win to throw open the door for Real Madrid in the title race.

Ex-Barcelona forward Sandro Ramirez put Las Palmas into a shock lead at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, where the Catalans were proudly celebrating their 125th anniversary. But while Raphinha restored parity in the score-line, there was an even greater shock when Fabio Silva put the Canary islanders back into the lead, which they managed to hold onto to claim a historic 2-1 win.

Barca lost left-back Alejandro Balde to a scary-looking injury in the early stages, but at least got the chance to welcome winger Lamine Yamal back off the bench for the second half.

LaLiga

Antony shines on debut for Real Betis, Scoops La Liga MOTM award

Brazilian winger Antony had a dream debut for Real Betis, earning the Man of the Match award following his standout performance in the 2-2 draw against Athletic Bilbao.

After an underwhelming two-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford, Antony joined Betis on loan for the rest of the season. The 24-year-old had initially joined Manchester United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for £82m but struggled to live up to his hefty price tag.

During his time at United, he made 96 appearances and scored 12 goals but found himself out of favor under Ruben Amorim. Seizing the opportunity, Antony moved to Betis in January for a fresh start.

His debut in Spain was a promising one, as he played a key role in the game against Bilbao, registering an assist when his saved shot was finished off by former Real Madrid star Isco. Antony’s performance earned him the La Liga MVP award for the match.

Reacting to the honor, Antony shared on Instagram: “Let’s go for more! Happy to be elected MVP!!!”

Meanwhile, United’s struggles continued as they were defeated 2-0 by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.

LaLiga

Cristiano Ronaldo says Kylian Mbappé isn’t a typical striker

Ronaldo: How Real Madrid Can Help Kylian Mbappé To Regain Top Form

Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on Kylian Mbappé’s role at Real Madrid, saying the French forward shouldn’t be seen as a traditional striker.

In an interview with ‘Los Amigos de Edu,’ Ronaldo shared his thoughts on Mbappé’s playing style and offered to teach him how to be more effective as a clinical No. 9.

“I watch Real Madrid from time to time because my son Mateo likes Mbappé a lot,” Ronaldo began.

“The forward position makes things a bit complicated for Mbappé, because he doesn’t know how to play as a forward in my opinion… It’s not that he doesn’t know how, it’s just not his position.”

“If I were at Real Madrid, I would teach him to play as a 9. Because I wasn’t a striker, I got used to playing as a striker. I used to play on the wing, and people forget that,” Ronaldo continued.

“Kylian shouldn’t be a typical striker. If I were him, I would play more or less like Cristiano Ronaldo plays as a striker.”

LaLiga

Ronaldo: How Real Madrid Can Help Kylian Mbappé To Regain Top Form

Cristiano Ronaldo has said Real Madrid must “look after” Kylian Mbappé and advised that the star forward must “do things his way” as he looks to follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps as a legend at the Bernabéu.

Mbappé has already scored 22 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign at Madrid, having faced criticism for his performances earlier in the season.

Ronaldo — who is Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer with 451 goals — was Mbappé’s childhood hero, and famously posed for a photo with Mbappé when the youngster first went on trial at the club as a teenager.

“Look after the lad,” Ronaldo urged, in an extract from an interview with Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, due to be broadcast in full on Monday. “The fans need to look after him. He’s very good. The club have to help to protect him, I have no doubt he’ll bring a lot of joy to Madrid fans.

“I love [Mbappé], not just because of his story as a kid, how he loved Cristiano, I was his idol,” Ronaldo said. “I think he’s a top player.”

Ronaldo revealed he now tunes in to watch Real Madrid’s games because his son, Mateo, is a fan of Mbappé.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he feels Mbappé still needs some help in adjusting to his role in the Real Madrid team.

“It’s complicated, because he doesn’t know how to play as a forward in my opinion — or rather, it’s not that he doesn’t know, but it isn’t his position,” Ronaldo said. “If I was at Madrid, I’d show him how to play as a number nine.

“I wasn’t a forward. I got used to it, but I was a winger. People forget that. I was a forward, but not a typical forward. I think [Mbappé] shouldn’t be a typical forward, he should do things his way.”

Mbappé has already won two trophies with Madrid, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and scored as Madrid were humbled 5-2 by Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa last month.

Madrid now face a testing few weeks, playing Leganés in a Copa del Rey quarterfinal before a Madrid Derby with Atlético Madrid on Saturday and then facing Manchester City in their Champions League knockout stage playoff.